2022-2023 ABC USA Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations
In January of 2022 the American Baptist Churches USA Office of General Secretary commissioned a task force to explore the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on congregational life. The task force was entitled, “Interpreting the Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations” and met from March 2022-June 2023. Below are a collection of reports.
Members included:
Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn, Pennsylvania
Rev. Dr. Roger Alber, Massillon, Ohio
Rev. Laura Ayala, Caguas, Puerto Rico
Rev. Thomas Beers, Audubon, Pennsylvania
Rev. Dr. Daniel Cash, Columbus, Indiana
Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley, ABC New York City
Rev. Lisa Harris Lee, ABHMS
Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula, ABC Nebraska
Rev. Dr. Mary Miller, ABC of Massachusetts
Rev. Dr. Alan Rudnick, Manlius, New York
Results of Survey
To understand the impact of COVID-19 on American Baptist Congregations, Regions, and National Partners, the task force took time and care in crafting a survey to share with ABC USA. Using a combination of data points and open ended questions, the survey asked respondents to share their experiences pre-pandemic, peak pandemic, and post-peak pandemic on a variety of personal and church related issues.
The online survey was published in official ABC USA newsletters, ABC USA website, posted on social media sites, and sent to each of our 33 Region Executive Ministers to share with their local church constituents. Nearly 150 individuals responded to the survey representing rural, urban, and suburban communities from 30 ABC USA regions.
The Challenge of Change
Rev. Dr. Frank Frischkorn’s summary article on the ongoing change that has resulted from a post peak pandemic church experience.
A Streamlined Response to Covid
Rev. Dr. Daniel Cash’s summary article on the many ways congregations and individuals creatively adapted to the Covid pandemic.
How Covid Changed Relationships and Community
Rev. Dr. Greg Mamula’s summary article on the lasting impacts on relational dynamics in the church.