Many churches have found ways to continue to connect with their followers and serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic in spite of social-distancing challenges that prevent congregating in person. In some cases, churches are even finding that reaching out in new and virtual ways is expanding their outreach in positive ways.

In Timonium, Maryland, Pastor Shea Strickland of Grace Fellowship Church has been reaching followers through an online service, while the church has been ramping up efforts in the community to help those who are facing difficult times during this global crisis. 

In 2019, Grace Fellowship worked with Thrivent to finance a loan to support serving its existing congregation through the Thrivent Church Loan and Income Fund1. The Church had set its focus on a next phase to expand its ministry around Baltimore. The church’s outreach efforts during the pandemic have actually helped them advance more quickly toward their goal of expanding into the community.

“Through technology, we were able to get the word out to our members to not only watch online, but to tell a friend to watch who may be isolated, struggling or searching for hope,” explained Pastor Strickland. "On a typical Sunday we would have 2,500 come to our church building, but now we have more than 6,000 who have streamed the service online."

But the mission of the church has gone well beyond Sunday services. Grace Fellowship has made a concerted effort to expand its community service in this heightened time of need.

“Not only did we share the message of hope in knowing and following Jesus,” explained Pastor Strickland, “but we promoted our online giving with a special emphasis on putting more into our  Grace Care community outreach programs that focus on filling in the gaps, helping people at risk, those who are affected by disabilities, and children in need by delivering food and paper products, and supporting those who have lost their jobs – whether they be members of the church or members of our Timonium community.”

The church is planning to continue to expand both its following and its outreach in the challenging months ahead. “We are praying boldly that God is leading us to reach 20,000 across Maryland and beyond, many of whom are not current church-goers or believers in Christ,” said Pastor Strickland. 

“God is on the move and we are multiplying the hope that Christ brings in different ways than originally imagined,” he added. “There are going to be some tough days ahead, but I believe that we are all going to be better for it, and more people will have had the chance to hear the Gospel message.”

To learn more about how the Thrivent Church Loan and Income Fund is providing financing opportunities to churches and other Christian organizations, visit ThriventIntervalFunds.com.