By Scott Barkley
Baptist Press
NASHVILLE — The weekday preschool ministry at Englewood Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, N.C., feeds approximately 60 children a day, a number that doubles in the fall. Food costs have always been a part of such ministries, but it’s just one of several areas where inflation has commanded more attention.
Financial giving has remained on par, but the church struggles to keep up with the current costs of ministry, said Senior Pastor Chris Aiken.
For instance, Englewood has been looking for a worship pastor for more than a year. The current housing market has made it more challenging to meet candidates’ needs. Travel costs also must be considered for outreach and mission trips. As of July 11, gas in the Rocky Mount area averaged $4.15 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. [Read more…]