Coronavirus and local churches

‘Going to church’ is not what it used to be. With our church buildings closed, many of us now ‘go’ to services transmitted via YouTube or other social media. They last only about 45 minutes, half the length of a normal Sunday church service.

 Some churches also transmit a daily prayer slot, or provide a children’s programme on line once or twice a week.  All such seem to be popular and attract those who may well not have visited the relevant church for years!

So – what are the positives in all this? For there are some!

Many non-regular church people watching.  It would seem that many people in isolation are watching these streamed services at home, many more than usually attend the church in question. Many churches are reporting increases from viewing of 20%, 50% or even 100%. 

Advantages of social media viewing.  It is easier to ‘attend’, especially for the elderly or disabled, and you can have a cup of tea alongside you if you wish! 

 Popularity of format.  Some say they like the ‘personal’ approach with the preacher as he/she seems just a couple of feet away, which means the sermon is more likely to be listened to!  It’s usually shorter also.  It may help bring calm to worried people.  Some may be seeking answers from the Christian faith as to why God has sent or allowed this worldwide plague.

What about the negative aspects of online services?

Middle-class and/or resource dominance.  Many churchgoing people, particularly the elderly and less well-off, do not have a smart phone, a tablet or computer. 

 Primacy within the preaching is not known.  How far the Gospel is actually being preached is unknown; how many people are coming to faith is unknown.

Long-term impact uncertain.  Online services cannot give the connectedness of face-to-face interaction, though they may suggest a wider and simpler framework for the future.  They cannot help loneliness to the same extent, nor can the minister get to know people personally.

One probable long-term implication

Helpful service supports faith image.  Churches which are now serving their local community, especially with meals, food banks, and other like services, are building an image of love and care.  Finance for such is often being donated by the churches, and volunteers are coming forward.  Those churches which do the most are likely to emerge the stronger, or at least more respected than they were.

Dr Peter Brierley can be contacted on peter@brierleyres.com  or via www.brierleyconsultancy.com PP Church July20

Editor: Dr Peter Brierley considers the effect of coronavirus on our local churches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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