HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Coronavirus pandemic has been a test of faith for many churches that remain closed in the Valley. Pastors say they've seen an impact on tithing.
"It has affected it tremendously. However, the same faith that I've been preaching to my people, that's the same faith that I have to practice in front of my people," says Pastor Troy Garner of Fellowship of Faith Church.
Garner says now more than ever, online tithing is needed. He says payroll and mortgages have been affected.
"It has affected our resources at least by half. The online giving has picked up, but again just being there in the assembly - it has affected our giving tremendously," says Garner.
Pastor Jeremiah Chester with St. Mark Baptist Church in Huntsville says support from members of the church have helped out a lot for outreach causes.
"We had made up for what we lost in tithing in benevolent offering and outreach given and we're thankful for that," says Chester.
Pastor Quinton Williams of LifePoint Church in Albertville says his church was under construction after a fire last year. The church had already experienced a transition. He says online giving has gone from 60 percent to 80 percent last month.
"I get nervous looking up what comes in each month. That's probably the human side of me, but God has been so faithful," says Williams.
Decatur Church of Christ Outreach Minister, Cody Michael, says the changes in tithing is barely noticeable.
"It's not bad at all. Everything we typically do, we're still continuing forward with, and everything's covered very, very well," says Michael.
Churches have remained closed due to the Safer At Home order. That's expected to end on May 15th.
Below are links to the churches if you'd like to give:
Fellowship of Faith Church:
St. Mark Baptist Church:
LifePoint Church:
Decatur Church of Christ: