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MY SETTING

01: I’M STRETCHED

I am wearing lots of hats. I am living by faith, too.
US Assemblies of God pastors are pulled in many directions. Many must supplement their incomes with other em-
ployment. Pastors are pulled in many directions: preacher, counselor, business manager, custodian—you name it!
The demands and expectations placed upon the modern pastor are overwhelming.

Financially, churches are “faith-based” operations, experiencing God’s provision on a weekly basis. Most churches
do not have significant amounts of “cash flow.” Most pastors make great sacrifices, placing ministry needs over
personal needs. In fact, in many cases, a pastor’s salary may be less than the missionaries they sacrificially support.
Note, too, that almost 2/3 of US AG churches have a weekly attendance of less than 100 persons.

Overwhelmed as a pastor is with the ‘world’ of his church and community, he often discovers a personal conection
to a wider world through you. Be gentle and understanding. As a missionary, prayerfully demonstrate compassion
for each church’s situation, finding ways to encourage and minister to the pastor.

THE CHURCH IN THE USA: WEEKLY ATTENDANCE THE CHURCH IN THE USA: WEEKLY ATTENDANCE

Attendance Churches Percentage Attendance Adherents Percentage

1- 49 4,298 34.7 1- 49 126,801 6.9

50- 99 3,562 28.8 50- 99 248,757 13.6
100-199 2,413 19.5 100-199 328,781 18.0
200-399 1,201 9.7 200-399 325,546 17.8
400-699 445 3.6 400-699 225,238 12.3
700-999 153 1.2 700-999 126,983 6.9
1,000+ 203 1.61 1,000+ 427,778 23.4

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