COVID-19 has already influenced the future trajectories of businesses and organizations—and the Black Church is no exception. Recent data show that over nine in 10 Black Church churchgoers (92%)—that is, attendees of primary Black Protestant denominations who have been to church at least once within the past six months—agree that their church responded well to the pandemic.

This article takes an in-depth look at what factors into positive or negative opinions on the Black Church’s response to COVID-19, how churchgoers of these denominations are experiencing the crisis and the hope they have for the future of their churches. This data is just the beginning of research we will continue to uncover in upcoming months as we partner with  Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker (of Black Millennial Cafe),  Urban Ministries, Inc., Lead.NYC, American Bible Society and Compassion to learn more about the State of the Black Church.

Overall, Black Churchgoers Agree That Their Churches Have Responded Well to the Pandemic Church leadership across the board has had to remain nimble in this time of uncertainty, responding to shifting regulations and perceptions while also considering the physical, economic and emotional impact the crisis has had on their attendees. For the most part, churches in Black Protestant denominations receive positive remarks for their approaches, with over nine in 10 Black Church congregants (92%) agreeing that their church responded well to the pandemic (64% strongly agree, 28% somewhat agree). Only 8 percent of Black Church attendees voiced that their church’s response has been lacking (6% somewhat disagree, 2% strongly disagree).

Research also shows a correlation between church commitment and the inclination to offer positive feedback on a church’s response to COVID-19—that is, the more often you attend church, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your church’s response.