WayBase releases Fall 2020 Survey Report on COVID-19 Impact

WATERLOO – November 17th, 2020

– The COVID-19 pandemic has changed virtually every part of our lives. This is equally true for Christian churches and ministries all across Canada. These charities number over 32,000, can be found from coast-to-coast, generate $15 billion in revenue, have immeasurable social welfare impact, and activate massive numbers of volunteers. The changes they are experiencing have, and will continue to, be felt by every Canadian. But what is the impact? National survey results being released November 17th, 2020, reveal revenue trends, how many organizations are prioritizing in-person gatherings, how technology is being leveraged, and what organizations are doing to serve needs in their local communities as they continue to adapt. Following the insights gained through a Spring 2020 survey, a coalition of Christian research organizations initiated a second national survey on October 6, 2020 to see how Christian churches and ministries are adapting and faring as the second wave of COVID-19 struck many cities. WayBase, a Canadian organization, took the lead in facilitating the survey with responses from 1,269 churches and ministries from every province and territory representing 108 Christian faith traditions. The resulting

Fall 2020 research report provides an overview of what the survey uncovered. You will see:

• The negative financial impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt strongly across all Christian charities in all provinces in Canada;

• About 75% of Churches now offer in-person gatherings, although many still choose to offer online participation;
  

• Higher levels of in-person re-engagement are correlated with better revenue;
  

• There was a significant increase in the use of technology with 80% of churches now offering online services;
  

• As churches and ministries continue to adapt, many are turning their attention to the needs in their community.

Realizing that a massive shift may be happening with the second wave hitting crisis levels, and that Christian churches and ministries are constantly adapting as they continue to serve communities and cities across Canada, a third survey will be conducted Winter 2020 / 2021.Says WayBase COO, Sandra Nicholas, “Churches and ministries, like other organizations, are experiencing an unprecedented moment in their history. This is a unique opportunity for deepening our partnerships and finding creative ways to serve the growing needs of our local communities and our world. We're highly motivated to help them identify those needs, work together more effectively, and do all we can to support our communities and cities.”

Survey researchers include: Kevin Phang & Stefan Bouwman, WayBase; Canadian Centre for Christian Charities; Rick Hiemstra, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; James Watson (PhD), The Salvation Army; The Flourishing Congregations Institute at Ambrose University; Sam Reimer (PhD), Crandall University; Cardus; and Mike Wood Daly (DMin), Sphaera Research and Halo Canada. Find the Fall 2020 survey results here. To be notified about future surveys, click here.

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About WayBase:

WayBase is an online platform that enables individuals and Christian organizations to find each other and partner together. People looking for community and meaningful ways to invest their time or resources can engage with churches and Christian ministries. Churches and ministries can gain visibility, grow their community, partner together on common goals, and show collective impact. WayBase serves all of Canada but we have big dreams of expanding to other countries of the world.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Media Contact: Veronica Pellini; veronica@grafmartin.com or 519-342-3703