Staycation or Vacation?

I've been reading a lot lately about the effects of the economy on the church.

In the summer of 2008 "Staycation" became the buzzword of the summer. The economy was beginning to tumble, gas prices sky-rocketed and so most American families chose to limit their summer vacations to local venues. Most stuck around home.

How did this affect the church? Many churches saw a rise in their summer attendance or maintained when most would have declined.

In the summer of 2009, things are different. Although the economy is still volatile, Americans are determined to make up for lost vacations and time off. A high number of families have planned vacations away from home this summer. Albeit, most are not taking extravagant vacations or travelling across (or out of) the country, but they are taking time away. It appears that a higher than normal number are taking short weekend vacations multiple times throughout the summer.

How will this affect the church? The church in America will probably see attendance slip much more quickly than normal this summer. Even those churches with planned special events are seeing a high number of their congregation heading out.

What does this mean for churches (gathered from several leaders)?

1. Celebrate health ~ Encourage and celebrate when families spend healthy time together in rest, play and building memories. Encourage them to find a place of worship wherever they may be while away and to engage in worship there.
2. Talk about Biblical Stewardship ~ Economists and financial planners are viewing the high volume of planned vacations with an uneasy eye. Many Americans have seen financial and/or job loss this year and yet they are viewing vacation as "something they deserve" and spending beyond their means which will drive them into deeper financial crisis in the future.
3. Plan for Growth ~ Those who are watching the trends are predicting that, despite many being gone, the current job insecurity and economic instability will bring many to church to seek answers and hope this summer. Those churches whose presence is felt in the community and who appear to offer relevant events and a hopeful message will find themselves greeting new guests each week.