The Multibillion Dollar Socioeconomic Benefit of Churches and Charities in America

We have written over the years about the socioeconomic impact of churches and charities in America.

Nationwide, researchers estimate religion contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy. In fact, between churches and charities, religious colleges and universities, and so on, people of faith may provide as much as $1.2 trillion to America.

A 2022 economic impact study on United Methodist churches in rural North Carolina found the churches were responsible for more than $735,000, on average, in economic benefits to their local communities each year.

Most of the benefit comes from the goods, services, and support that these ministries provide, including:

  • Community service
  • Healthcare services
  • Education
  • Childcare
  • Unemployment programs
  • Local economic development
  • Recovery programs for addiction and substance abuse
  • Disaster relief initiatives

Churches and charities are a valuable resource in every community. We want to help Arkansas’ leaders and policymakers understand what these ministries can do for our state.

That is why Family Council launched the Church Ambassador Network initiative earlier this year. The Church Ambassador Network builds relationships between church leaders and elected leaders regardless of their political leanings. We believe churches and elected officials can work together to address many of the problems our communities face.

If you help lead a church or similar ministry in Arkansas, we would invite you to join the Church Ambassador Network for free today.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

More Resources for Churches Amid COVID-19

Recently we have shared resources from our friends at Family Research Council for churches dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are:

Today we want to pass along some other excellent resources for churches.

Our friends at Florida Family Policy Council have put together a website to help churches navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their website covers everything from applying for financial aid to serving the community to assisting families who are homeschooling as a result of the outbreak.

Their information tackles tough issues, like:

  • How churches can think and lead biblically during a pandemic.
  • How to talk to young people about the coronavirus outbreak.
  • How to address the coronavirus outbreak from the pulpit.
  • How churches can serve their communities during this time.

You can learn more by going to COVIDChurchAid.org.