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What Do Members Think of Virtual Ministry? Vanco commissioned a nationwide survey of churchgo- ers to better understand how members feel about virtu- al services and connecting online rather than in person. The answer is clear: Churchgoers are very comfortable with virtual services, and they will continue using them in the future. We asked 1,000 virtual churchgoers how their worship habits have changed recently, how they attend services virtually, if they attend online more often than they previously did in person, how they feel about online church, and more. Download the Vanco Virtual Churchgoer Giving Sur- vey at vancopayments.com/virtual_survey. Here are our top takeaways: • One-third of people surveyed say they plan to continue attending virtual services, even after the pandemic. • Churchgoers nationwide embrace virtual worship. Nearly all virtual churchgoers (93 percent) believe virtual services make it easier to attend. • 65 percent of virtual churchgoers continued giving at the same rate during the COVID-19 pandemic as they did before. • 35 percent of virtual churchgoers feel very con- nected to their church and community during virtu- al services. While most churchgoers and church leaders have be- come comfortable with virtual ministry, some churches are ready (and allowed by local law) to welcome mem- bers back into their buildings for services. Not all members are ready. Not all churches have the infrastructure in place to accommodate in-person services right now. For those churches that are ready, planning is necessary before members come back. Vanco has resources on that topic. Ready to Return? Is your church in the process of returning to more in-person services and meetings? Some churches are busy getting staff, church leaders, volunteers, and members back into their facilities. Our Returning to Church during COVID-19 Playbook (www.vancopayments.com/church_playbook) helps churches and church leaders understand the basics of welcoming members back to the building, how to dis- infect areas, communicate with members, and follow the law to protect members and staff. This guide offers information about topics such as: • When is the right time to reopen? When local law allows it, and when members and staff are com- fortable, it might be time to reopen. Always follow local laws when opening your doors. • How to protect your church members. Disinfect every room with approved products for use against COVID-19. These areas should include child-care rooms, classrooms, kitchens, restrooms, and all communal gathering spaces. Don't forget the little things. • Signs help! Before reopening your church, place signs in common areas to remind people of proper hand-washing techniques, how to wear masks, and social distancing guidelines. • Alert members of ways to connect when not physically together. Your church members can stay in touch even if some want to participate in person and some want to participate virtually. Church apps are a great solution for keeping the congregation united when members are participat- ing in different places. Vanco also offers critical advice on church reopening topics: • How smartphone apps and church websites play a crucial role in keeping members looped in on news and communications. • The sense of community doesn't have to suffer because of distance. • Recommendations for adjusting your church prac- tices for the future. Gather church leaders for planning discussions. Listen to your members. Churches will get through this chal- lenge. w As your church navigates reopening, visit Vanco at vancopayments.com/egiving or by calling 855.213.3705. ADVERTISEMENT Lutheran Life 7

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