The Evangelical Alliance (EA) has been busy during the pandemic and is now helping churches gear up for the aftermath, a statement from the organisation says. A spokesperson for EA writes:
The EA has been looking into the impact of the pandemic on 20s and 30s, long known as the ‘missing generation’ in churches. One in two young adults had attended a service (online or offline) during the pandemic, according to a survey by Durham University last year, but there’s still many who are unreached. To equip ministry in this area, the EA launched the new resource Changing Church – Is the ‘missing generation’ still missing? with accompanying research.
Hope in Jesus
The EA’s widely-shared short film, Lament, addressed the grief caused by the pandemic while pointing to the hope of Jesus Christ. The Being Human project, which inspires and equips Christians to understand, articulate and participate in the Biblical vision of humanity, continues to grow, with season two of the podcast now available.
The EA has kept church leaders updated with information on coronavirus regulations and guidance for the re-entry process. It also facilitated various online events with contributions from church leaders and medical professionals to help people feel confident and practically supported in accessing the vaccine when offered. The EA’s One People Commission hosted Give Hope Live, a special webinar about the vaccine.
In January, Stories of Hope was released, an anthology that tells of the hope the UK church has brought to so many last year. On 23 March, Stories of Hope Scotland, a report produced by the Evangelical Alliance with Serve Scotland to gather and share the many community schemes and acts of service undertaken by the church in Scotland, was debated in the Scottish Parliament, calling attention to the positive impact of the church.
In March, the EA wrote to the Prime Minister, explaining that it opposes abusive and harmful practices associated with conversion therapy, but is calling on the government to protect those seeking spiritual support. The EA also joined with other churches and charities to call on the government to change gambling legislation to protect the most vulnerable.
