Posted on 04/05/2020 6:49:36 PM PDT by marshmallow
NASHVILLE (BP) -- The coronavirus outbreak has had ripple effects across the country, including in U.S. churches, according to a new study of pastors.
Nashville-based LifeWay Research asked Protestant pastors how the pandemic has impacted their congregations and what their plans are for the near future. See related Baptist Press story.
While nearly all pastors say their church held in-person worship services at the beginning of March, the situation had changed radically by the end of the month.
On the weekend of March 1, 99 percent say they gathered, while 95 percent held services the next weekend. By March 15, that number dropped to 64 percent. And by March 22, 11 percent of pastors say their churches gathered in person. On March 29, only 7 percent of pastors say their congregations met in person.
"Gathering for worship as a local church is a fundamental expression of the body of Christ, but so are valuing life and loving others," said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. "As mitigation guidance first impacted large churches, the majority of churches with 200 or more attendees were not meeting by March 15, and only 1 percent of them met March 22 as guidance continued to shift."
Almost half of churches (47 percent) say they have already decided they will not meet in person for Easter. A small number (3 percent) say they will have an in-person gathering no matter what.
A significant number say they are in a wait-and-see situation. Almost 1 in 5 (18 percent) say they will have an in-person gathering if authorities allow gatherings of that size. Another 15 percent say they will do so if local authorities do not recommend against it. Fewer (7 percent) say they will have an in-person Easter gathering if in their own judgement they......
(Excerpt) Read more at bpnews.net ...
I’m across the street from a Catholic Church. No mass today but volunteers were set up out front (with gloves and masks) and people were driving through getting their palms.
The risen Christ was seen by 500 eyewitnesses.
If the weather would be right, it would be nice to have an outside or car park service.
Just my opinion, but I think this pandemic could actually lead to people thinking a little more deeply about their lives, and so to a resurgence of spirituality and a recognition of what is truly important in life.
The church is not a building
Paul sat alone in a jail cell..... his faith grew
My church used to have an outdoor sunrise service. Several 5 or 6 years ago it stopped. I miss the outdoor Easter sunrise service.
I am from a small MS town. My niece’s daughter led the trend to place decorated crosses in their yards. The idea has spread to neighboring towns, to TX, AL, and GA. They are a beautiful symbol of Christianity and Easter.
Outside in SFL during the sun time is usually unbearable. Maybe 7-8pm would be nice. And down at the beach? Hmm, sounds nice.
So true. Maybe it’s time to resurrect that story ....might help people as they’re quarantined to think a bit.
I know my own faith has started to germinate again after a long dry period. I’ve been too busy over these past years, too focused on material things. I put too much stock into trying hang out with people who really never mattered. What matters is my husband, my kids, my immediate loved ones and very closest friends, which are small in number. That’s it.
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