The Spanish Flu, COVID, and Brand New Churches
By Raul Rivera
As pastors and leaders, we find ourselves in a pivotal time, much like the one described in the gospels: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37). Today, that harvest is white and ready, and while church attendance has fluctuated since the pandemic, the deep, growing desire for spiritual depth and meaning has never been greater. People are searching for purpose and fulfillment beyond the surface-level comforts that have failed to sustain them through global crises.
We saw a similar trend after the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918-1919. Churches experienced both a surge and decline in attendance, with many turning to faith for comfort. But as the pandemic subsided, participation dropped quickly. One reason for this decline was the absence of churches that could connect with people from different backgrounds in ways that traditional congregations couldn’t.
At that time, most churches followed established denominational patterns with long-standing cultures and ways of doing things. While these churches met the needs of many, they often left new attendees feeling disconnected when their specific needs didn’t align with the traditional format. People sought solace, but many couldn’t find a place where they truly felt understood.
This highlights the need for more new churches that are able to meet specific needs. Many of you reading this blog can relate to this. The same thing happened after 9/11 and is now happening after the COVID pandemic. There is a cry in the land, and you may be the one God is calling to launch a new church that offers a unique experience.
Yes, Church attendance is down, but it does not have to be that way. There are people in your community and beyond that only you can reach. Whether you are planting a new church or leading an existing one, let me give you 5 things to do now.
- Foster a Relationship with the Lord: The foundation of every church and ministry lies in the pastor's personal relationship with the Lord. This is not just a theological point; it’s the bedrock of effective leadership. Ministry is meant to flow from the overflow of your personal connection with God. Without this, the work can feel mechanical, lacking the spiritual vitality necessary to lead others.
As a pastor, you set the spiritual tone. Your congregation will be impacted by the strength of your personal relationship with God. This connection fuels your ability to minister authentically and powerfully. The deeper your walk with the Lord, the more equipped you are to guide others. Your leadership is not only about delivering sermons but about creating an environment where people encounter God. This is how disciples are made—not by eloquence or strategy alone, but by the Spirit’s power working through you. - Let People See God Flowing Through You: One thing is certain: people are searching for something deeper. The pandemic revealed that many of the things people trusted in—whether it be job security, financial stability, or even relationships—are fragile. This uncertainty has driven a hunger for something more substantial, and that hunger can only be satisfied by a genuine encounter with God.
As the Apostle Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4). People today are not looking for empty words or superficial promises; they are looking for an authentic demonstration of God’s presence and power in their lives. Churches that position themselves to provide a space where people can experience the power and presence of God will be the ones that thrive in this new era. - Get the Legal Side Right as Early as Possible: Starting or running a church involves more than ministry. Working ON your ministry is just as important as working IN your ministry. There are practical considerations that cannot be ignored, and chief among them is the legal structure of your church. You can attend any church planting conference and find a lot of good things that will help you along the way. However, they are all optional. The one thing that is not optional is the legal side of the church. We often participate in church planting conferences; chances are you’ve seen us there.
We are constantly blowing the trumpet to churches and ministries not to wait to get their church's legal side right. We have walked thousands of churches through the entire process with our StartRIGHT program. And for churches that need to make sure they are right, we have our GetRIGHT program. Don’t let the legal side be an afterthought. - Keep Good Books: The financial integrity of your church is a critical element of your ministry’s sustainability. It’s not just about managing donations; it’s about stewardship. Poor financial management can undermine trust with your congregation and donors, while good financial practices build confidence and enable your church to grow.
At StartCHURCH, we provide professional bookkeeping services that are tailored specifically for churches. We understand the unique financial needs of ministries and have the expertise to help you maintain accurate, transparent records. Whether you’re just getting started or your church is well-established, keeping good books ensures that your church remains financially healthy and in compliance with all relevant laws. In turn, this allows you to focus more on the ministry itself. - Bring Back Former Church Attenders: One of the most significant challenges churches face today is reconnecting with those who stopped attending during the pandemic. Many people have yet to return to church because they’ve lost the rhythm of weekly attendance. Your new church has a golden opportunity to reach out and bring them back. One way is to take your church online. It sounds harder than what it really is, but believe me, it is not. We have an online resource called CONNECT. It will walk you step-by-step on how to take your services online live, as well as how to quickly set up a website and be able to receive tithes and offerings online. To receive this incredible resource for free, click HERE.
Don’t let the legal side hold you back
Don’t let the legal side hold you back. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built, and getting it right from the start will give you the freedom to focus on what truly matters—leading people to Christ and building His kingdom.
%schedule-a-call-cta%