Compared to the last four years, Wilshire’s income-to-expenses deficit is larger than it has been at the same point in the year, Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples reported in an email to the church on May 22.
While the staff has managed to keep spending below budget, the deficit was $355,430 at the end of May.
Timothy noted in his email that the 2024 giving surplus has already been spent or spoken for. “I recognize that 2025 has been a little different financially,” Timothy said. “Inflation has affected many people, and the economic market has struggled, which has determined patterns of giving in churches across the U.S. Our economy right now breeds fear of what will happen next. The stock market has been crazy with so many head-spinning ups and downs from policies and decisions. Yet, I still hold on to the hope that, as in years past, we will be surprised by the generosity of our church community in sharing their time, talents and financial gifts to ensure our ministries are funded.”