Church Life Post-Pandemic: Re-engaging new and old members

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Church Life Post-Pandemic: Re-engaging new and old members

Most public organizations had to pivot significantly in response to COVID-19 and are now delivering at least some of their services online. Museums, sports clubs, 12-step programs, choirs, and especially theatres, all faced the same need to rethink the way they provide their services – very similar to communities of faith. This process of change required engaging with membership to discern how best they can be served.

Such direct interaction is most likely here to stay, in light of continuously changing regulations but also due to new expectations. That is why the recently published Angus Reid survey on religious people’s experiences over the past Corona-year is an indication of what to look for in our own congregations. In the study, 1057 Canadians were surveyed who attended worship monthly (pre-pandemic). Since the lockdown, more than three-quarters of them have participated in online services but almost half are looking forward to returning to in-person worship. And yet, 56% responded that they wish that online services will remain on offer once the pandemic is over.

Source: https://angusreid.org/covid-religion-easter-2021/

The respondents were also asked how they practiced their faith during the pandemic, to which a third sought more time for personal prayer while they missed the fellowship and (volunteer) activities with their congregation. Such findings can mean opportunities for local communities of faith to re-engage with old and new members. Contact TUCC for support of how to do your own polling among your congregation.

JUST ANNOUNCED!
THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING:
HOW WILL WE COMBINE ONLINE AND IN PERSON CHURCH?

United in Learning in partnership with Toronto United Church Council is offering a 3-part series on online church when we are back in the church building. The dates will be May 25th, June 1st, and June 8th, time TBA. The interactive online learning sessions will focus on: What does it mean to be church? How to integrate online and in-person worship? Online and/or in-person ministries. Expect more information coming your way very soon.

With an increasing number of people being vaccinated, congregational leadership might find that members will begin to offer to volunteer at the church – spring cleaning, general maintenance, etc. It is essential to manage such activities while bearing in mind provincial and municipal Corona-related restrictions. Vaccination (particularly after only one jab) does not mean that one is entirely immune to the virus or incapable of spreading it to others.

As a first step toward re-engaging volunteer activity, a plan of all the projects that need to be accomplished (including when, where, how long) needs to be developed. This can be accomplished online together with a moving timetable. First and foremost, remember that all action on the church property needs to occur in a physically distanced way with plenty of hand sanitization available. Keeping in touch with everyone especially with those that are reaching out is important but only when herd immunity has been substantially achieved can we resume the use of (indoor) church space.

Training and resources to equip leaders to become missional in outlook and practice - check out the website of The Innovative Ministry Centre (IMC) at TUCC

Katja Brittain - katja@tucc.ca

Katja Brittain joined TUCC in 2018. With Master degrees in management and theology from universities in Germany and Scotland, Katja’s work with churches is informed by experience in both the public and private sectors. Building on years of research and networking, Katja helps congregations balance the need for revenue with the use of property as an asset that supports the congregation’s mission.

The Toronto United Church Council works with the church community to connect resources with ministry. Offering access to professional advice, financial support and leadership development, Council helps our church address the social and spiritual challenges of the day.

Contact us:
Toronto United Church Council
24-30 Wertheim Court
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 1B9
Tel: 905-771-5124
Toll Free: 1-800-235-8822
Email: mail@tucc.ca

www.tucc.ca

Church Life Post-Pandemic: Re-engaging new and old members

JUST ANNOUNCED! THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING: HOW WILL WE COMBINE ONLINE AND IN PERSON CHURCH?

JUST ANNOUNCED!
THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING:
HOW WILL WE COMBINE ONLINE AND IN PERSON CHURCH?