Why People Trust Relationships More Than Institutions
Institutional trust is declining across industries—including faith communities. But our research reveals something crucial: trust hasn’t disappeared—it’s just relocated.
🔑 Where is trust now? In personal relationships.
📊 Key Findings from the Study:
✅ 76% of teens and 70% of adults say they have high trust for people they have a relationship with.
✅ 82% of adults and 84% of teens say that when someone listens attentively, it strengthens their relationship.
✅ Only 26% of adults trust large organizations.
The Trust Gap: Why Listening Matters in Ministry
In a world where trust in institutions, leaders, and organizations is at an all-time low, people are turning to personal connections for security and guidance.
👂 Listening is one of the most powerful ways to rebuild trust. When leaders:
✔️ Listen without judgment, people feel valued.
✔️ Ask follow-up questions, people feel heard.
✔️ Remember details from past conversations, people feel seen.
Trust is Built, Not Assumed
Faith communities can no longer rely on positional authority to maintain trust. If people feel unheard, they disengage. If they feel listened to? They stay.
🚀 It’s time to shift from authority-driven leadership to relationship-centered ministry.
🔗 Explore the full study, fact sheets, whitepapers, and more—FREE:
