The truths of Scripture remain unchanging, but the context in which Christians and churches live is constantly evolving. As pastors and church leaders look ahead to ministry in 2025, here are 10 key trends they should keep in mind while serving their congregations and communities.

1. Shifts in the Religious Landscape: According to Gallup, church attendance and membership continue to decline, and trust in pastors has reached historic lows. The proportion of people identifying as religiously unaffiliated (commonly referred to as “Nones”) had been steadily rising, but this growth has now slowed or stopped, as most research institutions report. The rise of the “Nones” may be coming to an end.

Since 2017, Gallup’s study on religious identification has shown that the percentage of “Nones” has remained steady between 20% and 21%. In 2022, the General Social Survey noted a 1.5 percentage point decline in this group. Similarly, the Pew Research Center found a drop from 31% in 2022 to 28% in 2023.

This has not led to a significant resurgence in American Christianity, but it does offer a more hopeful statistical picture than recent years. While many people continue to distance themselves from organized religion, Americans’ religious attitudes have not markedly secularized. The coming years present significant opportunities for outreach.

2. Competition Between Churches and Sports: According to Lifeway Research, about 30% of Protestant churchgoers in the U.S. say they miss church several times a year to watch their favorite sports teams or events—and they believe this is acceptable. Youth sports, particularly those requiring travel, may pose an even greater challenge.

The Aspen Institute reports that in 2022, youth aged 6 to 18 spent 16.6 hours per week participating in sports, often traveling on weekends for games and tournaments.

Lifeway Research reveals a disconnect between pastors and congregants regarding sports-related church absences. While 36% of pastors believe children’s sports should never be prioritized over worship, only 18% of congregants share this view. Addressing this tension will be crucial for many pastors.

3. Support for Same-Sex Marriage Has Plateaued: Despite a growing number of Americans—particularly younger generations—identifying as LGBTQ+, support for same-sex marriage has stalled, including among Protestant pastors. From 2010 to 2019, Lifeway Research found that support among pastors rose from 15% to 24%, with a 15-point increase among mainline pastors. However, this figure remained static at 21% by 2023.

4. Congregations Feel Greater Cultural Pressure: Protestant churchgoers in the U.S. perceive rising cultural opposition to Christianity. Lifeway Research found that 69% believe societal attitudes toward Christians are worsening, and only 53% think most Americans hold a positive view of Christians. This perception may explain why 63% of pastors in 2023 expressed growing fear among their congregants about the future of Christianity in the nation and the world.

5. Small Groups Remain Central to Discipleship: Lifeway Research indicates that among Protestant churches offering regular adult Bible studies, the average church has seven small groups with 69 weekly participants. About 44% of worship attendees typically participate in small groups. Many churches have seen a decline in small group involvement. Growing churches will find innovative ways to engage more members in discipleship through small groups.

6. Consumerism Persists in American Churches: The apostle Paul taught that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, CSB). However, many Americans, including churchgoers, exhibit a consumer mindset. According to Lifeway Research, while most Americans blend consumerist and contentment-based values, about 29% are categorized as high consumers.

Among those attending church activities more than once a week, 61% say shopping makes them feel valued, 56% associate having nice things with status, and 61% are driven to accumulate possessions. They also express a strong desire for the latest technology (55%).

7. Churches Are Overlooking Key Community Issues: Deaths from opioid abuse are rising, yet fewer churches offer services for those struggling with addiction. Lifeway Research found that the percentage of Protestant pastors aware of opioid abuse affecting their congregants has remained steady compared to five years ago. However, fewer churches provide support groups or spiritual care for substance abuse issues.

Pastors also remain opposed to sports gambling but have not taken significant action since its legalization. In 2018, only 5% of pastors felt addressing legalized sports betting was unnecessary, but by 2023, 56% of pastors said they saw no need to address the issue.

8. Opportunities for Evangelistic Invitations Persist: Lifeway Research reports that 60% of Protestant churchgoers invited someone to church at least once in the past six months. Among those who did not extend invitations, 27% said they didn’t know whom to ask. Yet another Lifeway study found that 71% of churchgoers have non-Christian friends, highlighting a gap between relationships and outreach.

9. Addressing Biblical Literacy Remains Crucial: When asked about their favorite Old Testament stories, 40% of Protestant churchgoers cited stories from the first half of the Bible, 11% mentioned New Testament stories, 7% had no favorite story, and 3% were unsure. Lifeway Research reveals that many churchgoers lack confidence in retelling foundational Old Testament stories like Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac or Daniel in the lion’s den. Some mistakenly recall the story of Romulus and Remus—a Roman myth, not a biblical account.

10. Churchgoers Want Sermons on Cultural Issues but Not Political Endorsements: Protestant churchgoers want sermons that help them understand and navigate cultural issues. According to Lifeway Research, 80% believe pastors should address current issues as part of their ministry.

However, this does not mean they want political endorsements from the pulpit. Only 35% of Christians attending church at least monthly believe it is acceptable for pastors to endorse candidates during services.

As pastors and church leaders seek direction for ministry in 2025, keeping these evolving cultural and church trends in mind will be essential to offering biblical guidance and truth where it is most needed.