As the 2024 presidential election nears, the national conversation around inflation continues to move to the fore. This isn’t just fodder for soundbites; inflation is seen as Americans’ top financial concern, according to Gallup. And in a summer 2024 Barna poll, 45 percent of U.S. adults say “slowing down inflation” is their highest priority as they think about the upcoming presidential election. Across conservatives, moderates and liberals, this is the top issue chosen. 

For church leaders, it’s important to know that this economic concern is also the highest priority among practicing Christians specifically (chosen by 47%). Their next most-pressing priority as they think about the election is “improving healthcare access or affordability,” though at a distant second (chosen by 29%). 

Their concern about inflation is likely deeply personal. Just 26 percent of practicing Christians have a “high financial flourishing score,” based on their reports of worrying about meeting normal monthly living expenses or worrying about safety, food or housing. Meanwhile, 56 percent of practicing Christians have a low financial flourishing score.

Church leaders no doubt feel their own economic pressures in ministry and in daily life. While they may have an inability to address inflation explicitly, they can be mindful of these realities in church teaching, planning and programs. If you’re a pastor or church leader, what is the tone and structure of the “giving moment” in services? What resources are available to help people meet needs, as well as be equipped and discipled in their stewardship? How are you contemplating together what generosity in the local church can look like in an era of financial uncertainty?

You might want to start by taking the financial temperature among your congregants as part of the ChurchPulse assessment.