Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped social norms, with profound and lasting consequences for human interaction. As the world pivoted to virtual solutions, many states mandated the closure of churches and other houses of worship, labeling them “non-essential.” While some churches reopened quickly, many complied voluntarily and never recovered. What was once central to community life was now seen as optional.
This shift has had a ripple effect: habits of isolation became entrenched, and human relationships became increasingly commoditized through social media and dating apps. To counter these trends, it is time to intentionally reinvigorate churches and similar institutions–through Sabbath Schools, Sunday Schools, small groups, and other communal spaces where people can be heard. Churches, synagogues, and houses of worship have a unique opportunity to de-commoditize human interaction, fostering genuine connection in a society dominated by digital convenience.
The Pandemic and the Decline of Churches
During the pandemic, restrictions on gatherings and the rise of virtual worship were seen as necessary for public health. But the unintended consequences were far-reaching. By categorizing churches as “non-essential,” states sent a powerful message: physical community and collective worship could be replaced by online alternatives.
Many churches complied, transitioning to live streams and Zoom services. While it initially provided an opportunity for people who may not have otherwise done so to interact remotely, many of the relational and communal aspects of worship at local congregations–so central to the mission of churches–were lost in this shift. Some congregations never returned to their physical spaces, leaving communities without the spiritual and social anchor they once relied on.
What was deemed “non-essential” in a moment of crisis has since become optional. This perception threatens to erode the role of churches further unless deliberate efforts are made to reinvigorate these vital spaces.
The Role of Churches in Social Recovery
As society grapples with the lingering effects of isolation, churches have a pivotal role to play in rebuilding authentic human connection. They offer something social media and dating apps cannot: physical spaces where individuals are valued, heard, and supported.
- Reclaiming the “Essential”: Churches must redefine their role as indispensable community hubs. By reinvesting in Sabbath Schools, Sunday Schools, and small groups, they can create spaces for individuals to share, learn, and grow together. These settings provide opportunities for deep, personal connections that cannot be replicated online.
- Listening and Belonging: In a world where digital interactions often feel impersonal, churches can serve as places where people are truly heard. Small groups and communal activities foster a sense of belonging, offering refuge from the alienation caused by social media and dating apps.
- De-Commoditizing Interaction: Social media and dating apps have reduced relationships to transactions and algorithms. Churches, synagogues, and other houses of worship provide an antidote by prioritizing shared values and community over surface-level metrics. They remind us that human interaction is not a product to be optimized but a sacred bond to be nurtured.
Commodified Relationships and Monopolization
Even moreso than social media, dating apps epitomize the challenges of commodified relationships. They promise efficiency but deliver inequality, leaving many users feeling rejected or invisible. Algorithms concentrate attention on a small percentage of users, while the majority are left struggling to find meaningful connections. This “winner-take-most” dynamic mirrors broader trends of digital monopolization and fosters loneliness, particularly among young people.
An example of this type of monopolization is in the retail business. Although the Internet was initially envisioned as an opportunity for everyone to participate in, for instance, commerce, small mom-and-pop businesses that opened websites soon found themselves out-maneuvered by Amazon, which not only managed to become the default online store but decimated large swaths of physical retail space. Similarly, influential voices on social media dominate and will eventually take over.
In contrast, churches provide a level playing field for relationships. Historically, they have been spaces where individuals meet within their “weight class,” fostering mutual respect and fairness. They emphasize perseverance, effort, and accountability–qualities that dating apps often undermine.
Churches also offer a vision of relationships grounded in shared purpose. They provide opportunities for individuals to demonstrate character and integrity, building bonds that are far more durable than the transactional interactions typical of dating apps.
A Vital Role in De-Commoditizing Interaction
Churches, synagogues, and houses of worship are uniquely equipped to resist the commodification of human relationships. In a world dominated by digital algorithms, they remind us that connection is not a product but a process–one that requires effort, accountability, and shared purpose. By providing physical spaces for listening, learning, and growing together, these institutions play an indispensable role in fostering authentic community.
The Path Forward: Intentional Reconnection
To address the long-term effects of pandemic-era isolation, society must take deliberate steps to rebuild connections–and churches must lead the way. Here’s how:
- Expand Programs for All Ages: By reinvesting in Sabbath Schools, Sunday Schools, and small groups, churches can create inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. These programs can serve as gateways to deeper involvement and connection.
- Prioritize Listening and Belonging: Small groups and communal activities give individuals the opportunity to share their experiences and be heard, fostering deeper connections. By emphasizing personal growth, perseverance, and resilience, they can counteract the “low-risk, low-reward” dynamics of digital platforms.
- Offer Physical and Emotional Sanctuary: Churches can be safe spaces for individuals grappling with the anxiety and loneliness amplified by digital over-reliance.
- Model Authentic Relationships: By emphasizing accountability, effort, and shared purpose, churches can teach the values necessary for building meaningful, lasting relationships.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Connection
The pandemic may have pushed churches into the margins of society, but their potential to heal and rebuild is undeniable. As society seeks to recover from the isolation and commodification of the digital age, churches must rise to the challenge. They are not just houses of worship but hubs of community and connection.
By reinvigorating their spaces and programs, churches can reclaim their role as essential institutions. They remind us that relationships are built on more than swipes or clicks–they are cultivated through shared experiences, accountability, and purpose. In this effort, churches are not merely relevant; they are irreplaceable.