Recently, our churches have had to make some very difficult decisions in light of COVID-19, with regards to continuation of ministry, and also with regards to finances and employment. John Albiston, a Church Effectiveness Coach, has shared some valuable insight into this struggle that we thought we would pass along to our churches. Below, is a brief summary of the content he provides in his 20 minute video that follows.

Covid 19: How your church can survive financially

To survive this crisis your church must do two things:

1. Reduce expenses
2. Increase income

Reducing Expenses

1. Mothball your facilities
2. Reduce program costs
3. Develop a staffing contingency plan
   1. Determine income thresholds
   2. Create a staff triage order
   3. Abandon tenure and hierarchy
   4. Prioritize tech and ability to connect
   5. Prepare yourself and your team for bi-vocational and volunteer options.
   6. Inform your people of government support options
   7. Do not abandon those you have to lay off!

 Increasing Income

1. Make it easy to give
   1. Physical giving
      • Sanitized drop off
      • Safe pick up
   2. Online giving
      • tithe.ly
      • Is the 2.9% fee too much?
2. Give them a reason why

1. 1. Formulate an action plan
      • For your congregation
      • For you community
   2. Cast the vision for involvement
      • By volunteering
      • By giving

If this seems like it would be helpful for you and your church watch the video below.

Shared with permission by:

John Albiston
Church Effectiveness Coach
Alberta & NWT District of
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada