Finding answers in times of uncertainty

As the world navigates uncharted waters and uncertainty permeates public consciousness with the coronavirus outbreak, churches are again seeing an uptick in participation numbers.

'In times like this when there's so many questions and doubts, people look to the church as pillars of strength in the community,” Jeff McNeil, a pastor at the Faith Christian Outreach Church (FCOC) in Mt. Pleasant, said.

Like other moments in history that have led to major societal shifts, people looking for answers often gravitate to institutions like churches, who attempt to offer clarity and hope. Both McNeil and Parnell Davis, a coordinator for Youth for Christ, pointed to the way churches flooded following 9/11 as another example of when people have turned to faith and religion for comfort in times of distress.

'A majority of churches had record attendance because of the uncertainty and chaos with the attacks,” Davis said.

Davis explained he and his wife have gotten several inquiries about 'what it looks like to walk with Jesus,” since the outbreak has begun to affect the country.

'They have questions about the world. Most people have those questions - they question faith, they question what they believe,” Davis said.

Even with health recommendations preventing congregations and groups from actually gathering, more people are turning into digital services than from before the outbreak.

McNeil said FCOC has seen online attendance of services go up 150%, with over 2,000 people livestreaming their Facebook sermons on Sunday.

'It's a time for the church to rise. As a person of faith, I know people turn to God when there are questions in life. People are looking for something bigger than themselves,” McNeil added. He also said it's 'thrilling” to see that people and the church are 'not cowering down in a difficult time.”

'We're determined not to be defeated by this. We miss each other,” he said.

The FCOC pastor added that churches are also looking for new and creative ways to reach people and sees this time 'as a great opportunity.” In addition to livestreaming Sunday services, the group also does daily Zoom meetings with youth members.

'We're really focused on speaking life and encouragement through bible study. We want to help them smile and continue that connection,” McNeil said. In addition to giving people hope, the church also wants to keep people connected.

'With our younger members, we're just trying to keep the conversation going. Loneliness is great grounds for anxiety and depression, which can be a challenge for a lot of people in this time,” he said.

The pastor added that messaging from the church has also turned to a more hopeful tone.

'This past Sunday, pastor Monte focused on our role and God's role. That partnership. We have a role to play. It's a message of hope and strength we find in Christ,” McNeil explained.

Like McNeil, Davis said it is encouraging to see more people joining the church but adds that he hopes the trend continues even when the coronavirus outbreak slows down.

'It's important people don't get too lax and think they can just turn on their computer and fulfill their Sunday duty. Jesus calls us to live for him daily. A lot of people find themselves going through the motions but not necessarily walking with Jesus daily. We see this in times of crisis or when people are searching for hope,” Davis said.

Davis added that while its great to have the technology to be able to continue meeting even with social distancing recommendations, nothing will be able to replace the church coming together. The pastor also has been holding sermons online and providing worship notes via email to those who cannot livestream.

'There's something special about looking someone in the eye, seeing that physical hope coming from another person. And just physical touch, hugging, high-fiving, handshakes - I will be excited when churches are able to open their doors again,” Davis said.

The coordinator also said that he feels in times of need, it is the role of the church to serve the community.

'This is an opportunity for the church to take care of people,” Davis said, pointing to organizations like the Fellowship Cup and Lighthouse that meet the needs of low income families who may be struggling through the pandemic.

'Now is the time for the church to come along. Helping and preparing others is our main responsibility,” he said.