Faith in Crisis: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of the Role of Faith Community Leaders and Faith Community Nurses in Balancing Public Health Guidance and Spiritual Leadership During COVID-19 in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare and community dynamics. This study explores the roles of faith community nurses and faith community leaders in Johnson City, Tennessee, during the pandemic. Using an ethnographic qualitative approach, we interviewed pastors, FCNs, and other FC leaders to understand their strategies and challenges. FCNs provided crucial health education and addressed vaccine hesitancy, while FC leaders navigated health guidance and spiritual care. The findings highlight innovative measures such as virtual services and health protocols. This study underscores the critical role of FCs in public health, indicating the potential benefit for health training for faith leaders to enhance community resilience.