Is The Economy Affecting Bed-Stuy's Churches?

Earlier this year the Barna Group, a faith-based research firm, released a report detailing how the slumping economy has affected the nation's church congregations. The numbers, much like American's bank accounts, were down across the board. A staggering 57 percent of responding pastors reported that the economy has impacted their congregation in both attendance and donations. And for now, at least, it appears that as America goes, so goes Bed-Stuy.

Pastor Rothel Highsmith of The on Marcus Garvey Boulevard says he has noticed the changes, even though attendance-- anywhere from 30 to 50 people-- remains the same.

"I've noticed an impact," he said. "People have been coming just fine, but not donating. You can have a house full of folks but not a house full of money."

Reverend Kevin Osbourne, who presides over a congregation of about 150 at on Quincy Street, agrees with Pastor Highsmith about donations, but says his congregation has dwindled as well.  "I've seen an impact for sure. Monetary donations have been hit and so has attendance." Osbourne adds that seniors seem to be taking the struggling economy the hardest.

Echoing Reverend Osbourne, Reverend Dr. Robert M. Waterman of , located on Greene Avenue, says his large congregation of 500 has decreased.  "Our donations and our attendance have lowered. They're not coming, because they don't have donations to give. I don't preach that; I try to convey that the driving piece here is God, but still people, when I talk to them, say 'I don't have a donation so I can't come.'"

The Barna Group study found that, across the nation, churches are doing all they can to cope with struggling balance sheets.  Some - approximately 21 percent - have cut spending.  One in six said they've cut staff, reduced salaries and are relying more on volunteers and congregation members.  Here in Bed-Stuy, these neighborhood churches are also doing their best to adapt.

Pastor Highsmith credits local supermarkets stepping up donations so the church can continue to perform community outreach services. Pastor Osbourne says the church has cut back on guest preachers to alleviate monetary strain. Reverend Dr. Waterman says he has instituted a "dress down policy" for all services, so that attendees don't feel pressure to spend money on new church clothes.

Despite the changing landscape, pastors want to make sure people know that even if they don't have money to donate to the church, they can and should attend services. As Reverend Johnny Youngblood of on Tompkins Avenue says, "I try to encourage them to worship, because no matter what happens, we'll always be here for them."