Research links rural church funding crisis to lack of internet access
Rural churches are facing a funding crisis due to a lack of connectivity and a series of bank closures, a survey of churches has uncovered.
Ecclesiastical Insurance discovered that a third of rural churches that are not using digital donations blamed a lack of internet connectivity in their area, leaving them solely reliant on cash donations.
Churches have been closing at a rapid rate, in 2022 for example, Church of Scotland earmarked 21 buildings in Argyll to be potentially closed in the next five years, and six in Lochaber.
A spokesperson for Church of Scotland said: "The Church has identified there is a need to reduce the number of buildings it owns - the backdrop to which is falling minister numbers, a decline in membership and a reduction in income both nationally and locally.
"The Church owns many more buildings than it needs. This is a legacy from a different age, so presbyteries have been evaluating their buildings and planning for the next five years. Having fewer buildings will reduce pressure on congregational finances, freeing up funds and general income for other Church missional activities and a more sustainable situation.
"We cannot allow ourselves to be imprisoned by the past and now is the time to look forward with confidence in the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
“With regard to digital giving, there are options available for churches where Wi-Fi is an issue and it is unlikely that this would be a key factor in decision-making around closures.
“It remains the case that most of a congregation’s income will come from its members’ regular giving, usually by Standing Order or through offering envelopes, rather than through digital devices, though that technology is useful for attracting additional donations from visitors.
“For congregations wishing to provide a digital giving option, but not able to do so locally for whatever reason, the Church of Scotland nationally provides a facility whereby donors can direct their gifts through the Church of Scotland website to whichever local church they wish to support.
“QR codes linking to this facility can be printed on noticeboards, newsletters and congregational websites.”
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Lack of reliable internet connectivity is a major challenge facing rural churches, compounded by the coming closure of old 3G networks.
Overall, 60 per cent of churches in the UK have said they are receiving digital donations; but in rural settings like the Scottish west coast, digital donations drop to 55 per cent of churches.
A disproportionate number of bank closures in rural areas, such as the current debacle in Campbeltown, is another issue for rural churches to navigate. The UK lost 44 per cent of its physical branches between 2010 and 2022.
With physical cash more difficult to access, and connectivity not guaranteed, churches in rural areas are having a harder time generating vital funds than their urban peers.
In recent years, buddings such as Lamlash Parish Church, Bunessan Baptist Church, and Kilberry Church have been closed, converted or sold, with many more examples available.
Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical, said: “As our banking habits have changed over the years, churches have had to adapt to make sure they’re keeping up. By embracing digital donations they’re able to safeguard their income generation, helping to preserve the church now and into the future.
“There are challenges ahead though, not least the issue around rural connectivity issues and bank closures. It’s a concern that so many respondents to our survey said they don’t have a fundraising plan in place. From a future resilience of the church perspective this exposes them to risks – such as the loss of one revenue stream in cash donations.
“We launched our church fundraising hub to give churches and their volunteers tools and advice on how to effectively fundraise – whether that’s for major projects they’re working on or to help with running costs. A fundraising plan can help to galvanise support within the congregation and community, giving clear targets for the community to work towards, we’d encourage churches to use the resources available to them.”
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