Rebuilding Trust In Churches

As church leaders, we must recognize that trust is the currency of our leadership. If people trust you as their pastor or leader, they’ll likely trust your church. If they don’t, they won’t. That’s not an extra burden to bear—it's simply a fact of leadership. Trust is foundational, and it must be intentionally cultivated, especially in today's climate where trust in institutions, including churches, is in serious decline.

The statistics are sobering. In the 1970s, more than 60% of Americans trusted their local church. By 2023, that number has plummeted to 32%. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call. Trust is eroding, and we, as leaders, have to respond.

Where have some churches gone astray? Where are opportunities to rebuild trust? 

Trust is Built One Deposit at a Time

Think of trust like a bank account. You're either making deposits or withdrawals—building it up or tearing it down. Sometimes, we make inadvertent withdrawals without realizing it. 

Maybe it’s a miscommunication or a decision that wasn’t fully explained. But trust 
deposits—those must be intentional. Every conversation, every action is an opportunity to build trust with people in every stage of life.

Understanding Generational Differences in Trust

We do know that there are differences in the way various generations respond to trust in the church. We have a divide between Baby Boomers and Gen X vs. Millennials and Gen Z. 

We can’t ignore that trust is viewed differently across generations. For Baby Boomers and Gen X, trust is the default. They’ll trust you until you give them a reason not to. But with Millennials and Gen Z, the default is suspicion. They need a reason to trust you. This generational shift has enormous implications for how we lead into the future, especially as we aim to disciple younger generations.

That has dramatic implications for churches that are leading into the future and trying to develop their next generation, whether it be Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha coming behind them. 

The Causes of Erosion

The erosion of trust isn’t just about headline-grabbing scandals. It’s also about the culture we’ve created. 

One significant factor? The rise of the megachurch. While megachurches aren’t inherently bad, their size can make them feel opaque and distant. People don’t know where their money is going. They feel like their generosity disappears into a black hole, and when there’s a lack of transparency, people fill in the blanks—often in negative ways.

There’s also how trust is lived out at the local level. Many local churches have taken trust for granted. We can’t do that. We have to always be focused on building trust. 

Trust is also undermined by the relentless scrutiny churches face today. Every decision is under a microscope, amplified by 24-hour news cycles and social media. Small issues can quickly feel overwhelming. It’s easy for pastors to pull back and share less, but that’s the exact opposite of what we should be doing.

Transparency Isn't A Risk It's A Necessity

If we start to lack trust, we pull in tight. We begin to be less transparent. Not necessarily because there’s anything to hide. And sometimes that means not sharing the good things. 

Some pastors tell me, “Jim, we’re ahead of budget, but if people knew that, they might stop giving.” That’s a transactional mindset, and it’s not aligned with biblical generosity. Giving is meant to transform us, not to simply be a transaction. If your church is doing well financially, let people know! Your transparency will invite them into the success and mission of the church. Lack of transparency actually works against you, causing people to wonder what you’re hiding, even when you’re not hiding anything. 

How Churches Can Respond

Here’s the good news: We can and should rebuild trust. The church, the Body of Christ in the world, should be one of the most trusted institutions!

It’s not too late. But it requires intentionality and action.

Live out transparency. Share financial updates, even (especially) the good news. Show your people that you’re stewarding resources well.

Invite tough conversations. Trust is built in relationships, not sermons. When someone has concerns, take them to coffee. Listen carefully and hear their concerns. Resist the temptation to be defensive. It’s through these personal moments that trust is restored.

Apologize early. Own mistakes before they become issues. Let people know you’re committed to transparency and that you’ll make things right when they go wrong. Don’t be frugal with “We made a mistake” and “We are sorry.”

Ask the right question. Before you make any decision, ask, “Will this build trust?” If the answer is no, go back to the drawing board, get more input and make adjustments.

Use giving moments wisely. Regularly invite key leaders who have financial oversight to share about the church’s finances and the impact of giving. These are opportunities to build trust.

Be more transparent, not less. People are making significant decisions with their finances. They need all the information you can provide to make those decisions confidently.

Trust is fragile, but it’s not beyond repair. It starts with us—right now. Today is the day to start making those deposits, rebuilding what’s been lost, and leading in a way that models the highest level of integrity and transparency.

This is not a hypothetical issue. It may not be knocking on your door today, but I assure you it will be tomorrow. The erosion of trust is real, and we must address it head-on. Your leadership team should have this front and center in every decision you make. Trust is too important to ignore.

And be sure to check out the Next Sunday podcast where Jim Sheppard and Frank Bealer take on tough topics just like this one. Here is a LINK to the recent episode on trust in the church.