Reconnection with Your Community Post Covid-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional church attendance and caused widespread social distancing, churches were forced to adapt their approach to community engagement. While the pandemic highlighted the importance of technology in maintaining connections with congregations, it also created challenges for churches seeking to serve and engage with their local communities.

Now that the “New Normal” is not no longer normal, I have been seeking ways to get people back in church in the same manner that I see back in the malls, restaurants, and concerts.  

In this effort, I stumbled across a book entitled, "The Post Quarantine Church," by Thom S. Rainer. In this book, Rainer challenges churches to reconnect with the community near their church and to find new ways to engage with the needs of neighbors post-pandemic. 

Community outreach and evangelism have long been integral components of many churches' missions. However, the pandemic presented new obstacles to connecting with the local community, including restrictions on in-person gatherings and a heightened sense of isolation and fear. To overcome these challenges, churches must be creative in finding ways to engage with their communities. Technology can be a valuable tool in this effort, with online platforms and social media offering opportunities for virtual outreach and engagement.

But reaching out to the community goes beyond technology. Churches can also engage with their local communities through service and mission work, meeting the practical needs of their neighbors in tangible ways. This can involve partnering with local organizations or creating new initiatives to address specific needs, such as food insecurity or mental health support. By actively seeking ways to serve and connect with their community, churches can build relationships and share the love of Christ in meaningful ways.

To effectively reconnect with their local community, churches must also be intentional in their approach. This involves understanding the needs and concerns of their neighbors, listening to their perspectives, and building relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Churches must be willing to step outside of their comfort zones and engage with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, recognizing that everyone has a unique story and experience.

About the Author