Churches often operate under the assumption that if people accept the church’s truth, trust will follow, and they’ll naturally spend time in our communities. Yet, research shows that trust is shifting away from institutions and toward personal relationships.
In Edelman’s Trust Barometer, recent data reveal a growing skepticism toward traditional institutions—especially among younger generations. Rather than looking to institutions for guidance, they trust individuals in their lives, including peers and those they connect with directly. This means that people now place more confidence in the authenticity of relationships over institutional claims.
Building trust doesn’t begin with a message or doctrine; it begins with time. Time invested in real, personal connections. Only through these relationships can trust be nurtured. And once trust is established, the door to share deeper truths opens naturally and meaningfully.
If churches wish to connect with emerging generations, we must shift our approach.
💥 It’s not about proving or convincing but about showing up, listening, and forming genuine relationships. 💥
This path is more challenging and takes longer, but it’s the only sustainable way forward in a world where trust lies not in titles but in the power of connection.
(H/T to my new friends Keedren Boston and Keturah Boston M.Ed for helping me to see this during our talk at amazing TENx10 gathering).