In terms of satisfaction with their social lives, work-life balance, mental and emotional well-being, and hope for the future, practicing Christians fared better than American adults overall during the pandemic, a Barna study reveals.
Barna checked in with U.S. adults on the toll of COVID-19 six months into the pandemic. As of October, 42% agreed that the pandemic negatively impacted their social lives. Practicing Christians were more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction with their social lives (21% vs. 12% of all U.S. adults).
The majority of all U.S. adults (57%) and practicing Christians (62%) shared they had altered, skipped or canceled major events and milestones they were looking forward to as a result of the pandemic.
Consistent satisfaction
With half of all employed adults working from home in some capacity during the pandemic, the survey noted that 46% of all Americans and 39% of practicing Christians were just as satisfied with their work-life balance as they had been pre-pandemic. Among practicing Christians, 35% were more satisfied in their work-life balance.
For those who were employed pre-pandemic, 14% of Americans and 7% of practicing Christians reported that they had lost their jobs. Those who were more likely to have lost their jobs included women, respondents within lower income households and those of lower socioeconomic status.
In terms of mental health, 25% of Christians compared to 15% of Americans said they were more satisfied with their mental and emotional well-being during the pandemic.
Looking ahead, 32% of Americans and 35% of practicing Christians think the economy will recover by October 2021.
As church leaders continue to work through adaptations to digital and hybrid ministry, most churched adults (63%) believe churches should continue to leverage digital resources for discipleship, even once the pandemic is over.
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