News 12 at 11, October 12, 2008

Augusta, Ga.--- As the struggling economy keeps changing, Pastor Greg DeLoach says it's directly impacting his church members. Some affected by investments, and others by employment.

"So your feeling some sense of pain and anxiety. Particularly as it pertains to what's the future going to hold," Senior Pastor, Dr. Greg DeLoach said.

First Baptist Church of Augusta has about 4,000 members. And in this economy, everyone's affected, and that can result in lower contributions to any church. Right now, First Baptist is not feeling a direct impact. Pastor DeLoach says their offerings are about where they normally are, but that soon may change.

"People may have less discretionary income to continue to throw above and beyond their normal tithes and offerings. We do encourage faithful giving though with and throughout but that will change as the months unfold," Pastor DeLoach said.

The church's most visible struggle is their regional work with charities. They help people with rent and utility bills and they help with the local food banks.

"I think the generosity continues to maintain a very healthy level among our church family. But again if they're not receiving as much money, the pay check, there's not as much to give back, whether that be 10%, 15%, or 5%," Pastor DeLoach said.