Churches across denominations all over the world have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Like several sectors in our economy, the religious sector was simply not prepared for a pandemic. Reportedly, it is the common perception that smaller churches will not survive the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in several counties, such as Duval County in Jacksonville, FL, the current maximum number of people allowed is 50, social distancing at six feet apart. Exponential by LifeWay Research found 57% of churches have 100 people or less and 21% have 50 people or less. Therefore, in counties with maximum attendance/crowd limits of 50, 21% of those churches are legally allowed to continue operating within social distancing measures, and 57% must mildly reduce their service attendance numbers. Hence, in some cases, smaller churches have been less impacted by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and have continued to hold face to face services.
The question then becomes, should churches continue to operate? The dangers of COVID-19 are both real and devastating. The Church of God in Christ is one of the United States’ largest African American Pentecostal denominations. The denomination, which has over six million members nationwide, has reportedly lost almost 30 of its key leaders to the COVID-19 pandemic. A bishop from the denomination stated that their early March conferences contributed to the rise in COVID-19 cases. They also attributed the deaths to the attendance of COVID-19 funerals.
The use of technology has been a controversial topic in religious circles. On one hand, technology allows churches to collect donations electronically through companies like Givelify and Cash App. However, some clergy feel technology insufficiently replaces the personal interaction and connection. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, many churches were forced to move their church services to a virtual/online format. Lakewood Church in Houston, TX is widely considered one of the largest churches in America, with over 52,000 reported weekly attendees. According to Good Morning America: for the first time in 20 years, Lakewood closed its doors to the public and streamed its service to over four million viewers from an empty sanctuary. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 is reshaping the landscape of our social existences, and the impact on our religious institutions is undeniable.
Discussion Questions:
- Should churches who are legally allowed to operate during the pandemic do so? Or should they move services completely online? Why or why not?
- The role of the church in local communities can be pivotal. Many churches house food banks and provide several other types of resources. Discuss the impact on the local community and our government if community-focused religious institutions permanently close.
Sources: Good Morning America “Joel Osteen streams service to 4 million from empty church amid COVID-19 crisis” by Nicole Pelletiere; Christianity Today “The Church Growth Gap: The Big Get Bigger While the Small Get Smaller” by Aaron Earls; ABC: Local 24 Memphis “COVID-19 has killed several bishops and pastors within Church of God and Christ, headquartered in Memphis” by Annette Peagler.