It is also not a surprise that when asked how they were worshipping during the pandemic, many respondents said they were doing so remotely. Forty-eight percent have been watching a service online without being able to interact with others. Twenty-three percent said they have been meeting virtually using a tool such as Zoom that allows for interaction. Fifteen percent have listened to a service virtually but with audio only, 14 percent have not been meeting, and 12 percent have been meeting in person with social distancing precautions. Eleven percent said they had been meeting in person as they normally would, and three percent said they had started or restarted attending church services.
The study found that whether or not people had been diagnosed or hospitalized with COVID-19 impacted their view of how much their churches were supporting them. Seventy-two percent of people hospitalized because of COVID-19 said they felt supported by their church communities, and 62 percent of those who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 said the same. Among those who had experienced no symptoms of the virus, only 49 percent said they felt supported by their church communities.
COVID-19 has also impacted people’s interaction with or view of the Bible. Respondents were more likely to read their Bibles if they had personally known someone who had died from the virus. They were more likely to desire to read the Bible if they had been hospitalized with COVID-19, if they were diagnosed with it, or if they knew someone who had it.
While “State of the Bible 2020” offers a look into the impact of COVID-19 on Americans’ faith practices, “The Bible in a COVID-19 World” is more than interesting information. At the end of the chapter, Barna and ABS list several resources in the hope that pastors, church leaders, families, and individuals will use their newfound knowledge to minister to others during this difficult time. “The Church plays a central role in helping Christians and seekers find hope in the midst of struggles,” say the “State of the Bible 2020” authors. “Consider learning more about how you can minister to the heart wounds of your congregation.”
