MinistryWatch Index Fell in April

Drop could reflect concerns among donors about the economy

ANALYSIS–The MinistryWatch Index fell .9 percent in April to 151.

The MinistryWatch Index is based on the revenue of 38 large Christian ministries, ministries that represent all of the 21 ministry segments tracked by MinistryWatch.

This month’s downward move follows a record five months of flat performance by the Index. The no growth and negative growth of the MinistryWatch Index over the past six months could suggest concern about the future of the economy.

A recent survey conducted by MinistryWatch of ministry executives found that fundraising has now replaced finding and recruiting staff as their top leadership concern. This concern seems well-founded. A recent survey found that giving by evangelicals is down.

Other studies, especially those by Giving USA, suggest that philanthropic giving correlates closely to the rise and fall in value of the major stock markets. (Note that this relationship is correlative and not causative.)

This correlation seems to be proving out this year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, though volatile this year, was essentially flat in the first four months of 2025. The tech-heavy NASDAQ is down about 8 percent for the year, though at one point in April is was down about 19 percent.

To read more about how we compile the MinistryWatch Index, click here.

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