Impact of COVID-19 on United Methodist Churches (Phase 2)

This United Methodist Church phase II survey queried 970 pastors and lay leaders in an online survey from April 16-21. Coming off the heels of Easter, pastors described themselves as hopeful (42%), calm (34%), and resilient (28%), but a significant percentage also described themselves as stressed (13%), anxious (12%) and frustrated (10%). According to respondants, 76% of congregations offered online services (an increase of 9% from a phase I survey conducted in late March). Only 51% of responses indicated congregational giving was down (a 25% decrease from Phase I survey). The UMC reported, “Overall, Phase II results shows a very adaptive United Methodist Church, capable of finding creative solutions of conducting ministry and supporting members.”