Pew Research
Pew Research Center is a nonprofit, nonpartisan “fact tank” that studies public attitudes, demographics, and long-term social trends through polling and data analysis. It is one of the most widely cited research organizations in the world and is frequently used alongside Barna as a reference point for understanding religion and culture (especially in North America).
For ministry leaders, Pew is most helpful as a background resource. It’s the kind of tool you return to when you’re asking questions like: Are we only seeing this in our congregation, or is this part of a broader shift? or How are religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations actually changing over time?
Pew publishes both:
In-depth research reports and data sets for leaders who want to dig deeper
Clear, accessible articles and summaries that explain what the data shows and why it matters
Its religion research covers topics such as belief and practice, denominational change, religious affiliation and disaffiliation, religion and politics, generational shifts, and interfaith relationships. Pew also tracks broader cultural patterns around things like technology, media, race, gender, economics, and politics. There are often articles about how these patterns in culture shape how people experience church and faith.
It’s important to note that Pew’s data is largely U.S.-based, which means ministry leaders in Canada should read it thoughtfully and contextualize it locally. Even so, the scale, rigor, and consistency of Pew’s research make it a valuable reference point for spotting trends, testing assumptions, and grounding intuition in evidence.
This resource is especially useful when preparing sermons, teaching adults, working on strategic planning, or supporting leadership conversations with shared data rather than anecdotes alone.
Helpful Links
Website: https://www.pewresearch.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pewresearch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pewresearch