Navigating the financial abyss: A qualitative study of South African pastors’ experiences of money and ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns significantly disrupted the financial foundations of religious institutions, particularly in developing nations. This qualitative study addresses a notable gap in empirical research by exploring the lived financial experiences and coping strategies of South African pastors during the crisis. Using a purposive and convenience sampling approach, in-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted with 25 pastors from diverse denominations in the Vaal Triangle area. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four key findings: significant financial strain on pastors and churches because of salary cuts and loss of income; a clear decline in congregational giving linked to the absence of in-person fellowship; a shift in congregants’ financial priorities towards family needs, exacerbated by economic anxiety and a major hindrance to online ministry caused by limited digital resources and the high cost of data. The study concludes that the church is a subsystem of society, and its financial resilience is contingent upon pastors possessing not only spiritual wisdom but also a keen understanding of their socio-economic context and robust financial literacy.
Contribution: The findings serve as a crucial resource for theological training and church leadership in preparing for future crises.