Only 37% of the U.S. Population has confidence in the “Church” and its leaders.
This IgniteAmerica Certified Statistic is based on the following research:
Percentage of U.S. population that has confidence in church leaders:
31% General Social Survey, 2018
45% Pew Research Center, 2018
37% Gallup Research, 2018
Cultural Context:
For over 200 years, the Church was the top-rated institution in America for honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. The bastion of confidence! That confidence has been reversed in one generation. America’s confidence in the Church is now almost as low as America’s confidence in the press.
While almost three-quarters of Americans still believe religion should play an important role in their lives, only a third still place their confidence in the Church. That’s why only 20% of our population still attend church on a regular basis and why it’s so important for people to see God through us, outside the walls of the Church. It’s called the Great Commission!
In 2013, Christianity Today published, “The 6 People Americans Trust More Than Their Pastors.” This year they published, “The 8 People Americans Trust More Than Their Pastor.” Now we’re getting close to Congress and telemarketers.
Due to the failures of some, and the silence of most, the Beacon of Light that bears witness to the Good News of the Gospel has been all but extinguished. Most Americans no longer want what they see in the Church, church leaders, or in us as Christians.
We have to turn our lights back on! This is why God has called us to live according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) . . . to seek and save the lost, and why He promises to make everything in our lives work for good when we do that!
Scriptures:
Pastors and Church Leaders are Not Immune To Sin
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed.
II Peter 2:2
God’s Judgment on Pastors and Church Leaders Who Cause Others To Fail
But whoever causes one of the little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:6
Pastors and Church Leaders Must be Above Reproach
A church leader must be a (person) whose life is above reproach . . . exercises self-control, lives wisely and has a good reputation.
I Timothy 3:2
Pastors and Church Leaders Are Not to Obstruct
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found in our ministry.
II Corinthians 6:3
Godly Pastors and Church Leaders Are to Keep Watch Over You
Rely on your leaders and defer to them, because they watch over your whole being as people who are going to be held responsible for you.
Hebrews 13:17
Christians Are Warned To Not Avoid Church . . . Especially Now!
. . . not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day (of Christ’s return) approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
Turn Your Light On!
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:14
. . . you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s Special Possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His Wonderful Light . . . living such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.
I Peter 2:9-12
