Shopping may never be the same. Will church?

‘Whilst some customer habits will return to normal, others have changed forever.’

This could be the words of any church leader, instead, it’s the words of Steve Rowe, M&S CEO. A UK-based retail company, who sell food and clothing.

Let’s see what else he said, and adjust some of his words to pretend he’s talking about church, just for fun, and read into whatever you will :)

M&S: The pandemic has driven several changes, including a shift to online, customers cooking more from scratch and buying more casual clothing.

Church: The pandemic has driven several changes, including a shift to online, the public spending more time in prayer and Alpha attendance increasing dramatically.

M&S: The impact of the virus lockdown has driven “effects and aftershocks” in the retail sector that would “endure for the coming year and beyond,” Mr Rowe added.

Church: The impact of the virus lockdown has driven “effects and aftershocks” in the church that would “endure for the coming year and beyond,” Church leaders added.

M&S: In particular it looks as though M&S has learnt just how important online is…

Church: In particular it looks as though the church has learnt just how important online is…

M&S: The firm said that lockdown measures, social distancing and lower consumer demand were “likely to continue through the year”, adding that the coronavirus pandemic means that its performance over the next year is difficult to predict.

Church: Churches said that lockdown measures, social distancing and increased consumer demand were “likely to continue through the year, adding that the coronavirus pandemic means that its performance over the next year is difficult to predict, but continued growth and creativity is expected.

M&S: “Within the difficulties there are real opportunities too, and the group appears to have a lot of the right ideas, but the next chapter really needs to be about execution.”

Church: “Within the difficulties there are real opportunities too, and the church appears to have a lot of the right ideas, but the next chapter really needs to be about execution.”