By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
ALEXANDRIA, La. (LBM) – While many businesses in the state have been hit hard by coronavirus-related closings or reduced operations, a number of Louisiana Baptist congregations have reported remarkable faithfulness by members in financially supporting ministries across the state.
Stacy Morgan, an associate with the Louisiana Baptists communications team, said most of the almost 400 pastors he has spoken with since mid-March have reported little to no significant financial hardships.
He said creative measures taken to continue worship services, offer online giving platforms as well as the special efforts by pastors to touch the lives of their congregations despite “social distancing” and “stay-at-home” mandates have made a difference.
“Church members are seeing first-hand how much their pastors care for them, and the pastors are really desperate to find any way necessary to reach their people,” Morgan told the Baptist Message. “Many churches are concerned about the coming months and the prospect of jobs returning.
“However, God’s faithfulness thus far has fueled their hope for the future,” he continued. “The recurring theme has been the faithfulness of God and His people.”
NAVIGATING FINANCIAL UNCERTANITIES
First Baptist Church in Pineville saw receipts finish ahead of monthly budget needs by $1,100 in April, and, by $20,000 in May, according to Pastor Stewart Holloway.
Once Gov. John Bel Edwards issued his first stay-at home-order that went into effect March 16, Holloway was unsure how the church budget would be impacted.
But members have faithfully given tithes, and, also have continued to contribute gifts to reduce the debt incurred from building renovations.
“I am so proud of how our people have maintained faithful, consistent giving, ensuring that ministry continues here at the church and that our missions support continues being forwarded beyond us through the Cooperative Program and our regional ministry and church-planting partnerships,” Holloway said. “Some people have told me they have given a little more to make sure things continued, while others, who had income decrease due to the pandemic, have told me they were committed to giving at the same level as before and trusting God to provide.”
Western Hills Baptist Church in Shreveport reported a 32 percent increase in giving since mid-March, and saw the largest single Sunday of receipts collected during a first “drive-in” worship service, March 22, according to Pastor Joey Ketchum.
“With so many folks out of work, and such, I had concern how we would manage through these troubled waters,” Ketchum said. “Then God told me, ‘You take care of being you, and keep studying and looking for ways to spread My Gospel, and I will take care of the rest.’ And take care of the rest he has. Our giving is up and we have moved full steam ahead into this digital and drive-in church platform.”
Tithes and offering may be down by 3 percent at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Slidell, but the congregation’s mission to share the Gospel with the community is strong, Pastor Jerry Smith said.
Members have bought groceries for the homebound, prayed with others and issued invitations to online church meetings.
“Their faithfulness and benevolence has been amazing,” Smith said. “As has been said in several ways, the church is actually ‘being the church,’ getting outside of our Holy huddles within our walls and taking the mission and message to the neighborhoods and beyond. How exciting.”
