As churches face declining attendance exacerbated by the pandemic, many pastors, like Rev. William H. Lamar IV of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., have had to adapt to offering both virtual and in-person services. Rev. Lamar initially resisted transitioning online but eventually found a balance between the two formats, noticing more congregants choosing in-person worship over virtual services. This shift in attendance trends has encouraged pastors to use Easter as an opportunity to welcome more visitors to their churches and try to reverse the decline in attendance, particularly among Black Protestants, whose church attendance has dropped significantly compared to other religious groups.
In churches like Calvary Baptist Church in Queens, New York, the pandemic has accelerated the decline in attendance that was already occurring due to members relocating to more affordable areas. Senior Pastor Victor T. Hall Sr. hopes for a resurgence in attendance this Easter, even if only for one Sunday. The absence of in-person gatherings has dampened the vibrancy and pageantry of traditional Easter celebrations in Black churches, leaving a void in cultural expressions of faith. Despite these challenges, Pastor Hall remains hopeful for the future of his church and the possibility of seeing full pews again.
Black churches across the country are grappling with the impact of the pandemic on attendance and overall engagement, with many congregations finding ways to adapt and grow through online worship services. The Church at the Well in Memphis, Tennessee, founded by Rev. Kia Conerway, saw an increase in membership during the pandemic through innovative marketing and virtual worship. This Easter, the church will continue to prioritize virtual worshippers by creating opportunities for connection and community, such as check-in calls and care packages for those attending virtually.
At Saints Memorial Community Church in New Jersey, Rev. Cassius L. Rudolph worked diligently to ensure that elderly members could continue to connect with one another during the pandemic, even resorting to conference calls for Sunday services. As Easter approaches, the congregation looks forward to coming together in their renovated church sanctuary, signaling a return to a sense of normalcy and connection. In Chicago, Trinity United Church of Christ, led by Rev. Otis Moss III, will focus on themes of gratitude and grief this Easter, acknowledging the losses experienced during the pandemic while also finding hope and resilience in the Easter story of resurrection.
As pastors and congregations prepare for Easter celebrations, they are mindful of the challenges and losses that the pandemic has brought, but also hopeful for a renewal of faith and community. Rev. Lamar’s message at Metropolitan AME on Palm Sunday resonated with his parishioners, reminding them of the power of live, in-person worship experiences in fostering spiritual connection and growth. This Easter, Black churches across the country will seek to bridge the gap between virtual and in-person worship, offering opportunities for both traditional and innovative expressions of faith, while also honoring the resilience and strength of their communities in the face of adversity.
