May 17, 2024
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — “Fear not” is a frequent command in the Bible, but most pastors feel churchgoers aren’t getting the message.
A Lifeway Research study finds almost 7 in 10 U.S. Protestant pastors believe there is a growing sense of fear within their congregations about the future of the nation and world. Additionally, more than 3 in 5 say their churches have a similar increasing dread specifically about the future of Christianity in the U.S. and around the world.
“The Bible tells followers of Jesus Christ to expect trials, tribulations and suffering,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “However, Scripture doesn’t prescribe fear as the response to adversity. Instead, it frequently encourages rejoicing and faithfulness as anxieties are cast upon God.”
Pastors are more than twice as likely (69%) to say that their congregations are fearful about the future of the nation and world than not.
Despite so many Protestant pastors saying their churches are fearful, the percentage is down compared to previous studies.
In 2010, 76% said there was a growing sense of fear within their congregations about the future of the nation and world.
Over the same period, the percentage of pastors who don’t feel their churches have a growing fear about the future has increased to 29% today from 21% in 2010, 26% in 2011 and 24% in 2014.
“Compared to a decade ago, a few more churches today are avoiding the impulse to fear changes and adversity around them,” said McConnell. “But a large majority of pastors see their congregations moving toward fear rather than away from it.”
While 69% of pastors say their congregations have a growing sense of fear about the future of the country and world, slightly less, but a still significant majority (63%), say their churches have a growing sense of fear about the future of Christianity specifically.
“The number of people in America embracing the Christian faith is on a downward trajectory. So it isn’t surprising congregations are afraid of this trendline,” said McConnell. “Unfortunately, the growth of Christianity in other parts of the world is not bringing American Christians much comfort.”
Mainline pastors are less likely than evangelical pastors to say that a growing fear about the future of Christianity exists in their churches.
Denominationally, non-denominational (76%), Baptist (68%) and Methodist (66%) pastors are more likely than Presbyterian/Reformed pastors (49%) to see a rising concern for the future of Christianity.
