Survey: Scandal, Secularism Eroding Trust in Pastors

America's clergy have lost the confidence of millions, according to two recent surveys, and experts say pastors will have to confront some harsh truths to regain that trust. A poll released this week by Barna Group, an evangelical Christian polling firm, found that only 57% of Americans at least "somewhat agree" that a pastor is a trustworthy source of wisdom. The results drew on surveys conducted for "The Resilient Pastor," a new book by Barna senior fellow Glenn Packiam. Nearly a quarter of Americans, 24%, say they're "unsure" about the trustworthiness of pastors, with 1 in 5 Christians (21%) doubting the clergy. And only 21% of pastors say their neighbors "very much" see them in a trustworthy light.