Peter Haas is best known for planting an arts-oriented multi-site church called Substance, which has become one of the fastest growing and most youthful mega-churches in the United States. Recently he blogged about some of the economic benefits of churches to their communities. His list includes:
- An average sized church congregation adds “community services” equivalent to $115,009 per year. (e.g., Elderly care, Addiction recovery programs, after-school mentoring, etc)
- An average sized church congregation brings in $4.2 million annually into area businesses.
- Churches are statistically proven to decrease crime rates – particularly decreasing levels of assault, burglary, larceny, as well as drug use.
So What?
I have been in many community meetings, informal gatherings, and other events at which it has been suggested that another church or the expansion of an existing church isn’t good since it will not generate any tax revenue. In reality, the economics of a non-profit organization on the surrounding community are always far more complex.
- What economic value do you think your local congregation provides your community?
- What positive but not economically quantifiable impact does your congregation’s ministry have on your community?