And while pastors may have an image problem, personal contact seemingly counteracts negative perceptions. Among those who know a pastor personally, 64 percent regard pastors very positively. Personal contact appears to affect not only churchgoers but also the religiously unaffiliated, who are more likely to have something positive to say about pastors when they say they know one personally.

Americans aren’t sure what to make of pastors, except the ones they’ve met personally.

As part of its State of Pastors study, Barna Research asked Americans their views on pastors and the contributions clergy make to society.

In general, Americans are split on their attitudes toward pastors. Almost 3 in 10 (28 percent) have a negative opinion, with 19 percent saying “somewhat negative” and 9 percent saying “very negative.”

However, close to the same number (24 percent) say they have a very positive opinion of pastors.

The same diversity of perspective appears when Americans are asked whether pastors are influential in their city or neighborhood.

Read More