When March 13th of 2020 hit, it seemed like everything came crashing down. We were no longer able to eat in restaurants, work in the office, hang out with friends and family, or even go to church. Now I know what you are thinking, “There is no way that this pandemic has been good for anyone!” While it can be difficult to see the good that can come from being in lockdowns for almost a year now, there are several innovations that occurred for churches that show how God cares for us even in difficult times. Continue reading to learn about the top 3 ways Covid-19 has benefited churches!
Some churches had streaming of services before the pandemic but often times they seemed like an afterthought and poorly executed. When everyone had to transition to online services, it forced churches to adapt and create a better online presence for the community. This allows for members who travel often to still have the connection to their home church and the community even if they are not able to be there in person. Along with people who travel, it helps people who have disabilities or struggle with traveling to the church. This builds community while not harming those who have difficulties with actually being at church in person. Lastly, for prospective members, it can be stressful and difficult to walk into a brand new church and know no one. Online services allow for people to see different churches and styles to help figure out what is best for them without the stress of going somewhere that you don’t know anyone.
Most churches, pre-pandemic, accepted cash and checks only. When churches where not able to collect donations this way, it allowed other methods to open up. Most churches now have a way of giving through either an app, a website, or even a text message. This pivot towards digital giving also helps keep up with society evolving towards a cashless system. Some people don’t even carry cash on them anymore and that prevents them from being able to give as much/often as they would like.
Most people have shifted towards having more connection and community online versus in person. With this in mind, there is a lot of negative content that is harmful to viewers. Churches have started to put more positive posts, building zoom Bible studies, and creating life groups for people to have human interaction online in a nontoxic way. The church saw a need for healthy online social interactions and have been creating ways to fill that void.
In dark times, it is important to focus on God. Sometimes it can be difficult to process why God would allow things like a global pandemic to occur but He knows everything and His plan is perfect. We are only looking at a small piece of the puzzle and trying to determine where it goes and if it’s “pretty.” God, however, can see the entire puzzle put together and how the colors of the piece fit into a beautiful picture. My challenge to you is that when you feel that the church is being harmed, focus on the ways that Covid-19 has benefited churches by pushing them to innovate and adapt.
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Wow, thanks for sharing this insight that I had never thought about before! It hadn't occurred to me that the pandemic helped churches to optimize services for members who travel often, or those with disabilities. I can also see how the pandemic is pushing the church to move in the same direction society was already going with digital payments, and I think that could be really helpful for some congregations. While I do think that it's good that the church has been able to utilize technology to continue connections online, I would add that perhaps a big reason the church didn't do a lot of connecting online before is because it recognizes that Jesus was all about doing life together with people, in person of course, and that sort of fellowship is superior and to be focused on when we have the opportunity. I can't wait to get back to more in person fellowship when the pandemic finally fades away! Thanks for your perspective!
This is a really good article! Most people think about only how Covid-19 has negatively affected many businesses and companies, but there have been benefits for churches during this pandemic. Now, churches can reach more people and expand their ministry through online services and a bigger internet presence. Thanks again for the post!