Although the World Health Organization is not ready yet to declare the pandemic over, most of us feel like it is behind us. We have resumed most of our “normal” activities and routines.
As we continue moving through the crisis response from rescue to relief to recovery, we can say we are in the final steps of disaster recovery.
At the end of the recovery journey, the affected community often feels stronger, more united and more content than they were before the disaster occurred. Part of what causes that sense of improvement is the opportunity to make changes as we rebuild.
My wife and I lost our home in an explosion almost 10 years ago. As we planned to build our new house, we were able to make some changes in the floor plan to adjust for some of the things we never really liked about the old house. Our disaster allowed us to make some changes we never would have made otherwise.
I see many churches having similar experiences now as we complete our recovery from the pandemic.
1. A stronger social media presence
Before the pandemic, many—if not most—churches were utilizing social media, but it usually was seen as an addition to Sunday morning announcements. During the pandemic, however, the vision for ministry on social media became clearer.
Now, churches are helping people engage with one another on social media, and we are discipling people much more effectively in a space where most folks spend a lot of time.
2. Livestreaming
While livestreaming is not new, it was not utilized widely by churches prior to the pandemic. When people could not attend worship in person, many churches scrambled to get the equipment necessary to livestream. Many churches discovered they could use a cell phone to livestream on Facebook or YouTube.
Most of the churches who jumped into livestreaming out of necessity will continue to provide that ministry, because it is helpful to members who cannot attend in person, and it greatly expands the reach of the local church.
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3. Digital communication
During the pandemic, we could not depend on Sunday morning announcements or traditional mail. So, we discovered the value of digital communications.
Most churches have used email for a long time, but texting services have improved and become more popular in the last five or six years. Many churches now use email, texting, phone apps and websites in combination.
4. Technology in worship
Early in the pandemic there was concern the virus might be transmitted by touching infected surfaces or handling objects touched by others. To protect our people, most churches found ways to avoid passing objects like hymnals, paper bulletins and offering plates.
Many churches have found they prefer some of those changes and have not reinstated the old practices. In my church, we list our bulletin in a free Bible app and encourage our folks to find it there.
There are many technological advantages churches might not have tried unless they were pushed into it by pandemic protocols. Now those technological advantages are more appreciated. We even can give our offerings on our phones.
5. Giving options
During the pandemic, we learned we needed to provide giving options so people could give in the way that fit them best. We now have traditional giving with plates and envelopes in the foyer, online giving through our website, giving through text, and a giving tab in our church app.
Many churches have found providing multiple options like these has increased their giving to a level they would not have reached with traditional pre-pandemic methods alone.
6. Preaching ruts
When our world gets shaken, it tends to awaken us and snap us out of our routines—preachers included. Many preachers readily would confess that since the pandemic started, they have wrestled with the Scriptures in new ways and have found a renewed vigor in their preaching.
7. Increased attendance
Many of us feared when the church doors reopened, people would be out of the habit of going to church; others would be satisfied with livestreaming. Many feared attendance would be way down.
Despite lower attendance for a time, there has been a rebound in attendance over these past few months. People were looking forward to returning to their communities of faith; it just took them a little while to get adjusted.
While some who attended regularly before the pandemic have not returned, others who endured the pandemic without a church family have realized their need for something more and have started attending in person.
8. Video meetings
Video conferencing has revolutionized how churches get their business done. For many years, it was increasingly difficult to hold committee or board meetings, because it is difficult to find an evening when everyone can come to the church at the same time.
We learned in the pandemic committees and boards do not have to be physically together to meet. Video meetings are more efficient than in-person meetings, because there are fewer extraneous conversations, and people stay focused on the matters at hand.
Even though in-person meetings are safe now, many churches will continue to conduct many of their business-oriented meetings through video conferencing.
9. QR codes
The QR (Quick Response) code was introduced in 1994 and became popular in the early 2000s. It’s popularity quickly declined, and it became almost obsolete until 2020, when the whole world began looking for touch-free options for everyday tasks.
QR codes are contactless and easy to use for all smartphone users, which is almost everybody these days. They take you directly to a specific webpage, menu, payment screen, app or other pertinent information.
Many churches now ask their first-time attendees to scan the QR code to get to the connect card. Churches use QR codes to sign in kids, register for events, collect digital giving, ask for prayer and many other things.
10. Greater appreciation for community
If we thought of church as a place we go once a week, that idea was shattered when we could not meet in person. In the pandemic, we learned again who we are.
As the body of Christ, our community is more important than our meeting place. We are family.
When we could not meet, we realized we had taken each other for granted. We gained a greater understanding of how much we need each other.
Like disasters usually do, the pandemic reminded us of what is important. God created us to be in community. We are in this thing together.
John Crowder is pastor of First Baptist Church in West. The views expressed are those of the author.
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