It’s simple really. Look at these global figures 1
Annual rate of growth of Christians: 1.8% (roughly the same as population growth)
Annual rate of growth of worship centres: 2.4% (mostly because of the continuing rise of independent churches)
Every year, therefore, the number of worship centres increases faster than the number of Christians does. And–to a first approximation–every worship centre is an accounting unit. Each one needs a treasurer. So the demand for church treasurers is rising at 2.4% p.a. while the supply of church treasurers is only growing at 1.8% p.a.
This is what we journalists like to call a Looming Shortage. Don’t say I didn’t sound the trumpet.
- Bonk, Jonathan. 2014. “Status of Global Mission 2014.” Bulletin of Missionary Research 38 (1); I came across this stat in Kenneth W Howard, “The Religion Singularity”, International Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Society, Volume 7, Issue 2, 2017, www.religioninsociety.com. Well done to Howard for spotting the trend; sadly the rest of the article is disappointing.
I would be interested to know what you found disappointing about the rest of the article. Feel free to correspond directly with me at the email below. You’re also welcome to check out my website and blog.