Planning for Church Growth After Covid

Covid-19 has undoubtedly affected the way we live and function as a society. This change is true for the Church as well. Most churches have had to close their physical doors at least once over the last year. Once re-opened, their capacity has been very limited. However, the Church has remained ready and active in serving their communities and people in any way needed.

Offering church services online has been a way that the Church has reached not only its own attendees but also new people who otherwise wouldn’t have walked through the physical doors. Even through the devastation and trials that the last year has brought, the Church has seen God continue to work in incredible and powerful ways!

Many churches, especially those experiencing significant growth before Covid-19 hit, are now wondering if they should continue expanding. The uncertainties of the future are caused to focus on and consider your church’s future plans. However, there are actions that your church can take now so that your church is ready later. When church communities can regularly join together in person, your church building should be a safe and welcoming space for all who attend.

If your church was growing before Covid-19, you may have questions about what next steps your church should take. Here are some answers and guidance to some of the questions your church may have.

What can our church be doing now before fully re-opening?

It may feel discouraging that your church attendance is low due to limited capacity guidelines or the hesitancy that previous and consistent church-goers understandably have. In addition, perhaps your church is currently empty most of the time because you’ve had to cancel many of the programs that previously happened weekly. But there’s good news! While your church building is functioning at a minimum level, some projects can be completed that will benefit your church family in the future.

Are there “smaller” tasks that have been on the church’s to-do list? For example, maybe you’ve wanted to update the paint in certain areas but were unable to previously because those rooms were constantly being used. Or perhaps there are small renovations that were impossible to complete before because a particular church area needs to be blocked off. Take this time to check off some of these tasks—it will benefit the future in more than one way!

You can use these new “updates” as a campaign to get your community excited for your re-opening!

• Create an exciting, updated children’s area

• Design and create a new coffee café

• Create excitement through an updated community space

When your attendees enter the building, they will appreciate the preparation and sense a freshness and new life!

If our church was outgrowing its space before, should we still plan to expand?

If your church was experiencing growth before Covid-19, growth will likely continue once in-person services resume. So keep dreaming and keep planning. The preparation phase of building a new building is foundational. Whether you are ready to be “all in” financially in the building stage, continuing to prepare and plan will give you a great head start and expedite the building process once you are ready to proceed.

If we want to begin or continue planning for expansion, where should we start?

Finding a good church architect and discussing your options are vital. They will also be able to give you behind-the-scenes insight into what they see work well for other churches. They can guide you in the best direction and assist you in your own process. Building a new building is a great long-term, permanent option for a growing church. However, there are other church expansion options such as renovations to your current facility or big box conversions, that may also be a great fit for your growing church. A professional church architect will understand the ins and outs of expanding your ministry and be able to help you find the best fit for your church.

When your doors re-open, many people will be mentally exhausted and emotionally weary. Yet, they will be eager for a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space. Whether you have given your church home a fresh coat of paint or commenced with the building process, your attendees will see that you have been eagerly preparing for their arrival and have ensured they are safe and feel at home.

We may not know what the future holds, but we absolutely know Who holds the future. And that truth is something that helps us walk confidently and boldly into the future!