
By late 2022, more economists were predicting that the national and global economy would experience a recession. There is no agreement on when such a recession would begin, its length or intensity. How should congregations prepare? How should we engage our leadership teams? What ministry opportunities might emerge, and how can we be faithful in embracing them? Are there questions we can ask now and steps we can take now that will strengthen our congregations and communities whether a recession comes or not?
While our Fellowship has produced a host of resources since 2020 to help CBF partner congregations overcome financial strain, in these days of continued economic volatility, we have produced a new series of tools and resources to encourage churches to begin prayerfully considering questions that affect both the congregations and the communities they serve. These resources can be helpful in maintaining a church’s overall health and well-being regardless of economic conditions.

Preparing to Flourish in Faithfulness during a Recession

First Steps in Preparing for a Recession

A Practical Church Guide to Navigating a Recession
Resources to Prepare for Challenging Economic Times
Through the Toward Bold Faithfulness process of listening to Cooperative Baptists in 2019 and 2020, CBF discerned that addressing financial strain was an urgent need of its partner congregations. Since that time, CBF’s fund development team in collaboration with the CBF Foundation have developed practical resources to support churches in this need. These resources provide encouragement and practical ways for churches to build healthy cultures and practices around finances and stewardship. These resources can be particularly helpful in preparing for economic challenges, such as a recession, but they can also be very helpful in maintaining a church’s overall financial health and well-being.

Congregational Financial Health Assessment

Sacred Spaces Innovative Places

Growing Generous Followers

Sample Stewardship Calendar

Legacy Gift Guide for Churches

Bequest Template for Churches

Church Endowment Guide

QCD/Stock Template packet

Cultivating Generous Congregation Cohort

Generous Fellowship
