The Impact of COVID-19

on the American Church

This FREE REPORT gives pastors & church leaders critical insights for facilitating readiness during unforeseen circumstances

Get a copy of the report

ChurchSalary and the Arbor Research Group uncovered 9 key common experiences or themes that every pastor and congregation in American navigated during the pandemic—from pain and loss, to political polarization, and the relentless pressure to rapidly adapt simply in order to survive.

This yearlong study of over 1,000 pastors and leaders revealed that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how the pandemic affected "the church.” Instead, what impacted the outcome for each congregation was how they reacted to and navigated these 9 common experiences or themes. This report is designed to help every pastor and church reflect, heal, gain crucial insights, and prepare for the next unforeseen challenge.

Submit the form to download a copy of the report, The Impact of COVID-19 on the American Church.

Inside the Report

Introduction: Why Now?

Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Pain and Loss (of Presence)

Pandemic challenges and battles inflicted deep and lasting wounds on pastoral leaders.

Chapter 2: Adapt to Survive

To survive COVID-19, leaders were forced to adapt at a relentless and unpredictable pace.

Chapter 3: The Great Revealer

The pandemic revealed the spiritual immaturity, simmering polarization, and unexpected resiliency in many churches.

Chapter 4: The Miracle of Plates and Pews

Why did some faithful congregations shrink in size and giving, while others witnessed explosive growth?

Chapter 5: A Tectonic Shift in Technology

The pandemic greatly accelerated the adoption of and reliance on technology among churches.

Chapter 6: Outside the Walls

Pandemic disruptions spurred many churches to minister outside the walls of the church.

Chapter 7: Political Polarization and Friendly Fire in the Culture War

Lasting damage was inflicted not by restrictions imposed from outside the church but by politicized conflicts inside each congregation.

Chapter 8: Leadership in Crisis

The pandemic accelerated retirements, caused resignations, and created a leadership crisis.

Chapter 9: Beauty from Ashes

Stories from the pandemic remind us that hope abounds even in the most difficult circumstances.

Appendix: Disproportionate Impact and Outcomes

How did COVID-19 impact pastors and churches differently based on age, experience, ethnicity, gender, and location?

Authors & Contributors

Rev. Aaron M. Hill

Terry Linhart, Ph.D.

Jon Swanson, Ph.D.

Tyler Greenway, Ph.D.

Eric Shieh, Ph.D.

Hope Zeller, Ph.D.

Rev. Ebonie Davis

Jesse M. Brown, Ph.D.

Rev. S. Michael Greene

Rev. Brent Sickel

Jim Bolton