New poll reveals Protestant pastors’ views on the prosperity gospel

CHRISTIAN POST/ Michael Gryboski-

A new poll released by Lifeway Research reveals the percentage of pastors who believe in the prosperity gospel.

Also known as the “Word of Faith movement,” the prosperity gospel teaches that health, wealth and prosperity can come to them if they are obedient and know how to use the Holy Spirit to bring forth what they desire. 

Lifeway reported last week that only 8% of Protestant pastors agreed that “individuals must do something for God in order to receive material blessings from Him,” while 90% disagreed and 2% were unsure.

Additionally, 18% of surveyed pastors said that their churches “teach that if you give more money to the church and charities, God will bless the giver in return.” Seventy-nine percent of respondents disagreed, while 3% were not sure.

Lifeway also found that surveyed clergy were more divided on “whether God wants people to prosper financially,” with 37% agreeing, 59% disagreeing, and 5% being unsure.

“Nine in 10 pastors describe blessings from God based on grace rather than God owing people a reward for their actions. This is counter-intuitive for many in a culture that focuses on performance,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, as quoted in the report.

Data for the report derived from a phone survey of 1,003 Protestant pastors conducted Aug. 8-Sept. 3, 2024, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3% at the 95% confidence level.

Lifeway contrasted their recent survey of pastors with a 2022 survey they conducted among Protestant churchgoers, which found that 45% of those in the pews believed that “to receive material blessings from God they have to do something for God.” Continue reading…