online church

A new survey of churches across America reveals a turnaround for church financial health — halting a downward trend in offerings caused by COVID-19. The findings are welcome news for churches as the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) launches the second annual Bless Your Pastor (BlessYourPastor.org) campaign to equip churches for October Pastor Appreciation Month.

New survey data from Logos, the church technology company behind Logos Bible Software, reveals that while the majority of churches are returning to in-person gatherings, leaders face numerous challenges to church unity within their congregations.

With a different kind of fall looming in front of us thanks to COVID-19, many families, including mine, will be homeschooling or distance learning. All summer I’ve been thinking, “What will the fall be like? What could I do differently if we’re distance learning?” Although our kids are enrolled in California public schools, perhaps this is my opportunity to work in a Bible curriculum before they get started for the day. In the past, I’ve used a short devotional or reformed lectionary guide to get my kids a little scripture with their daily vitamins and orange juice. With less driving hither and yon, it is possible your family might have more time to work in a more robust Bible curriculum. There are multiple online Bible curriculums that have been beefed up during COVID-19 to give us homeschooling newbies a little more confidence. 

Just when you thought the days of the family-sponsored pew were over, COVID-19 has completely changed the way we do church. Now most members are required to reserve their seats in order to attend a church service. In parts of the country where the virus isn't running rampant and indoor events are allowed, most organizations must ensure social distance and 25 or 50 percent capacity per state orders. To do this effectively, churches must use a managed seating software program to make sure they won't have too many people attending their services.

In June, after months of being forced to hold worship services in an online-only format (thanks to COVID-19), California churches were allowed to begin meeting in person again. This time, with a limit of 100 people or 25% of the building’s capacity. Just a few weeks later, Governor Newsom ordered that churches “discontinue singing” while gathered for worship services. This resulted in an uproar from many Christians. How can we hold a worship service without worshiping? How can the government dictate whether we praise God or not? Didn’t Jesus say that we must sing?

A new survey of 750 churches of differing sizes from around the world compiled by the church technology company Logos, makers of Logos Bible Software, shows that while the majority of pastors feel comfortable reopening their buildings, they expect changes in attendance, programming, and operations.

Many churches are beginning to prepare to reopen for in-person services as their local authorities permit. As you consider how to safely welcome people back to church services, there are several components for which to plan.

With the government temporarily requiring churches around the nation to shut their doors in response to COVID-19, online worship services are becoming the new norm. We don’t know how this will affect the way we do church in the long term. For the next few weeks or months, your church needs to figure out how to make an online worship service feel more like the real thing and welcome people who’ve never experienced a live stream service before.