When it comes to giving, evidence shows that despite soaring prices for gasoline, food and other supplies the Church still has many people who understand generosity.

The Southern Baptist Convention's news service carried a recent story about a survey by LifeWay Research. It reported that 76 percent of SBC churches were at or above their 2008 budget targets even though 72 percent of pastors said economic difficulties are negatively affecting their churches.

"God has asked us to give from the first fruits we receive, and it appears that many Southern Baptists are continuing to do this despite the financial pressures they face," said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research.

Same trend seen elsewhere

A story I'm writing for a Kentucky newspaper about giving in churches there reflects similar results. While a few were lagging, most I talked to were either slightly in the black or in healthy condition.

One congregation was $26,000 above budget after April. Said the pastor: "I would hope the giving is an affirmation of what I pray is God-focused, Word-based leadership."

"I think people are responding to the need," said the pastor of a church where offerings rose $1,360 over the first four months of last year.

Other denominations see this trend, too. Congregational gifts to the United Methodist Church are slightly ahead of last year, according to Terry Bradfield, deputy general secretary of the general council on finance and administration.

"There have to be stressors out there on our local churches, but we're not seeing it," Bradfield said. "We've heard some folks say the economy will have an effect on giving but there will be a lag. I would have thought by now it would have shown up."

Another example is the Assemblies of God (AG), whose national ministry offerings through Apr. 30 were two percent ahead of last year.

Sent by churches, these monies support missionaries and other initiatives, such as a new project to increase church planting, higher education funding, and local church resources.

Ken Tripp, administrator of the treasury division, said lately many AG churches have participated in community support projects, such as the Springfield congregation that spent more than $5,000 sponsoring a reduced-price gasoline sale.

"We're finding out if the need is presented, people are still responding regardless of their economic situation," Tripp said.

The significance of giving

Generous giving is a quality that will take on increased significance. Granted, the costs of gasoline and other goods are affecting the U.S., but elsewhere in the world conditions are catastrophic.

There is a global food crisis that has sparked food riots in nations stretching from Haiti to Bangladesh. Oil-price-driven inflation has sparked an 83 percent increase in commodity prices the past three years, leading the United Nations to recently form a task force on the global food security crisis.

Helping the needy

The threat of starvation facing millions of impoverished people around the globe puts America's own economic woes in perspective. Yet, no matter where one lives, there are needy people. Seeing the Church respond despite economic crisis is heartening.