Ecumenical research into the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on churches and what next
COVID-19 changed many aspects of life, including work, education, well-being and faith. For many churches, responding to the challenge of the pandemic was not as simple as switching church services from buildings to online. Similarly, the challenges faced now are not as simple as deciding whether to continue online or not. For churches, there were opportunities for growth in numbers of worshippers; engagement with church and faith; relationship building; and growth in faith. Through this research we heard many inspiring stories of people and churches that thrived.
We also heard from people who struggled with their faith, and those who drifted away from church. This research helped us to identify seven factors that were most influential in determining whether a person was more likely to struggle or thrive. Using this research, we are better able to understand how to build a stronger church for the future.