Just a few months ago, I heard this presentation of a study in Planet Money that sparked in me the realization that what I had observed in my years in the Ministry of the Episcopal Church might have an economic backing that we had not considered.
Over and Over, I had heard of ministry starts in which our churches are given initial funding to work while expecting they will become financially self-sustainable in 3 or 5 years (if lucky). This article by Maxim Massenkoff† Nathan Wilmers‡ found here: https://maximmassenkoff.com/papers/RubbingShoulders.pdf, puts this dream to rest.
https://maximmassenkoff.com/papers/RubbingShoulders.pdf
The research document “Rubbing Shoulders: Class Segregation in Daily Activities” by Maxim Massenkoff and Nathan Wilmers discusses churches in the context of economic class mixing and segregation. Here are the key points related to churches:
Churches are highlighted as locations that draw a significant number of low-income visitors. They are noted for attracting more visitors from the bottom income quintile compared to other places in a city. This suggests that churches play a role in serving lower-income residents (19).
Regarding racial diversity, churches, and large chains attract more visitors from non-white neighborhoods than other city locations (19, 20).
Churches and large chains both attract more visitors from non-white neighborhoods compared to other locations in the city.
Massenkoff, 18
The document also explores the concept of “third places,” public spaces conducive to socialization and interaction, such as cafes, churches, and parks. It is noted that even within these third places, there is significant class segregation, with churches being mentioned as an example (10)
Another key finding is that places contributing most to economic class mixing are not civic spaces like churches or schools but large, affordable chain restaurants and stores. This challenges the traditional view of churches and other civic spaces as primary facilitators of class mixing (20, 21).
The study also mentions that while some establishments, like churches, have often been cited for their role in contributing to social capital, they tend to isolate both the poor and the rich, indicating segregation in terms of class within these institutions (17).
The analysis includes “third places” like churches in its examination of class mixing, reinforcing the idea that these locations, while socially significant, may not necessarily facilitate extensive economic class integration (26, 27).
The document includes a detailed analysis of various locations, including churches, concerning their contribution to class segregation or integration, highlighting these institutions’ complex role in the social fabric of communities.
The document provides a nuanced view of churches in the context of economic and racial class mixing. While they attract diverse visitors, they may only sometimes serve as practical spaces for cross-class integration.
The findings from the “Rubbing Shoulders: Class Segregation in Daily Activities” study, when considered in the context of the Episcopal Church and the expectation for churches to be self-sustainable, offer several implications:
Economic Diversity and Funding Challenges: Given that churches, including the Episcopal Church, attract many low-income visitors, this demographic diversity might challenge the church’s self-sustainability. The church may face financial constraints due to potentially lower contributions if a substantial portion of the congregation is from lower income brackets.
Community Outreach and Support: The Episcopal Church’s role in serving lower-income individuals might be critical in community support and outreach. This societal role, while essential, may not directly contribute to financial self-sustainability but rather to the church’s social mission and community impact.
Diverse Funding Strategies: The need for self-sustainability could lead the Episcopal Church to explore various funding strategies. This might include fundraising initiatives beyond the immediate congregation to the broader community, grants, donations from higher-income members of other churches, or income from church-owned properties and investments.
Balancing Mission and Finance: The Episcopal Church faces balancing its spiritual and community mission with financial realities. While serving a socio-economically diverse congregation is part of its mission, the church must also ensure it has sufficient resources to operate and maintain its facilities and services.
Potential for Social Capital Development: Despite the segregation tendencies noted in the study, churches like the Episcopal Church can still be pivotal in building social capital, especially in communities with diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment can help bridge class divides, albeit the study suggests that this process is complex and only sometimes straightforward.
Role in Community Development: The church’s role in community development, particularly in low-income areas, could be leveraged to gain support from local businesses and government initiatives. This could include partnerships that align with the church’s mission and contribute to its financial sustainability.
Adaptation to Changing Demographics: The Episcopal Church might need to adapt to the changing demographics of its congregations, considering both the challenges and opportunities presented by serving a socio-economically diverse population. This could include tailored programs and services that meet the needs of all members.
The study implies that while playing a vital role in serving diverse socio-economic groups, the Episcopal Church may need to employ innovative and varied approaches to achieve financial self-sustainability, balancing its spiritual mission with practical financial needs.
The Rev. Jaime Briceño