Insights for Church Leaders and Networks
What does this mean for church health and leadership development? Barna and Gloo offer relationally informed strategies:
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Prioritize peer networks: Intentional cohorts, pastoral peer groups, and trusted advisors can help fill relational voids.
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Normalize vulnerability: Leadership development must de-stigmatize emotional health struggles and promote safe spaces to share burdens.
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Build external friendships: Encouraging pastors to cultivate friendships outside church contexts fosters identity beyond vocational roles.
In addition, State of the Church tools—such as the ChurchPulse dashboard powered by Gloo—invite pastors and congregations to measure relational flourishing alongside spiritual, emotional, vocational, and financial health.
Loneliness Among Younger Generations and Pastors
Data also reveals a shared emotional undercurrent between Gen Z churchgoers and their leaders. Among Gen Z, about one in three (28–29%) frequently feels lonely, and 26% feel isolated—compared to just 4% and 5% among Elders, respectively. This alignment matters: when younger congregants wrestle with emotional disconnection and pastors feel similarly unsupported, the relational fabric of communities frays.
RELATED: THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN 2025: DISRUPTED, PRECARIOUS, AND OPPORTUNE
Toward a Healthier, Connected Church Ecosystem
The State of the Church 2025 initiative aims to resource churches to flourish relationally and spiritually. Each monthly release surfaces actionable trends—and relational health is consistently flagged as an area needing intentional response response.
By prioritizing relational formation—not just spiritual teaching—churches can create environments where both leaders and laity resist isolation and flourish together.
✔ Action Steps for Church Leadership Teams
| Priority Area | Key Strategies |
|---|---|
| Pastoral Peer Networks | Small cohorts, peer pastors, or mentoring relationships |
| Emotional Vulnerability Culture | Encourage openness about struggles and joys |
| Assess Health Using ChurchPulse | Use data tools to monitor relational flourishing |
| Cross‑generational Connection | Bridge leader loneliness and congregant isolation |
Loneliness in Ministry: A Final Takeaway
Barna and Gloo’s State of the Church research reveals a pressing reality: loneliness among pastors is increasing sharply while relational support wanes. Coupled with elevated isolation among Gen Z congregants, it underscores a cross-generational need for deeper connection. For churches to thrive, emotional health and relational flourishing must move from side topic to strategic priority.
