More Than 70 Percent of Churches Are Meeting Again, and Most Practice Social Distancing

Most Protestant churches in the United States have returned to in-person services, and most also are practicing social distancing by closing off certain seats to battle the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new LifeWay Research survey.

More than 70 percent of Protestant churches met in-person in July – a stark contrast to April when only 10 percent met.

The survey of Protestant pastors shows that 71 percent of churches met July 19, 73 percent met July 12, and 70 percent met July 5.

Meanwhile, churches are taking extra precautions to stop the spread of the virus.

For example:

• 94 percent are providing hand sanitizer, masks or gloves to those needing it.
• 86 percent are conducting additional cleaning of surfaces.
• 76 percent are closing seats to increase distance between people and to practice social distancing.
• 59 percent recommend masks. Around a third (35 percent) are requiring them.

Although most churches did not meet in May, a majority (55 percent) said they met the first weekend in June.

Still, 21 percent of pastors say they have not met since the pandemic started.

One-fifth (21 percent) of churches have offered drive-in services during the pandemic, according to the study.

“Resuming in-person worship services has not been reverting to worship as usual,” said Scott McConnell, executive director LifeWay Research. “Churches are making efforts to make the environment…