Leaders of groups hosting Christian events in the UK have this week published an open letter asking Christians to consider how they can support the future of Christian festivals and events as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact bottom lines.
The letter, which was commissioned by Spring Harvest and New Wine and is signed by Festival of Life, Fusion, Youthscape, CreationFest, Kingdom Worship Movement and Festival of Praise, says that Christian events in the UK have a legacy that has “impacted millions” and “is refreshed year on year as more come to faith and respond to God’s work in their lives”.
People attend a Christian event in the UK. PICTURE: Supplied.
“Christian events create space for us to come away from the day-to-day routine and for God to impact us,” the letter says. “This has birthed new ministries, charities, and dreams in us which have gone on to bring cultural transformation and support the mission of the church.”
The letter says the COVID-19 pandemic has had a “profound impact” on Christian events, both practically and financially.
“As we contemplate two years without gathering in the normal way, we have had to rapidly learn to meet in new ways – either online or in smaller hybrid events,” the letter says. “We have all seen a change in this time – ‘free’ is becoming increasingly expected, but ‘free’ comes at a high cost for us. So, from us all in the UK that run a Christian event, we need you to know that most of us just can’t do it.”
The letter states that if Christian gatherings are to survive, “then now is the time we need your prayerful and practical support”.
“We need people like you to stand with us financially, and to support us in any way you can – so that we are all here to gather again in 2022.”
It calls on Christians to pray for the future of Christian events, to attend those digital or hybrid events that are still running and to consider donating to an event they haven’t been able to attend or giving a one-off donation to one of the organisations behind the events.
Jules Morgan, executive director of New Wine, urged Christians to consider their response to the letter.
“Whether through prayer, attending online events, or financial gifts we hope that readers will answer our call to support all Christian events. I would encourage everyone that regardless of who they support, by supporting one event this year – even if you cannot attend – you will help ensure you can be there next year. We stand together in thanking the UK’s Christian community in their support of many years, and in all they will do to support us this year.”
