An online poll of more than 150 evangelical churches for en has revealed that many resumed physical services in some form as soon as the government permitted.
However, nearly a third are sticking with online services until September, and 5% say that, for various reasons, they will not be restarting until October or later.
The survey showed 44% of evangelical churches restarted socially-distanced services in buildings or together outside in July, 22% in August, and 29% are intending to do so in September, though this all depends on whether there is a second wave of the coronavirus.
Ryan Burton King, Grace Baptist minister from Wood Green, said: ‘As soon as groups of six were allowed in gardens in June, we began outdoor Bible study… [we] were able to assemble as a church on 5 July.’
Paul Eddy, an Anglican minister from Stanford, said: ‘We offered private prayer on Sundays during July and August, and aim to reopen for worship on 6 September. However, our over-65s are unlikely to come.’
Fancy dress
David Heath-Whyte, from Morden, said: ‘We’re making plans to start services in September… we’re overwhelmed by the near-impossibility of doing anything decent with children. They seem to have been forgotten, and the Church of England and Southwark Diocese guidance about children’s work is confused and contradictory. I’m not of the “children should be seen and not heard” school, and I’d love children to be able to have a decent Sunday Club.’
Daniel Kirk, from Gidea Park, reported: ‘We will go back in September, but are not sure whether we will continue with Zoom at the same time.’
Several respondents, asked to complete the sentence: ‘We are beginning services in…’ replied with the answer ‘fancy dress’.
