WACO, Texas – Despite icy roads on Sunday, some local churches found creative ways to keep their communities connected. Church Under the Bridge, which meets weekly beneath the overpass at Interstate 35 and 4th Street, held its service as planned.
Elaine Clark from Church Under the Bridge said, “We never cancel. No matter the weather, church goes on.” Kevin Brown, also with the church, added, “We’re in the elements. It’s like air conditioning in January.”
Harris Creek Baptist Church in McGregor chose a different route. They provided a recorded sermon instead of halting services altogether. Lead Pastor Jonathan Pokluda noted how technology has transformed worship. “When I started in ministry, going virtual was nearly impossible. Now, with phones and video calls, it’s so much easier,” he said.
Winter storms pushed churches to adapt. Brown explained that Church Under the Bridge faced challenges: “We didn’t know who would show up. We had to change to a small group approach because many volunteers couldn’t make it due to safety concerns.”
While many churches canceled in-person services, streaming options became popular. A recent survey shows that 58% of congregations are now offering online services, a significant rise from just 25% before the pandemic.
This shift in how we worship reflects broader changes in society. During past storms, people found ways to gather, but today, technology ensures that faith communities stay connected no matter the conditions.
As weather continues to disrupt lives, churches are learning to be flexible. Whether through physical gatherings or online services, the message remains the same—community and faith endure, even in the toughest times.
For more on how technology is shaping worship, check out this study from the Pew Research Center.
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Waco,Church under the bridge,Harris Creek Baptist Church,Winter Storm,Central Texas,Church services
