Small churches hit hard in rough times

Churches are practicing what they preach during these hard economic times.

"It's definitely had an effect on our congregation, the way things are going with our economy," said Andy Elliott, pastor of Asphalt Rock Baptist Church in

Cherokee.

With 34 percent of American Evangelical Protestant church members making an income of less than $30,000 a year, according to the Pew Research Center, the economic strain could dig deep.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released Oct. 6, said 6 out of 10 Americans believe an economic depression is likely, though financial experts dismiss the

possibility.

Regardless of religious differences, denominations suffer the same.

"I have observed that some churches are having trouble making ends meet on their weekly budget," said Bill Bagents, dean of Church of Christ-affiliated

Heritage Christian University in

Florence.

"What I think we're going to see in the hard economic times is that it will bring out the best in people who are sacrificial," Bagents said.

That seems to be the case at Asphalt Rock.

It costs more than $20 for some members to travel to church - a trip that formerly cost them a few dollars. Members of the congregation reach out by donating money for gas.

That makes up for the church bus not traveling in all directions to pick up members; it's simply too expensive.

The congregation also finds money to send to missionaries in Honduras and for youth programs.

A few weeks ago, members donated money for youth to travel to and eat at City Fest in Muscle Shoals.

Smaller, rural churches, many of which have part-time volunteer staff, seem to be especially vulnerable to the economy's impact. Asphalt, which has about 65

members, is on the West Alabama state line.

Elliott, a part-time pastor who works at Hoover, Inc. 60 hours a week and attends seminary in Athens at night, thought his pastoring job would be voluntary.

Church members wouldn't hear of him working for free.

"There's no way they could afford a full-time pastor and insurance and all that goes with it," he said.

The demands of two jobs, school and a family with three kids might leave most 38-year-old men tired, but Elliott thrives on his busy life.

"I should be really tired and exhausted, and I wake up Friday mornings refreshed. Tired really doesn't enter the picture when you're working for the Lord."

Bagents has noticed a gradual increase of callers offering to help struggling families. "People step up to make ends meet," he said.

Many churches will restrict their missions output to cut back on costs, "not something I'd recommend, but that's been a traditional matter," Bagents said.

Economic trouble can strengthen the faith of the religious and nonreligious.

"People realize that they can't rely on money, so they draw closer to God," Bagents said.

Jennifer Crossley can be reached at 740-5743 or jennifer.crossley@TimesDaily.com.