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 believe a pastor must address current issues to be doing his job, that’s according to a Lifeway Research study. 16% disagree, and 4% aren’t sure.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research said, “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.”
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 acceptable, but still, only around a third (35%) agree.
For churchgoers wanting pastors to address issues, most feel like their church meets those expectations. Around 3 in 5 say their pastor addresses current issues within a sermon at least weekly.