A bleak economy affects the church, missions and ministry organizations.
 
Already reports are coming in of decreased donations so far this year. Less giving means less income for salaries, operating expenses, and ministry efforts that still must be paid. Here are some ideas of what people with the different spiritual gifts can do to help during financial crisis. (Click on the name of the gift for a definition.)

• Administration: This person might reexamine the budget to determine if cuts can be made in expenses.
   
  
• Evangelism: This person might see vulnerabilities, anxieties and fears of fleeting dreams in people as fertile ground for offering them an enduring hope in Jesus Christ.
   
  
• Exhortation: This person might come along side of people with practical counsel in how to cope and deal in hard times.
   
  
• Faith: This person might keep pointing people to the Lord who is the Provider and Protector of those who put their trust in Him.
   
  
• Giving: This person might do what he/she can to pick of the slack financially.
   
  
• Leadership: This person might pull together a team to pray and strategize on where the church should be in light of the present situation.
   
  
• Mercy: This person might notice individuals within the Body affected by loss of homes, jobs, etc. and help in practical ways.
   
  
• Pastor: This person might look after the spiritual welfare of people, seeking to help them walk the walk even when it hurts.
   
  
• Prophecy: This person might warn people of how this is not a time to slack off, of how they need to keep God first and trust Him to take care of their needs as Jesus promised in Matthew 6:33.
   
  
• Service: This person might help with repairs and maintenance of the facility to save on the cost of bringing in a professional.
   
  
• Teaching: This person might take some time to teach on God's view of money and how to be a good steward.