Church attendance rises during recession

Rev. Joseph Johnson said as the economy gets worse he's not surprised more people are answering the weekly invitation to join the congregation at Mount Herbon Church in Trinity Gardens.

Johnson said he saw the same thing happen when the nation was hit with a different kind of crisis in 2001.

"It's just like 9/11, we talked about a little bit earlier, that when that tragedy came it was something that the tragedy did that stirred up people to say look there's got to be something bigger than this, there's got to be something that can control this. Now that "this" for us is God." Johnson said.

Now it's not the threat of terrorism drawing people to the alter. Linda Johnson, the pastor's wife and a church administrator said the problems are a lot closer to home, and far more widespread.

"The same national problems. People have been laid off, finances have been cut, families are struggling now, straining and stressing to make those ends meet. So, it's a big financial problem." she said

The financial troubles on the outside are drawing more people inside church sanctuaries in hopes of finding faith that will help them cope with the turmoil in their own life.

From the pulpit members are encouraged to trust God will take care of them even when times are hard. But Pastor Joe and his wife agree their church members sometimes need practical help to cope with their finances.

"We have folks that have the gift of administration and finances, and so they're able to come in they sit down with our finance team, and literally just walk them through the season of their life." the pastor said.

"Of all the scriptures in the Bible there are more scriptures dealing with money than anything." Mrs. Johnson said.

The ministers said a good budget along with faith will help the congregation weather whatever the economy brings.

Mount Hebron has about four thousand members. They added about 15 new ones Sunday.