Church Attendance Post-Pandemic

     The pandemic had a profound effect on U.S. society, and it continues to have an impact in some ways. Americans have been less likely to attend religious services over the past four years, and at this point, it does not appear that church attendance will revert to pre-pandemic levels.

     Glen Burnie UMC average church attendance in 2019 was 194 in 2023 it was 129.  There have been people watching on Facebook and YouTube, however, our numbers are consistent with statistics which are showing that nearly all faiths are seeing declines in regular attendance.

     According to Dr. Jeffrey M. Jones, who has served as a Gallup Senior Editor since 2000, reports that Gallup research shows that on any given weekend, about three in 10 U.S. adults attend religious services, down from 42% two decades ago. A decade ago, the figure fell to 38%, and it is currently at 30%. This decline is largely driven by the increase in the percentage of Americans with no religious affiliation — 9% in 2000-2003 versus 21% in 2021-2023.

     Since the pandemic Glen Burnie UMC has seen an increase in persons from other United Methodist Churches and other denominations such as Lutherans and Presbyterians attending our worship services. This is an encouraging trend. Our focus, of course, must continue to be the proclamation of the Gospel’s message of Jesus’ death and resurrection and what that means for those who believe and for those who are feeling the Holy Spirit’s presence leading them toward belief.

     Within the United Methodist Church 25% of all churches voted to disaffiliate from the denomination. This was a significant loss. It has given rise to what is called Lighthouse Congregations within the denomination.  Lighthouse Congregations are churches that serve as hospitable and healing environments for people who seek to remain United Methodist.  Although Glen Burnie UMC has not officially been deemed as such, we are indeed a church that places a high priority on hospitality and healing for all of God’s people.

   As a church we are committed to making disciples for Jesus Christ. The SPRC has hired the Rev. Phil Tocknell as a Visitation Pastor to help me as the congregation continues to age and has an increase population in homebound and shut-ins. Pastor Phil will be called upon on to serve in an “as need basis.”  He will also, on occasion, preach for me when I am on vacation.  The SPRC is also busy with other staff positions that will probably materialize by summer’s end.

    During the months of May and June the School Academic year come to an end.  There will be graduations and celebrations.  We congratulate our graduates. Their names are in the newsletter, please extend warm congratulations to them and pray for them as God directs them onto new paths of learning and work. 

      We must continue to pray for the younger generation that they have a relationship with Jesus. We must do all we can to let them know the doors of Glen Burnie are always open for all generations. It takes all of us to witness to our faith and share the love and grace of God.  No age is too young to hear the wondrous story of Jesus.

      I am saddened by the research regarding younger Americans. The research from both Gallup Research and Pew Research indicate church attendance will likely continue to decline in the future, given younger Americans’ weaker attachments to religion. May we commit ourselves to praying to God that this trend will change course for the sake of everyone.

       May we do all we can in this post-pandemic time to share with the younger generation that God loves them and, as the church, so do we.  If and when they attend worship may they experience Jesus’ unconditional love.  

                                                                                                                                 Blessings,

                                                                                                                                 Pastor Ken