How do we save? How do we spend? How do we give generously? These are questions every church leader has asked. But there’s another layer to this conversation—the uncertainty of tomorrow. Will there be enough? What will happen to our ministries if the unexpected strikes? Extreme weather, sudden financial downturns, shifts in leadership—being a pastor or church leader means navigating these storms and guiding others through them, too.
It’s no surprise that finances can stir up anxiety—even in church leaders. When crises hit, worry tends to amplify. We’ve all felt the weight of it. But the good news is this—you can prepare. You don’t have to lead with fear. You can lead with faith, wisdom, and confidence, knowing that with God’s help and good stewardship, your church can be ready for whatever comes.
How the Church Survives—and Thrives—Through Crisis
Having worked alongside countless churches, I’ve seen what it takes to endure tough times. I’ve walked with churches through the Great Recession of 2008–2009, the global upheaval of COVID-19, sudden leadership transitions—you name it. And I’ve had the privilege of seeing not just how churches survive crises, but how they come out stronger on the other side.
Here’s a surprising truth I’ve discovered over the years: what determines how well a church weathers a crisis isn’t the crisis itself. It’s the church’s health before the storm hits. A healthy, prepared church doesn’t just survive—it stands firm and provides stability to its congregation and community. On the other hand, churches that are already struggling financially or structurally often find themselves pushed to the brink when challenges arise.
Consider the 2008–2009 economic recession. While it was a time of great fear for many, most churches I worked with either weathered it well or maintained stability. What made the difference? Leadership that had laid a groundwork of strong financial planning and stewardship beforehand. The same was true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Churches that prioritized preparation and faithful management emerged resilient, proving once again that the Church as a whole is capable of enduring any storm.
Preparing for Tomorrow—Today
While none of us can predict the future, we can take practical, proactive steps today to position our churches well for whatever may come. Scripture calls us to steward what God has entrusted to us with wisdom and diligence. This is part of building the Church’s witness in times of uncertainty—offering not just spiritual, but practical stability to those looking to us for hope.
Here are some critical actions you can take now:
1. Assess and Align Your Finances
One of the biggest contributors to fear in a crisis is uncertainty about financial stability. Take a hard, honest look at your church's budget and savings. Are you prepared for a down season? Have you budgeted for reserves? If not, now is the time to start. Create a plan to manage your resources wisely—it’s not just about survival; it’s about ministry impact. Remember, stewarding wisely honors what God has given.
2. Pastor Your Pastor
Leadership stability is vital. A sudden moral failure or the burnout-driven resignation of a senior pastor can send shockwaves through a church’s finances and morale. Protect your senior leader by investing in their health—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Church elders and board members, this is your most important task. A thriving pastor leads to a thriving church.
3. Build Adequate Reserves
Families shouldn’t live paycheck to paycheck, and neither should a church. Create financial margin by saving intentionally. A good rule of thumb? Set aside at least two months’ worth of operating expenses—even if your church is new or small. Larger churches may need three to six months in reserves. This isn’t a lack of faith; it’s faith in action—obedient stewardship that positions your church to continue ministry through lean times.
4. Set Up Capital Reserves
A church roof will eventually leak. An HVAC unit will fail. These aren’t surprises; they’re certainties. Having a capital reserve can turn these events from emergencies into simple maintenance issues. Anticipate large expenditures, and make them a normal part of your budget.
5. Reassure Your Congregation
When uncertainty looms, your members look to you for assurance. Show them you have a plan. Be transparent about how the church budgets, saves, and prepares to endure challenges. Share these plans during giving moments, and invite trusted finance leaders or board members to affirm these practices from the platform. When people see that their giving is stewarded wisely, generosity flows from a place of confidence.
6. Seek Wisdom from Others
Don’t go it alone. Many churches have faced similar crises and come out stronger. Learn from their experiences. Partner with organizations and leaders who can provide guidance. There’s wisdom in community and humility in seeking help.
Be the Stability Your Community Needs
The Church has weathered every kind of storm—wars, pandemics, economic disasters—and it will weather what’s to come. Why? Because Jesus is our anchor. He is our unshakable foundation. But as pastors and leaders, we are called to model this steadfastness by being wise stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us.
When your congregation and community see a steady hand at the helm, and when they hear messaging that points to God’s faithful provision, it builds trust. It builds faith. It inspires generosity.
Position your church as a beacon of stability and hope, not just for your members but for the entire community. That’s the power of the Church when it is prepared and aligned with God’s mission.
A Call to Action
Pastor, the responsibility and opportunity before you are great. Take the steps today to ensure your church is ready for tomorrow.
Review your finances, revisit your leadership structure, and set goals for building reserves. Don’t wait for a crisis to begin preparing. Be proactive.
Remember, God has called you to lead in such a time as this—not burdened by fear but strengthened by faith and wisdom. The Church is resilient. It has stood the test of time. And with prayerful preparedness and good stewardship, your church will stand strong as a light in the darkness, glorifying God and serving others, no matter what storms may come.
If you’d like to hear more about how to steady your church during a financial crisis and leading well, check out the Next Sunday on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
 | A guest post by
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