Changing church
Responding to the coronavirus crisis
Churches and organisations have had to make significant changes in how they operate due to the lockdown. However, our survey of nearly 900 churches and organisations shows they remain committed to their mission and have found creative ways to serve the needs of others. Church buildings have been shut since March, but churches are definitely open. In fact, many have never been busier. Churches have moved online for Sunday services and have moved their church-based activities and projects into neighbourhoods to meet the needs of the vulnerable. There will be further challenges ahead but this report presents a hopeful future as the church looks at life after lockdown. We are encouraged that the results show people are interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian faith, and those churches that prioritise ministering to people who are curious and questioning are most likely to see people commit to following Jesus. Generosity and compassion have always been hallmarks of the Christian faith, and this has been evident throughout this crisis. The openhanded nature of the church to work in partnership and care for those in need has been demonstrated in recent months. It is also encouraging to hear that most churches have reserves to meet the situations they are facing. Christian organisations have had to radically adjust during this pandemic, with 84% changing how they operate. The majority of organisations have seen demand for their services increase or stay at the same levels as before the lockdown. While there are financial pressures and funding is a key concern, most have sufficient reserves or don’t anticipate needing to use them. To enable the Evangelical Alliance to better understand the challenges facing churches and Christian organisations we ran the survey between 14 and 20 May, and promoted it through a variety of channels and church networks to solicit the widest response.
We received: • 694 valid responses submitted by or on behalf of church leaders. • 196 valid responses submitted by or on behalf of organisation leaders. More than two thirds of church responses and approximately half of the organisations that responded are members of the Evangelical Alliance. Responses came from a wide range of church denominations and streams, including Anglican, Baptist, Elim, AOG, RCCG, Methodist, New Frontiers, Presbyterian, and independents. There was a wide geographical spread of responses, with approximately 15% of responses from London and proportional representation from the North East, Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The research was conducted by Evangelical Alliance in collaboration with Stewardship and in partnership with Eido Research. We hope this report tells a story of what is currently happening, but more importantly, that it helps our members and others to plan for the future. The church has changed how it operates, but not what it does. We at the Evangelical Alliance will use the results to continue to resource you and raise your voice to the government and media. Be blessed, Peter Lynas UK director
Ten key points 1. M ost churches are seeing a surge in interest. 59% of church leaders saw an increase in people interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian faith. More than 1 in 10 church leaders saw an increase in people making first-time commitments to follow Christ.
6. I n the long term churches are most concerned about economic and mental health consequences. Looking forward churches are most concerned about the long-term economic consequences of this crisis (97%) and the increase in mental health problems (78%).
2. P rioritising ministry to non-Christians makes a difference. Churches that focus on providing a place for people who are not Christians to encounter Jesus are three times more likely to see people express an interest in Jesus and make a decision to become a Christian.
7. C oronavirus has forced organisations to change. 57% of organisations have seen demand for their services stay the same or increase since lockdown, and 84% have had to make changes to how they operate.
3. A lmost all churches are working to help the vulnerable. 88% of church leaders said their churches are working to meet the needs of vulnerable people. Of these churches, 72% are working in partnership with either local authorities, other churches or charities. 4. C hurches are unable to plan sufficiently for the future. Although most churches and organisations (around 70%) are happy with the government advice that has been offered hitherto, most (around 60%) say they have not received sufficiently clear advice to allow them to plan for the future. 5. C hurches and organisations have made use of government economic schemes. 31% of churches have used the government’s furlough scheme for some or all of their staff, rising to 43% for organisations.
8. L ost income is a concern for churches but one they can navigate. Two thirds of churches are concerned about the loss of offering income, with over a quarter concerned about paying staff, but most churches carry enough reserves to cover their loss of income for at least six months. 9. M ore than a quarter of organisations are at risk due to a lack of reserves. 28% of organisations say they do not have sufficient reserves to cover a projected loss of income. 49% of organisations have reserves that will cover projected losses for the next 6 months, and a further 20% say they do not anticipate needing to use their reserves. 10. Churches in Northern Ireland lead the way in supporting those on the frontline. In Northern Ireland 70% of churches are providing support for those on the front line. This is significantly higher than across the rest of the UK, where it is just over a third. Presbyterian (69%) and Elim (61%) are the denominations in the UK most likely to provide support for frontline workers.
1. Mission Churches are seeing an increase in people finding out more about Jesus and making a commitment to follow Him.
Responses to, “Since the start of the lockdown have you seen an increase in people interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian faith?” by categories of response to, “As a church which one of the following is the most important aspect of Sunday services?” % Yes
% No
% No response
% Yes
% No
% No response
All responses Providing a place for people who are not Christians to encounter Jesus Equipping the congregation to share their faith Praying together for the church and the world
Out of nearly 700 church responses to the survey, 59% said they have seen an increase in people interested in finding out more about Jesus and the Christian faith. This is great news and confirms the stories we’ve been hearing and the increase in people searching on Google for topics such as prayer and Jesus. We were interested in finding out if there was any correlation between the focus of a during a Sunday service and people exploring faith. Across all church respondents, 31% stated that providing a place for people who are not Christians to encounter Jesus was an important aspect of Sunday services. However, whilst only 7% of churches stated that “providing a place for people who are not Christians to encounter Jesus” was the most important aspect of their Sunday services, 88% of those churches told us they were seeing an increase in people interested in finding out about Jesus and the Christian faith.
Providing a church worship experience Creating a place of fellowship for the church Allcommunity responses Bible teaching Providing a place for people who are not Christians to encounter Jesus 0% Equipping the congregation to share their faith
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Alongside this, those same churches are almost three as response likely to see % Yes % No times % No Praying together for the church and the world people make first-time commitments to follow Christ: All responses Providing a church worship experience
Responses to, Creating “Sincea place the start of the lockdown have you seen an increase of fellowship Providing a place for people who are for the church community not Christians to encounter Jesus in people making first time commitments to follow Christ?” by categories Biblethe teaching Praying together for the church and world of response to, “As a church which one of the following is the most important 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% aspect ofthe Sunday services?” Equipping congregation to share their faith % Yes
Providing a church worship experience
% No
% No response
All responses Creating a place of fellowship for the church community Providing a place for people who are Bible teaching not Christians to encounter Jesus
20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Praying together for the church and the world0% We were encouraged to hear that 70% of church leaders say that people loss of This jobs Giving and and the impact generosity Specific on the global economy Specific missionadministrative situations Other andissues people affecting your church who would not normally attend church The are attending. was consistent Equipping the congregation to share their faith across all denominations. Churches have a great opportunity to welcome Providing a church worship experience newcomers in this season and invite them to find out more about Jesus. Creating a place of fellowship for the church community Bible teaching 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
The loss of jobs Giving and and the impact generosity Specific on the global economy Specific missionadministrative situations Other andissues people affecting your church
We wanted to know how churches have been praying during the pandemic. Pastoral care needs within the church, people coming to know Jesus, and the Government were the most common prayer themes. Churches that said praying for people to come to know Jesus was one of their top three prayer priorities during lockdown were more likely to see people express an interest in Jesus (67% as opposed to 58%) and make a decision to become a Christian (16% as opposed to 11%).
– Gavin Calver, CEO, Evangelical Alliance
What are the major themes that you have been praying for as a church? Please select 3. Pastoral care needs within the church People coming to know Jesus The Government The NHS Healing Care for the vulnerable in your community The international impact of coronavirus The loss of jobs and the impact on the economy Giving and generosity Specific global mission situations and people Specific administrative issues affecting your church Other 0%
We are working in partnerships with other churches in our local area We are working with the local authority or statutory services We are working with local charities or non-statutory services We are working to meet these needs but not in partnership with others
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
“It is amazing to see that those who think the mostimportant aspect of their Sunday service is providing a place for people to encounter Jesus are more likely to see people make a first-time commitment to follow Him. Imagine the difference it would make if 100% of churches made that a priority on a Sunday, rather than just 7%�
60%
15%
2. Helping the vulnerable and partnerships
10%
“The GATHER network has been a key part of the Evangelical 0% Alliance for the past few years, to help churches work with each Reduce more Reduce Reduce Reduce Stay the Increase other, with charities, and than 50% partner by 50% by 25%and work by with 10% local authorities same statutory services. We are really encouraged to see that the vast Yesbeen able to maintain and grow these majority of churches have partnerships this pandemic. Unity is crucial in this moment.� No, some roles are likely to bethrough made redundant
Almost all churches are working to help the vulnerable with Evangelical Alliance members more likely to work in partnership with local authorities, other churches or charities. Despite, or perhaps because of, the restrictions imposed during lockdown, churches are increasing the support they offer to the most vulnerable. Only 12% of churches were not engaged in activities that meet the needs of vulnerable people. Of the 88% of church leaders who said their churches are working to meet the needs of vulnerable people, 72% are working in partnership with either local authorities, other churches or charities. Over a third (35%) of all churches that responded were working with the local authority or statutory services.
5%
No, some roles are likely to be reduced in time – Roger Sutton, director, GATHER No, without continued financial support we will not be able to continue operating
Don't know Are you as a church working to meet the needs of vulnerable people in any 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% of the following ways? EA member
Not EA member
We are working in partnership with other churches in our local area We are working with the local authority or statutory services We are working with local charities or non-statutory services We are working to meet these needs but not in partnership with others We are not engaged in activities that meet the needs of vulnerable people 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
When it comes to partnership the data shows: • E vangelical Alliance members are more likely to partner than non-members. Member Member • Larger60% churchesEAare more likelyNot to EA partner than smaller churches.
• V ineyard, 50%URC and the charismatic churches are more likely to work with local charities or non-statutory services. 40%
• E lim, Vineyard and Pioneer churches are more likely to work in partnerships 30% with other churches in the local area. 20%
• V ineyard, Elim and AOG churches are more likely to work with the local 10% authority or statutory services. 0%
W e ar ot e w he o r c rki hu ng rc in he p s art in ne ou rs W r l hip e oc s au a al wi th re ar th or w ea ity or or kin st g w at W ut ith e or th ar y e se e lo w or rv ca ic l or kin es g no w n- ith W st e at loc ar ut a or l c bu e w y ha t n or se ri ot kin rv tie ic s in g es pa to rtn me er et W sh th m e ip es ee ar e w e tt n ith ne he o t ot ed ne en he s ed ga rs s ge of d vu in ln ac er ti ab vit le ies pe th op at le
Almost half of churches that responded (48%) have started a new community engagement initiative since the coronavirus outbreak began. Most have either started emergency food provision or befriending for the elderly and isolated. The most likely ministry to have stopped during the pandemic is community toddler groups. The chart below shows the services churches continue to run. Thinking about your engagement in your local community, which of the following are you continuing to do? Emergency food provision Debt counselling and support Care for the homeless Befriending for the elderly and isolated
Drug and alcohol addiction recovery groups Job creation enterprises Community toddler group None of these 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
“It is so encouraging that the church is continuing to serve the most vulnerable through this crisis despite the obvious challenges. Our society will look very different in the future, and there may be tough times ahead, but good times will return and the church has a critical role to play through the journey ahead.” – Dr Tani Omideyi, Senior pastor, Temple of Praise
70%
3. Relationship with government
60% 50% Furlough 40%
When the Government launched its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, 30% allowing workers to be furloughed, churches and organisations were able to 20% apply to the scheme. We found that: 10%
• 0% 31% of churches have furloughed some or all of their staff. Continue your work
Churches and organisations have accessed the government furlough scheme, and the majority of respondents to the survey felt they had received clear advice hitherto from the Government, but there was less clarity about the future, which is affecting planning. Government advice
However, at the time of the survey only 40% of each group felt they had received clear advice from the Government and/or devolved administrations to allow them to plan for the future. Do you feel that you have received sufficiently clear guidance from the Government and/or devolved administrations about how you can continue your work during lock down and plan for the future? Organisations
Churches
70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
• 43% of organisations have furloughed some or all of their staff. Yes, for all staff
Yes, for more than half our staff
• T he larger the church or organisation, the more likely they were to Yes, for about a quarter of staff Yes, for a small proportion of staff furlough staff. No
100% 80%
Organisations
Churches
70%
80%
60%
60% 50%
Over 70% of church and organisation leaders felt they received clear advice from the Government and/or the devolved administrations to allow them to continue to work during lockdown.
80%
Plan for the future
Continue your work
Plan for the future
40%
40%
30%
20% 20% 10%
0%
0%
0–49
50–149 150–249 250+ Plan for the future Congregation size
Continue your work
Yes, for all staff
Yes, for more than half our staff
Yes, for about a quarter of staff
Yes, for a small proportion of staff
No 100% 80% 70% 80% 60% 50% 60% 40% 30% 40% 20% 20% 10% 0% 0%
0–9 0–49
10–35 50–149 150–249 Number of staff Congregation size
36+ 250+
4. The church never closed
Key concerns of churches Throughout the UK, the church is serving the vulnerable through this epidemic and consequently the church is well placed to comment on which long-term effects of this pandemic on our society and communities are most concerning. The survey highlighted a number of areas of concern:
The church remains deeply concerned that this crisis will increase poverty, debt and mental health problems for those in their community. We had respondents from across the UK and a range of denominations.
10–35 Number of staff
36+
• 77% about the increase in mental health problems. • 77% about the increase in poverty and debt for individuals.
80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
• 56% about the impact of the economy on employment. • 49% about the impact of the economy on social infrastructure and services. While few of these concerns may be a surprise, the results will help churches to prepare to address mental health problems and the long-term economic consequences and injustice of the pandemic. Overall, 97% of churches are concerned about the long-term economic consequences of this crisis. Churches have shown great agility and are already beginning to respond to these needs. 10–35 36+ Number of staff What long-term effects of this pandemic on society and communities concern you most? Please select up to 3.
0–9
Denominational spread of church respondents
13)
ostal (10)
atic (27)
The impact of the economy on employment Baptist (141)
Presbyterian (13)
Independent evangelical (94)
Vineyard (12)
Anglican (90)
Pioneer (10)
Independent (43)
URC (6)
New Frontiers (30)
RCCG (4)
Elim (19)
Other Pentecostal (10)
The increase in mental health problems
AOG (18)
Other charismatic (27)
The increase in poverty and debt for individuals
Methodist (15)
Other (28)
The impact of the economy on social infrastructure and services The impact on the human dignity of certain groups of people The disunity in government The increased sense of nationalism
0%
Reduce more than 50%
10%
20% 30%
40% 50% 60% 70%
80%
Increase 0%
Church finances
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
Has your church got reserves that will enable you to continue through a period of reduced income?
Impact on overall income
of the economy on employment
the challenging mpact ofGiven the economy on socialeconomic climate, we wanted to find out about the financial circumstances infrastructure and services of churches. The overall headline is encouraging: 61% he impact on the human of churches thinkdignity their income over the next 6 months will drop by 10%, stay of certain groups of people the same or increase. Evangelical Alliance member churches are notably more the future. Theoptimistic disunity inabout government
We do not have reserves and but are not anticipating needing to cover reduced income (5%). We have reserves that will cover any projected loss of income over the next 6 months (56%). We do not have reserves and we anticipate reduced income (8%). We have reserves but they will not cover the projected loss of income over the next 6 months (9%).
Furthermore, even with potentially challenging economic times ahead, 56% of increased sense of nationalism churches think they have got enough reserves to continue through a period of ease in reduced mental health problems income, and 23% have reserves but do not anticipate needing to use
them. poverty and debt for individuals As a church what do you project will be the impact on your overall income 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% in the next 6 months? Reduce more than 50% Reduce by 50%
We have reserves but do not anticipate needing to use them (23%).
We were encouraged by the responses from churches on their finances and reserves, which demonstrate a mix of good stewardship and trust in God’s provision. However, the church is still facing an uncertain financial future and it is important to note that 66% of churches are concerned about the lost offering income during the pandemic. This concern was stressed by respondents throughout the UK but was most pronounced in Northern Ireland. What are the main points of financial concern for your church?
Reduce by 25% Lost offering income
Reduce by 10% Lost rental income
Stay the same
Lost grants for provision of community services
Increase
reserves and but are not eding to cover reduced income (5%).
es that will cover any projected over the next 6 months (56%).
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Paying the wages of staff 0%
Yes
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
No, some roles are likely to be made redundant
No, some roles are likely to be reduced in time No, without continued financial support we will not be able to continue operating Don't know
30%
Lost rental income
Earlier in the report we shared that only 31% of churches have used the Lost offering government furlough scheme. Weincome asked those who had used the scheme if all staff would be brought back into their roles. The response to this question rental income varied depending on theLost size of the church. 71% of churches with congregations between 0-49 don’t know if furloughed staff will be brought back into their roles, Lost grants provision of community whilst overforhalf of churches with services congregations of more than 150 said furloughed staff would be brought back into their roles. Paying the wages of staff
When the Job Retention Scheme closes will all the staff currently furloughed 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% be brought back into their roles? Yes
No, some roles are likely to be made redundant
No, some roles are likely to be reduced in time No, without continued financial support we will not be able to continue operating Don't know
Lost grants for provision of community services
“It is encouraging to hear that the majority of churches think they Paying reserves the wages oftostaff have got the financial cope with the reduction of income resulting from this crisis. However, there is significant financial 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% uncertainty ahead that must be a concern especially amongst smaller congregations or No, churches in more economically challenged areas. At Yes some roles are likely to be made redundant No, some roles are likely to be reduced in time the same time, this is a moment where each and every church is being No, without financial supporttowe will not be ableset to continue operating a gift to their localcontinued community by rising meet a huge of needs for Don't know practical help and gospel hope. These needs are set to grow and so 80% our churches need the resources to sustain and expand this outreach 70% to aid our nations recovery. Therefore, now is the time for us all to 60% reaffirm our generosity and redouble our commitment to our local 50% churches.” 40%
80%
30% – Stewart McCulloch, CEO, Stewardship 20%
70%
10%
60%
0%
50% 40%
50-149 150-249 Congregation size
Using a mixture of formats
30%
Prerecording material
20%
250+
Broadcasting live Not streaming or broadcasting a service online
60%
10% 0%
0-49
For your Sunday services are you...
50%
0-49
50-149 150-249 Congregation size
Using a mixture of formats
250+
Broadcasting live
Sunday services, time commitments, wellbeing, busyness, Prerecording material Not streaming or broadcasting a service online and planning ahead 60% 50% Churches across the UK have done a great job of bringing their Sunday
services online, and 70% of churches say that people who would not normally 40% attend church are engaging. A range of tools are being used, with 28% of 30%
churches broadcasting live on Sunday and 39% prerecording their material.
20%
10% Interestingly, churches with larger congregations are far more likely to
prerecord their Sunday service and those with smaller congregations seem to 0% 0-49 50-149 150-249 250+ prefer to broadcast live. Congregation size
40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
0-49
50-149 Congregation size
150-249
250+
We’ve all had to adjust to the new ways of operating online. That fact is demonstrated in the activities that are taking up churches’ time. 45% of church leaders reported that preparing and delivering material for Sunday services is currently taking up most of their time.
10%
Please indicate which one of the following activities is taking up the most time for you at the moment?
0%
Averagecrisis, wouldGood Very good Compared toPoor before the COVID-19 you say you are currently: 30% 25%
Engaging with your local community and providing support for vulnerable people Providing pastoral support for members of your congregation
20%
Administration of your church and staff team
60%10%
15%
Organising and hosting mid-week church gatherings and events
50%
Preparing and delivering material for Sunday services
40%
10%
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During times of crisis it can be hard to think much further ahead than the needs. We wanted to find out how far ahead the church in the UK is currently planning. 67% of churches shared that they are planning either for the next month or for the next quarter.
0% immediate
50% 40%
25% 40% 20%
30%
30%
15%
20%
10%
20%
5% 10%
10% A lot lessPoor busy
A little less busy Average About the same
A little busier Good than before
Much good busier Very than before
30% Everyone’s
experience of the pandemic is unique, including levels of 25% busyness. The diversity of experience is represented in churches experience 20% of the COVID-19 crisis: 50% shared that they are busier than before the crisis 15% and 50% felt their busyness levels were either the same or less busy than 10% before the crisis. 5%
0%
Interestingly, the majority of Vineyard and Elim churches are finding themselves busier than before.
20% much
de
50%
0%
Much busier than before
In
50%
30%
0%
A little busier than before
As a church how far ahead are you currently planning?
Personal prayer and reflection
0% would you describe your current emotional wellbeing? How Poor Average 0% Good 20% Very good 10% 30% 40%
About the same
30%
pt
We have we go about our normal lives and that 40% has an impact on how we cope with everyday life. We asked respondents to Administration of your church and staff team 30% how they would describe their current emotional wellbeing. Encouragingly, share Organising and hosting mid-week church gatherings their and events 20% of respondents 73% described emotional wellbeing as good or very good, Preparing and delivering material for Sunday services and 10% this trend was replicated across the different regions of the UK.
About the same
Much busier than before
A little less busy
et
50%
A lot less busy
M
40%
an
30%
A little busier than before
Ba
20%
ic
10%
0%
gl
50%
0% Engaging with your local community and providing support for vulnerable people Providing pastoral support for members all experienced changes in how of your congregation
A little less busy
5%
An
Personal prayer and reflection
A lot less busy
A lot less busy
A little less busy
About the same
A little busier than before
Much busier than before
0%
On a week by week basis
For the next month
For the next quarter
For the next 6 months
For the next year
We have all seen the UK come together to clap for our key workers during the pandemic. We asked if churches had been providing specific support and resources for people involvedYes in the frontline response. 40% of churches said they had specifically supported or created content for key workers. We think this is an important space for churches to further engage in, by supporting, encouraging and equipping those in positions of public leadership during this pandemic. No
We have started to deliver new services in the light of this crisis We are providing most of the same 0% 10%
5. Changing organisations
20%
30%
40%
50%
services in the same way of as before What are the main points financial concern for your organisation?
60%
We are not able to operate under current restrictions
Lost donation income We are able to maintain a small
amount of operations
Werental have had to make significant Lost income changes to how we operate
havefor started to deliver Lost We grants provision of new services in the light community services of this crisis
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Only 12% of organisations are providing the same services Paying the wages of staff in the same way as before, 84% have had to make changes 0% income 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% to how they operate, have been unable to operate, or have Lost donation started new services. The largest organisations have had Despite their financialLost concerns, organisations reported a financial robustness rental income their delivery impacted the most with 10% not operating in their with 49% saying they have reserves that will cover any We do not have reserves andresponses but are not anticipating Lost grants for provision of needing to cover reduced incomeover and 90% making significant changes. projected loss of income the next 6 months and 20% telling us they have community services
We have reserves that will cover any projected loss reserves but do not anticipate needing of income over the next 6 months Paying the wages of staff
How has COVID-19 affected the delivery of your services?
to use them.
We do have reserves and we you got reserves that will enable you to continue As annot organisation have 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% anticipate reduced income through a period of reduced income? We have reserves but they will not cover the projected
We are providing most of the same services in the same way as before
loss of income over the next 6 months
We are not able to operate under current restrictions
We do not have reserves and but are not anticipating
We have reserves but do not anticipate needing to cover reduced income needing to use them
We have reserves that will cover any projected loss of income over the next 6 months 0% 10%
We are able to maintain a small amount of operations
20%
30%
40%
50%
We do not have reserves and we anticipate reduced income
We have had to make significant changes to how we operate
We have reserves but they will not cover the projected loss of income over the next 6 months
We have started to deliver new services in the light of this crisis
We have reserves but do not anticipate needing to use them
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Given that the majority of organisations have had to change the way they are operating, we wanted to find out about their financial circumstances. 58% Lost donation income of Christian organisations are concerned about lost donation income in the Lost32% rentalare income coming months and concerned about being able to pay the wages of their staff. Lost grants for provision of community services
Paying the wages of staff 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
The concern about loss of donation income is reflected in how organisations are projecting the financial impact on their overall income in the next 6 months. 59% of Christian organisations project that their income will reduce by 25% or more. In particular, children and youth organisations are facing the biggest loss in income over the next 6 months.
As an organisation what do you project will be the impact on your overall income in the next 6 months? 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Reduce more 35% than 50%
Reduce by 50%
Reduce by 25%
Reduce by 10%
Stay the same
Increase
30%
Earlier Yes of Christian organisations had utilised 25% in the report we noted that 43% the Government’s scheme. We asked those organisations if all the staff No, some roles are likelyfurlough to be made redundant 20% currently furloughed would be brought back into their previous roles. There was No, 15%some roles are likely to be reduced in time a mixed response: 41%financial don’t support know the No, without continued we answer to the question at this time, but 10% will not be able to continue operating encouragingly 40% said yes, all staff would be brought back into their previous roles. 5%
Don't know
10% all the 20%staff currently 30% 40% 50% 0% When the Job Retention Scheme 0% closes will Reduce more Reduce Reduce Reduce Stay the Increase than 50% by 50% bytheir 25% previous by 10%roles? same furloughed be brought back into EA member
Not EA member
Yes We are working in partnership with churches our local area No, some rolesother are likely to beinmade redundant No, some roles are to be reduced time We likely are working with theinlocal statutorysupport services No, without authority continuedorfinancial we will not be able to continue operating We are working with localDon't charities know or non-statutory services 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% We are working to meet these needs but not partnership with others It is important toinnote that 57% of Christian organisations have seen demand EA member Not EA member are not engaged in activities that for theirWe services increase or stay at the same levels as before the lockdown, meet of vulnerable people Wethe areneeds working in partnership with yet they are facing reduced income levels. How can we stand with these other churches in our local area 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
organisations to ensure they can continue to be salt and light across the UK? We are working with the local authority or statutory services
We are working with local charities or non-statutory services
“It has been a really challenging time for organisations, particularly those working with children and young people. Like many others, our school and community work had to stop overnight. We are grateful for the assistance of the furlough scheme and have had to re-imagine what our work will look like. We are thankful that many of our supporters have journeyed with us and we are working hard to prepare for the ‘new normal’ in the months ahead.” – Judith Cairns, Chief Executive, Love for Life
Churches are changing I t is clear that churches and organisations have changed how they operate while maintaining their core mission and vision. While these changes have been forced by lockdown, the church has shown great agility and creativity. For Christians, the heart of our mission is to help people come to know Jesus and this should be at the core of our activities in normal times and in crisis. People are interested in Jesus, they are checking out church, and the churches that prioritise helping people who are not Christians encounter Jesus see response. The survey results also show that proclaiming the good news of Jesus can and should go hand in hand with caring for the vulnerable. More than 90% of Evangelical Alliance member churches surveyed are providing support for vulnerable people, and around three quarters of these are working collaboratively with either other churches, charities
or local authorities. Many churches have had to stop some activities, but it is great to hear that nearly half of churches have started new activities especially around emergency food provision. Looking ahead almost all churches see economic problems along with the mental health consequences of this crisis as the primary challenges which will need to be addressed. At the Evangelical Alliance we are already responding to these findings in our activities and our representations to government. We will continue to hear from and help the church navigate this changing landscape, and we hope to revisit some of these questions soon. We are encouraged by the passion to make Jesus known in churches across the UK and heartened by the depth of compassion that is worked out through practical concern for the most vulnerable. Through the Spirit, Jesus is continuing to build His church.
The Evangelical Alliance is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 123448. Registered Charity No. England and Wales: 212325, Scotland: SC040576. Š Evangelical Alliance 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.