Post-Pandemic Praise: Central Texas pastors working to get worshippers back in churches in an era of livestreaming

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - From packed pews to clicking on a livestream online, the pandemic changed the way a lot people worship the Lord.

Four years after the pandemic shut down churches, most pastors in Central Texas are on a mission to get people back into the church so that they can receive the word in a communal setting.

Hearing church bells on Sunday morning is the norm for most churches ,but when COVID took the world by surprise, the bells went silent and churches closed their doors.

Pastor David Brower of the Central United Methodist Church in Waco explained with the church being known to welcome everyone with open arms, closing its doors and coming up with creative ways to serve the public was difficult.

“Doing communion on the go, churches meeting in parking lots so you can have open air, worship and things like that,” Brower said. “It was definitely the biggest challenge of how do you do relational ministry when our relational structure, culture, and habits have just been so disrupted?”

Prior to COVID, Pastor Brower said the church would have around 300 guests in-person on Sunday’s. During COVID, he said they had over 300 people watching their live streams.

Pastor Brower added although Central United Methodist hit a roadblock, that didn’t stop the congregation from supporting the church and others.

“The attendance numbers went down, the engagement numbers percentage wise went up. You were left with the people who were committed and engaged to being a part of the church. So, you didn’t see giving numbers drop a whole lot, you didn’t see your volunteer numbers drop a whole lot,” said Brower.

Pastor Steve Goode of the Dyess Grove Baptist Church in Temple said before the pandemic, the church averaged 30 guests on Sunday Services.

However, he said online streaming boosted the church’s exposure to 700 guests.

“We have people from Pennsylvania, Vermont, and a lot of people that watch all across the county. In a way, that’s good, we’re getting God’s word out. But I would much rather those people be inside of a church feeling the family effect,” said Goode.

According to the United States Census Bureau Records, every year more than 4,000 churches closes compared to just over 1,000 new church beginning.

Pastor Goode said because of the pandemic and lingering fear, more churches are closing across the country.

“Since 2020, we now have more churches in America that close per month than do open per month. We’re not talking about 10-20, we’re talking about the thousands,” said Goode.

Pastor Goode stated within the last 6-8 months, church attendance across the country is slightly rising but they have around 60% of pre-pandemic numbers.

Family Pastor, David Goddard at First Baptist Church in Temple said it had around 1,000 guests on Sunday services with 900 people watching online during the pandemic.

He explained even though the church’s doors were locked, donations went through the roof.

“Our donations actually increased. We already had online ways of giving and people just tended to do that. If they weren’t doing the online, they would mail the check in or drop it in a way without having to make any contact with anyone. We had a box. We’re very blessed,” said Goddard.

Pastor Goddard says in 2024, the church has around 850 guests on Sunday services.

“Even now, I still see some people around in masks that are just still very cautious about it. Some people were running back, open arms, ready to go. Other people were still a little bit tentative to come back. So, numbers are looking good, fellowship is sweet, so we’re just getting back to the new normal, said Goddard.”

Although clicking online to watch church can be quick and convenient, pastors would rather see you in person at your church home.

“I believe church services are like a family reunion. You’re missed when you’re not there. God is the father, and he wants to see all of his children there. If you have a church home and haven’t been in a while, please get reconnected,” said Goode.

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