Word Count: 390 – Est Reading Time: 2 Minutes
What’s Up
Gallup’s latest poll on institutional trust says what we already suspect … the Church has some serious catching up to do. Your church reputation may be suffering.
So What
If trust is the currency of influence, then most churches are broke. It’s not that organized religion is hated … it’s that most of your neighbors don’t even know you exist.
The Point Is
Trust Isn’t Dead … But It IS Local
Gallup’s 2024 Confidence in Institutions poll shows trust is up for several top-tier institutions, including small business and the military. But confidence in the Church? Still below half. Just 32% of Americans have “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of trust in organized religion. Read the full report: https://news.gallup.com/poll/692633/democrats-confidence-institutions-sinks-new-low.aspx
Your Neighbors Don’t Know You
Most pastors assume their church is known in the neighborhood. It’s not. Ask five people within a mile of your building what they know about your church. Odds are, you’ll get blank stares.
You Can’t Build Trust from the Office
Reputation comes from connection. Pastor, you’re the face of your congregation in the community (like it or not). Get out there! Network. Host something. Go to something. Shake hands and be seen. Influence follows presence.
Social Sharing = Digital Presence
You don’t need a budget to build buzz. Use Facebook Events. Get your members to share them. Make sure your sermon series addresses real problems with real solutions.
And … ?
Let’s clear this up: Gallup’s data doesn’t show trust in all institutions is plummeting. It shows that the Church isn’t keeping up. Small businesses are gaining. The military and police saw increases. Even public schools gained among some groups. Meanwhile, the Church is stuck. And nationally, the trendline isn’t great.
But here’s the truth that matters: Your local trust level is yours to build. You can change the narrative by showing up, speaking up, and serving with consistency. You can’t wait for reputation to trickle down from your livestream or billboard. People don’t trust what they don’t know. And they can’t trust you if they don’t know you exist. Get yourself and your members out of the building and into the neighborhood.
Action!
Start by putting 101 Things You Can Do to Help Grow Your Church into the hands of every household. It’s practical, actionable, and built for results. https://www.amazon.com/Things-Help-Grow-Your-Church/dp/B0CR6CR95G
