F A I T H I N T H E A G E O F C O V I D - 1 9 When local churches were forced to close their doors this spring, leaders innovated new ways to engage their members and have safer practices once congregations regathered in person.
S T A Y I N G E N G A G I N G
A survey of 1,400 Protestant and Catholic churches nationwide conducted by Ministry Brands between July and September found technology is a central part of church operations in 2020.
Top challenges
Service formats 18% Online services
60% reported a reduction in giving income 57% indicated COVID-19 contact tracing
74% Both options
8% In-person services
Respondents on which engagement tools have been important:
80%
Social media
75%
Email and newsletters
After several weeks of virtual programming, CyLife Church regathered for in-person worship services this fall.
Chabad of Cypress puts together “Sukkah on the go,” allowing members to celebrate traditional holidays in a safer environment.
66%
Phone calls
60%
Videoconferencing
50%
Text messaging
23%
Mobile apps
SOURCE: MINISTRY BRANDS/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
By the end of November, the county’s COVID-19 case count had exceeded 190,000 since March, but like businesses and schools, churches have adapted to operate in newways. In addition to offering alternative service options, Harris County Pub- lic Health urges places of worship to encourage face coverings, social dis- tance and limit shared objects. According to a national survey from Ministry Brands, a group of church software programs, about 18% of ser- vices were exclusively online and 8% were exclusively in person between July and September. During that time, however, most congregations had the choice of either option. Rabbi Levi Marinovsky, who leads local Jewish nonprofit Chabad of Cypress, said people tend to cling to their faith in times of crisis as a source of hope. Throughout the pandemic, slowing down and connecting with like-minded believers has provided strength for those enduring challenges such as unemployment, he said. “When people are busy with their life, they don’t stop or pause to ask those questions: What are their pri- orities? What do they value? What do they feel is their purpose and mean- ing?” Marinovsky said. Embracing change While some area congregations were already posting services online before the pandemic, this was new terri- tory for churches such as Shine Bible
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Family of Faith Lutheran Church in Copperfield, said most members were already accustomed to precautionary measures when the church reopened in late May because the pandemic has affected other aspects of life as well. “It’s kind of the new normal now— taking temperatures and wearing a mask,” she said. “A lot of them were happy to go back just because … in-person [service] is just so much dif- ferent than watching it from home.” There were about 80 COVID-19 cases confirmed countywide when Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a stay-at-home order March 24, which mandated places of worship operate remotely. Gov. Greg Abbott signed an executive order a week later, deem- ing religious activities essential and authorizing socially distanced ser- vices, although most local churches at the time opted to continue streaming services for the next several weeks as case counts surged. “It’s one thing when you make a decision for yourself. It’s another thing when you’re making a decision for 1,500-1,800 people and trying to take everything into consideration for what’s best, what’s wise, what’s cau- tious,” said Bob Reed, the lead pastor of CyLife Church, which reopened its doors in late September. “It has noth- ing to do with trusting God; I think he also tells us to use our brains and use wisdom and be respectful.”
Father Sean Horrigan leads a drive-thru Blessing of the Pets event at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.
Attendees of The Family of Faith Lutheran Church take part in Communion with prepackaged elements.
Community of Faith officials offered to meet individuals at the swimming pool or pond of their choice to conduct baptisms this summer.
“I DOBELIEVE THAT FORAPERIODOF TIME, THE CHURCH CAN SUSTAINONLINE. HOWEVER, IT’S JUST REALLYDIFFICULT BEYONDA SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.” JARON JONES, LEAD PASTOR AT SHINE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Jaron Jones leads Sunday morning services via Facebook Live for his congregation at Shine Bible Fellowship Church.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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