Church in Covid: a new way to spread the gospel
How the pandemic has revolutionised the way churches are now operating
Despite challenges brought by COVID-19, three churches in north London have found new ways to boost their congregations.
As one pastor has explained this has not been easy.
Pete Hughes, 41, pastor of Kings Cross Church (KXC) said: "Taking the church online created a huge amount of nervous energy."
Prior to moving online, KXC was made up of 700 members across three congregations.
KXC have reached more people during lockdown as a result of going online but measuring growth has been difficult.
This is because you can measure the breadth, the people you are connecting with but it is tough to measure depth, the duration people tune in for.
In terms of viewership KXC gets approximately 1000 views on their Sunday services. They have calculated that on average 2 people are watching per view. Which is a significant increase from the regular 700 attendees.
To combat the lack of interactivity virtually, KXC hold five Zoom gatherings across London (north, east, south, west and central) with all gatherings being connected to the main service.
They would then hold conversations and pray for each other.
KXC have also helped the community during this time with a brunch service, which is a community café for the vulnerable and through the formation of the Kings Cross Foodbank.
Pete said that he thinks online services will be here for the future, not as a substitute for in-person gatherings but to compliment them.
He said: “This is not a virtual gospel, it is a gospel where our flesh and blood matters and God draws near to heal, restore and redeem us.
"However it could create a safe environment for those who may be anxious about turning up to church to check it out beforehand or for those who might be sick.”
Fr John Burniston, Parish Priest of St James' Islington, also spoke about his experience.
He said: “Covid has been a cloud over the church, 20% of the congregation has had it.
“We have been working at half strength."
Fr John during a socially distanced service. Picture credit: Fr John Burniston.
Fr John also said that the congregation have missed singing, which has been banned among congregations across the country.
In terms of the adjustment to online services, the numbers tuning in virtually through YouTube have exceeded those who ordinarily would have attended by approximately a third.
Pre-lockdown, the church which has an average age of 38, would have 50 people attending on a weekly basis. However following the transition to online, the numbers tuning in could be up to 80.
Richard Cloudsley Charity have also contributed with a £5,000 grant which has been spent on webcams in the church to make streaming services easier.
St James’ have also taken care of the 41 children in their Sunday school. Every child has been given craft work in an A4 envelope delivered to their house. They deliver to various houses in Islington from City Road to Highbury.
Craft work being prepared for the 41 children that are part of the Sunday school. Image credit: Fr John Burniston.
St James’ are also continuing their weekly lunch for those in need but since lockdown have had to adapt by giving food at the door for people to take rather than their usual eat-in service.
According to Fr John, online services are something that he believes will continue in the future alongside the traditional in-person gatherings.
Fr John during a socially distanced service. Picture credit: Fr John Burniston.
Fr John during a socially distanced service. Picture credit: Fr John Burniston.
Craft work being prepared for the 41 children that are part of the Sunday school. Image credit: Fr John Burniston.
Craft work being prepared for the 41 children that are part of the Sunday school. Image credit: Fr John Burniston.
Daniel Allwood, 35, Operations Manager of St Saviour's Church, who are based in Finsbury Park, also spoke on the transition.
He explained that the adjustment to online was initially quite complicated as some of the congregation did not have access to laptops and iPads.
They overcame this issue by the congregation coming together and handing out their old iPads and laptops to those who otherwise would not have had access.
The members of St Saviour's Church has risen from 20 to 100 across October 2019 to September 2020. But this could be due to their new partnership with KXC.
The KXC partnership extends to the aforementioned foodbank in which their building is used to stock items and distribute food.
The Kings Cross Foodbank is operating out of St Saviour's Church. Image credit: Emma Kenny.
The Kings Cross Foodbank is operating out of St Saviour's Church. Image credit: Emma Kenny.
Over £10,000 has been raised by the donations of the congregation to start a fellowship fund to help those in urgent financial need following the pandemic. It also supports those experiencing poor health, bereavement and isolation.
The Church have also implemented quiz nights to mitigate the lack of interactivity online while also doing virtual bible studies during the week.
This is all done through hub groups which approximately 85% of the church is a part of.
Daniel thinks that online services will continue to occur especially for people who are sick and unable to leave their homes.
A member of the congregation, Dennis Hylton, 61, said: “As a Church we have learned to be a community offline and online.
“We have used technology to share, support and pray for one another as we journey through the Covid pandemic together.”
Built with Shorthand