A new report from the Evangelical Alliance, in partnership with Stewardship and Eido Research, has shown a surge of interest in the Christian faith during the coronavirus pandemic as online services have grown.
The Evangelical Alliance has announced that a new report launched today found that 59% of the UK churches surveyed are reporting a marked increase in people interested in finding out more about the Christian faith.
The research, which surveyed some 700 churches and 196 faith-based organisations, also shows that 70% of church leaders have reported a surge in the number of people who would not normally attend church, now participating virtually during the lockdown.
The Evangelical Alliance Report
The report goes on to reveal that 88% of church leaders have said their churches are working tirelessly to meet the needs of vulnerable people struggling due to Covid-19. Of these churches, 72% are working in partnership with either local authorities, other churches or charities.
The study, which surveyed churches across denominations including the Church of England, Baptist, Elim, Assemblies Of God, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Methodist, New Frontiers, Presbyterian and independents, was conducted by the Evangelical Alliance in partnership with the charity Stewardship and Eido Research.
“Since lockdown, we have seen churches across the country adapt to the uncertain environment and speak directly to the fear and anxiety that many people are feeling throughout the UK,” said Peter Lynas who is the UK director of the Evangelical Alliance. “Online services are reporting huge levels of interest and thousands are engaging with church for the first time as a place of hope.”
“At the heart of the mission of the church is a desire to serve the marginalised, feed the hungry and be a place of refuge to those who are isolated,” Peter Lynas continued. “Through food banks and many other service provisions, churches are ensuring vulnerable individuals and families across the country receive the help they need.”
About the Evangelical Alliance
The Evangelical Alliance is made up of multiple organisations, churches and individuals who are joined together in Kingdom outreach. Founded in 846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in Great Britain.
Working across the UK, with offices in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Evangelical Alliance members come from diverse denominations, locations, age groups and ethnicities, however, all share a similar passion to know Jesus and make Him known.
Visit the Evangelical Alliance coronavirus hub
Also read: Rediscover Church at Home! The ‘new’ way for Christians to ‘gather’
This article was provided by Gareth Russell.
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