It’s been a year since the U.S. federal government issued a state of emergency in response to rising COVID-19 cases in the nation. Over the past 12 months, America has witnessed the sobering effects of the virus on every aspect of life. Churches joined the many institutions forced to shift and innovate in a time of social distancing, isolation and great loss.

This article looks back at Barna research showing the year’s impact on levels of anxiety, life milestones and hope for the future among Americans, with a specific focus on practicing Christians. Practicing Christians seem to have fared better than average in a number of dimensions, but church leaders should note those groups who have been especially challenged during the pandemic—and prepare to meet their needs in the new hybrid ministry space of 2021.

Practicing Christians are defined as U.S. adults who identify as Christian, agree strongly that faith is very important in their lives and have attended church at least once a month, on average, in the past year. It’s important to note that, during COVID-19, most church services moved online, and streaming is not always equated with attending. 

Satisfaction with Social Life, Well-Being & Work-Life Balance Has Waned During the Pandemic Barna checked in with U.S. adults on the toll of COVID-19 six months into the pandemic. As of October, about two in five Americans (42%) said they were just as satisfied with their social life then as they were before the pandemic, though a similar 46 percent noted more dissatisfaction in this area. Though practicing Christians were more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their social life (21% vs. 12% all U.S. adults), the refrain was the same: COVID-19 had negatively impacted their social life (42% less satisfied).

Among the ways the pandemic affected social lives: The majority of all U.S. adults (57%) and practicing Christians (62%) shared they had altered, skipped or canceled major events and milestones they were looking forward to as a result of the pandemic.