From the ongoing pandemic to ceaseless political tension—and everything in between—the past year and a half has been challenging for most Americans. Throughout this time, many pastors have sought to be a peaceful presence for both their congregations and their larger local communities. Have they succeeded?

Today’s article looks at recent Barna data, collected in late spring of 2021, exploring how U.S. adults generally think about Christian pastors in the present moment, with specific emphasis on the opinions of Christians—both practicing* and non-practicing—and non-Christians.

For extra analysis on generations and ethnicities, be sure to check out the extended article on Barna Access.

*Editor’s note: When looking at practicing Christians in the present moment, it’s important to note that we’re examining a group of people who are maintaining regular church attendance. We can’t account for the ways pandemic-era precautions might have affected attendance among other committed but, by our definition, non-practicing Christians.

62% of Americans Say They Deeply Trust Pastors in Their Community According to recent Barna data, about half of Americans (47%) say they personally know a pastor. Keep in mind, this means the remaining percentage of Americans (53%) hold perceptions of pastors that are offered more objectively, rather than from a personal relationship.