Research and Trends

According to Barna, “Pastors who haven’t thought about leaving ministry say 'the immense stress of the job' (34%), 'current political divisions' (32%) and feeling 'lonely and isolated' (18%) are factors that have negatively impacted their ability to lead at their church within the past year.”

More than 3 in 4 American Protestant churchgoers say tithing is a biblical command that still applies today (77%).

Most Protestant churchgoers say their churches encourage them to serve people not affiliated with their church and that they want to do so. But few have volunteered in the past year.

More than 1 in 10 churchgoers say someone in their congregation has provided foster care (16%), adopted a child from the U.S. (13%) or adopted a child from another country (11%) within the last year.

Related studies conducted by the Cultural Research Center during the pandemic suggest that the Millennials’ rejection of biblical Christianity did not serve them well. Three-quarters reported lacking purpose and meaning in life.

The actions and beliefs of evangelical Protestants do not always align. Six out of 10 (59%) evangelicals who strongly believe reading the Bible contributes to positive mental health still do not read it daily, while 26% do not read it even monthly.

The biggest statistical change noted between 2020 and 2023 among U.S. adults overall was a staggering 20-percentage point decline in those who believe they have a unique, God-given calling or purpose for their life.

The majority of Hispanic congregations are actively engaged in their community for the purpose of sharing the gospel. This includes serving the practical needs of people, conducting special events to meet people and proclaim the gospel, and church members personally sharing the gospel in conversations.