Historically, giving dips in the summer with kids home from school and family vacations nearing. This year, the uncertainties surrounding the Coronavirus have created a new set of challenges. While 64% of churches saw an increase in online giving between January and April, they’re still keeping a close eye on the budget that pays their staff and funds their mission.
Church attendance and giving often go hand in hand. When one increases so does the other, and vice versa. Just like the end of the year is known for an uptick in gifts and guests, the summertime is notorious for a decrease in attendance and giving.
It’s no secret summer is a challenge for churches. With attendance declining an average of 34% in July, growing your ministry can feel like an impossible undertaking. Churchgoers are all over the place and distracted by everything from vacations to home improvement projects.
It’s that time of year again! Kids are home for the summer and parents seek fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Often, families look to a local church’s calendar for events to participate in. This is terrific news for churches because studies show that special events inspire a greater connection to the ministry.
Heading into summer, churches across the U.S. prepare for the dip in attendance that occurs in peak vacation months. Unfortunately, these empty seats often result in a decline in giving as well. While the summer slump is a challenge, there’s one statistic that offers a solution to the decrease in gifts.
Churches are no stranger to the summer slump. In fact, attendance drops an average of 28% in June and July. Summer vacations and outdoor activities can distract even the most avid churchgoer, and fewer attendees often lead to a decrease in giving as well.
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