Recently in reports by Christian statistics and research organizations, church pastors worldwide have declared that innovations regarding technology is what ensures that churches survive the pandemic crisis.
In a recent report by Barna Group, it was found that most pastors are focusing on hope as the primary core of their sermons, and at the same time, they are “communicating a message of faith and hope to people in the middle of the crisis.” Others are focused on “putting in place technology solutions for streaming our services and / or online giving” (25%), reflecting the need for the church community to continue gathering. Other priorities, though less pressing at the moment, include “collecting and distributing needed items like food / supplies / emergency funds” (4%), “offering ongoing digital or distance ministry options for our children / youth” (3%), “mobilizing people to serve our local community” (3%) and “putting in place the right safety measures to protect staff and congregants” (3%).
When asked where they have seen their church grow the most in this unprecedented time, nearly half of pastors (48%) select “innovation around technology.” Another one in five pastors (22%) affirms that “church leaders are taking more initiative and caring more deeply for congregants.” Eleven percent say their church has “increased commitment to prayer.” Other positive responses include: “greater spiritual openness in people’s hearts” (5%), “new and unexpected leaders stepping up” (3%), “our church stepping up to help our community” (3%), “attendance and engagement is increasing” (2%) and “increased small group attendance” (2%).
Given this, it’s not surprising that only a handful of pastors are worried about their church’s survival (5% unsure, 1% not very confident, 1% not at all confident). Though the challenges facing churches right now are clearly many, over nine in 10 pastors report that they are confident their church will survive the COVID-19 crisis (63% very confident, 31% confident).
