News

Larger churches urged to help smaller ones survive COVID-19 pandemic

National Christian groups are urging larger and more stable churches to financially help small churches that could potentially close in their communities due to a steep decline in offerings in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Through the Churches Helping Churches Initiative, a relief fund has been set up to provide $3,000 grants to churches at risk of closing this spring due to a decrease in financial giving. The initiative is led by the AND Campaign, with support from other organizations like the National Latino Evangelical Co­alition and the Pinetops Foundation.

Organizers hope to raise at least $500,000 through help from Christian donors, foundations, and large churches. More than 20 donors have already contributed more than $160,000. The National Christian Foundation will be administering the grants.