American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.
Four in 5 U.S. Protestant churchgoers (80%) believe a pastor must address current issues to be doing their job, according to a Lifeway Research study. Few (16%) disagree, and 4% aren’t sure.
“As American culture increasingly includes fewer overtly Christian elements and more non-Christian ideas, churchgoers are hungry to know what the Bible says about life’s issues,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research.
Churchgoers seem to distinguish between addressing cultural issues and endorsing political candidates. A previously released Lifeway Research study of Americans found 29% believe it is appropriate for pastors to endorse candidates for public office during a church service. Christians who attend a worship service at least once a month are more likely than other Americans to believe endorsements during church services are ...
