~900 words - 3 1/2 minutes reading time. But lots of bullets so it’s skimmable.
Derek Thompson uses that headline in a recent Atlantic magazine website article, and it perfectly captures some of the national moods.
It's what we are up against now as church leaders.
The Federal Reserve study of Americans' personal finances shows they improved over the past year. Seventy-eight percent describe their household situation financially as "good" or "excellent."
But when asked to describe the state of their local economy, only 48% rated it the same way. When asked about the national situation and finances, only 24% rate it that way. What is going on here, and how does this matter?
Why is this important? Church leaders tend to pay attention to national trends, but their local situation can look much different. In this case, people have much more potential financially than most leaders think. Don't let the national fears influence the church's financial decisions.
So why is this sentiment of the world being terrible but our situations being ok come from?
Thompson writes that this is a near-universal feeling of human nature that is not just in our culture but also worldwide.
People tend to be optimistic about their own life but feel pessimistic about the world around them.
Admittedly, one can point to specific evidence this year that would lead to some discouragements:
Inflation is up.
Food, gasoline, and other essentials are up in price. Let's not even discuss housing prices.
The Ukraine war news has led to concerns.
The permanent political battles seem to be constant downers. (whichever side you are on) Good economic news always benefits the party in power and vice versa. There is an agenda in how the information is spun for public consumption.
All of these can be seen as realities. Inflation and higher prices have affected all Americans but tend to impact the hardest on the less fortunate and lower-income groups.
Contrast those facts in the same reporting here of Axios’ study, which describes this time as a "hidden boom."
Houses: It's hard to find one to buy — and the 66% of Americans who do own houses are seeing their home values soar. The middle class has made a whopping $2.1 trillion from homeownership in the past 10 years, Fortune reports.
Retirement accounts: Despite the recent sell-off, they've been fattened by the stock market. And the share of people who say they expect to work past their early 60s has dropped below 50% for the first time.
Jobs: 11.4 million are open. The unemployment rate is 3.6% — back to pre-pandemic lows.
Safety nets: 68% of Americans say they have cash for a rainy day.
Millennial homeownership: It's at 43%, up from 37% last year.
The Economist, on June 4th, added these relevant data points:
Americans have excess savings of about $2 trillion (9% of GDP) compared before covid.
They have started to spend some of that excess, but nowhere near all of it.
So, while the news on the tube and internet blares the bad news, the real "news" is that things are the best economically since the 1990s and before that, the 1960s.
How is this playing out for church leaders?
Most are being cautious with their finances. Appropriate caution is reasonable, fear is not.
In our recent focus group calls with XPs and Senior Pastors, there are plans for staff cost of living adjustments to match inflation but holding the line on other spending.
At the same time, many leaders in larger churches are reporting finances and giving being "better than expected" or "never better."
We are seeing great results for those doing a Generosity Initiative such as a Generis One Fund or Capital Stewardship Campaign. (and I don't lead those, but my colleagues can hook you up.)
At the same time, our Generosity team tells me that churches are not being bold enough to cast vision to ask for the resources needed. Some are postponing campaigns due to fears of inflation or potential recession.
I believe that this is a big mistake in most communities right now. [The exceptions would be in one factory or one-industry town with major shutdowns and layoffs.]
Funds will be given for new vision, new projects, and enhanced ministry in the coming year.
The college, university, healthcare, and arts charitable giving sectors aggressively ask and receive gifts to fund their work. Churches should as well.
It will take constantly reminding our people to change the mindsets driven by news broadcasts and social media, but it can be done.
I am reminded of what a client did a few years ago, at the peak of the Covid mini downturn, during their annual member's meeting said the following:
"How many of you, despite Covid, would say that God is blessing you financially in this season?" Well over half the hands went up.
"How many of you would say that you and your family are hanging in there pretty good while you don't feel as blessed financially?" Another 40% of the hands went up.
"How many of you would be honest with me today and say – these last few months have led to lack and struggle?" He guessed maybe 10 percent of the people raised their hands.
But then he asked – "How many of you would be willing to help another family and help our church minister more effectively in our community during this next season with your giving to God through our church?" Almost every hand went up, including those that felt they were struggling.
People want to be generous.
People want to be faithful to the Lord through their church.
Now is the time for bold asks.
While I work for Generis, I will tell you – They are the best in the business at helping you connect vision to generosity. That could be a campaign or other initiative. I don’t do that work, but my friends do.
Let me know if you want to connect with one of our strategists. Just email me directly at dave.travis@generis.com
This month’s FREE RESOURCE - 20-point Succession Checklist prep document.
And today - at 5 p.m. Eastern - TODAY!!
When should I prep for succession?
As soon as possible. We are all interim leaders.
But beyond the Emergency Plan, what should you do in your 40s, 50s, and 60s to make the process smoother and easier?
What can I be doing NOW on a bit-by-bit basis to help my family and the church prepare?
I will provide four things the organization should consider and four things the pastor should consider.
You must be registered to attend.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 5 PM Eastern, 4 CT, 3 MT, 2 PT.
We will have some freebies for those that do!