AN OTLEY church says its new way of operating under lockdown has produced some ‘fascinating’ results.

Bethel Church acquired its larger Otley base - to cater for a growing congregation - in March, just before social distancing restrictions came into force.

The COVID-19 lockdown has meant the church has not been able to use the Westgate building as it has had to switch to online activity.

Although far from ideal the change has brought some unexpected benefits including a boost in numbers. Before lockdown the church was attracting about 30 people to its Sunday morning services at the Chevin Community Centre.

But during its first live stream more than 70 people tuned in: some from as far afield as South Korea, Poland and Dubai. Since then the numbers have dropped a little but between 40 and 50 people are still tuning in on Sundays.

The church is also holding online meetings for prayer and discussion and keeping in touch through its WhatsApp group and phone calls.

Richard Hughes, one of the church leaders, said: “Whilst it has been frustrating not to be able to meet there have been benefits: the habit of chatting through the week or the holding of meetings with church partners in other countries, for example.”

Church pastor Chris Haley added: “It has been a pretty steep learning curve with new technology and preaching to camera, but we are very thankful to be able to offer real hope and encouragement at such a difficult time.”

A UK survey of 2,000 people organised by the Christian development charity Tearfund found that a quarter of adults, and a third of those between 18 and 34, had watched or listened to a religious service since the end of March - and one in 20 had started praying during the crisis.

Otley’s Bethel Church is live streaming its services at 10.30am each Sunday on www.bethelchurchotley.org.uk/live.

The Government has announced that communal worship is not expected to be permitted in churches again until at least July 4.