Hey, it’s Brady,
In 1985, Gallup asked Americans how they'd rate pastors on honesty and ethics. 67% said high or very high.
Making pastors one of the most trusted positions in America.
Gallup just asked the same question again. The answer?
27%. A 40-point collapse in trust over four decades. And it gets worse…
Because among Americans under 35, that number is only 17%.
It's so bad that trust in pastors has fallen more than any other profession Gallup tracks.
More than politicians.
More than lawyers.
More than used car salesmen.
Obviously, the question isn't whether this affects your church. It does. The question is what you do about it.
Here are five ideas…
Radical transparency in finances. Publish your budget - not because you have to, but because it builds trust.
Feature imperfection, not just authority. "Here's what I got wrong this week" builds more trust than trying to project perfection.
Build multiple voices, not one platform. If all credibility lives in one person, one scandal destroys everything.
Address the elephant. Acknowledging the trust crisis from stage is itself a trust signal.
Overcommunicate accountability structures. If your church has a board, financial oversight, or pastoral accountability - tell people, repeatedly.
Father's Day at Church 2026: Fresh Ideas
Most Father’s Day services fall into the same tired clichés. So in this episode, we share simple, fresh ideas your church can actually use - no stereotypes required.
Get our ideas here.
Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. Talk to you next Thursday. - Brady Shearer
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