Some Illawarra groups chose to rejoice in real life, while others continued to hone in on their online offerings which have become a success.

"It finally reunites parents and children [at the same service] and allows us to have people arriving inside at the same time," said Senior Minister Peter Hutchinson of Saint Marks Anglican Church, West Wollongong.

"To see people realising it's okay to come out of their homes to renew their friendships, that's the real joy. It's nice to share to some hope with people."

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Saint Marks has three usual Sunday congregations, whle streamed services on YouTube have been offered for several months. But without face-to-face leadership, mental health has been a large issue.

The reverend said bringing the masses back to church meant it was easier for everyone to look out for each other.

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For Awaken Church Wollongong, they've continued their YouTube and Facebook Live offerings, with "small groups" meeting on Sundays to stream services and discuss.

There were many benefits to this, Senior Minister Scott Hanzy said, including enabling "deeper connections and relationship building", no-one misses out and the web services have been a hit in the Middle East.

"A TV station in Pakistan picked it up," he said. "They're now broadcasting to over 150 countries ... mostly into the Middle East, into countries that normally wouldn't allow [residents to attend church services en masse]."

Streaming would continue indefinitely to accommodate their new virtual congregation, Pastor Hanzy said. While in-person services would recommence by Christmas.

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