CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland's East Mount Zion Baptist Church has been around since 1908. Nestled in the inner city, it's home to more than 500 members in urban communities.
- East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland says the church has taken a hit during the early stages of coronavirus
- With options to donate online, text or mail in checks, the church is beginning to see an uptick in offerings
- A large portion of the money collected will go towards its Lifeline program that feeds more than 400 people in need
"The church is sill a strong arm for our community, it is a safe haven and without the church active, especially in the black community, many of our members go without," said Reverend Brian Cash, senior pastor, East Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Rev. Cash took over as senior pastor just a few months ago. He says the church has faced financial struggles in the wake of Covid-19.
"Our financial secretary at the church he said, 'Pastor, if we go at this pace, we're gonna be in trouble.'
The church depends on grants and offerings to stay afloat and with church services moved to an online format, Rev. Cash has found new ways for people to give. Members can now text to give, give back online, and mail in checks.
"Our main objective was, lets give you options, and giving them options has really blessed us. This period although has been traumatic in terms of giving, in terms of money, our people have really stepped up to the plate and responded in great ways," said Rev. Cash.
Pastor Cash says because of the increase in donations he suspects the church will match what they ordinarily raise in person. A big chunk of that money will go towards the church’s Lifeline program, a program that feeds more than 400 people in need.
"I wanted persons to see what the black church is doing and how we have been impacted, how we've been affected, especially in urban communities and with little resources we are still attempting to give and still attempting to do impactful ministry."