Few pastors endorse political candidates outside their role at church. Even fewer endorse during a church service. Most Americans like it that way, but they’re growing more supportive of churches jumping into the political fray.
Evangelicals may be bigger on cultural engagement in theory than in practice. They say they want to share biblical truth but don’t always take the opportunities in front of them. Some don’t even spend time regularly reading Scripture.
Like other Americans, pastors are deciding who they’ll vote for in the November election. Compared to previous elections, however, they’re much more hesitant to share their preference.
“While churchgoers may open a Bible at church, at least 1 in 5 may not be familiar with how it’s organized and what distinguishes the New Testament from the Old Testament,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research.
Most current U.S. Protestant senior pastors worked outside of ministry as adults for only a short time, according to a Lifeway Research study. Only 3 in 10, however, began vocational ministry as the senior pastor.
A survey of Southern Baptist congregations conducted by Lifeway Research found 2 in 3 congregations believe CP is the most effective and efficient way to support the spread of the gospel worldwide (66%).
Lifeway Research’s Insights Report, Pew to Pew, explores data and uncovers practical tips regarding both groups — the movers, those leaving a church because of a change in location, and the shakers, those leaving for reasons closer to home.
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