Virtual interest is rising

In a new report out today, over half (59%) of the 900 churches and organisations surveyed reported a marked increase in people interested in finding out more about the Christian faith during the coronavirus crisis.

Over two-thirds (70%) of church leaders reported more people attending services during the lockdown than would normally.

The vast majority of church leaders (88%) said their churches had been working tirelessly to meet the needs of vulnerable people struggling as a result of the pandemic, with 72% of these saying they were working in partnership with local authorities, or other churches or charities.

Among the 196 Christian organisations surveyed, most (84%) said they had to make changes to how they operate.

Across both churches and Christian organisations, the poll revealed concerns around the financial impact of coronavirus, with nearly a third of churches (31%) saying they had made use of the Government's furlough scheme for some or all of their staff, a figure that rose to 43% for organisations.

When asked what concerned them the most about the fallout on wider society, most churches (97%) cited the economic impact, while 78% said mental health problems.

Evangelical Alliance UK Director Peter Lynas said:

"We are so encouraged to hear about the creativity and agility of church and organisation leaders in responding to the current crisis.

"Church leaders are seeing more people attending their church, interested in faith and making a first-time commitment to follow Jesus. The vast majority of churches are also working tirelessly to meet the need of the most vulnerable in their community and they are doing so in partnership with others."