Results of the Bgospel Magazine survey on the influence of social networks and monetization in churches (January-February 2025)
From January 13 to February 10, 2025, Bgospel Magazine led an online survey to assess the influence of social networks on preaching, the perception of the public on the monetization of religious content and confidence in church managers present on these platforms. The results reveal a strong perception of influence of social networks on preaching and highlight doubts about monetization and confidence in religious leaders.
This survey was aimed at collecting the opinion of the general public, without distinction of belief or religious affiliation, in order to better understand the contemporary issues linked to religious communication in the digital age. The objectives were to identify major trends in the perception of social networks, the monetization of religious content and the priority of churches today.
The survey was carried out online with a sample open to everyone, Christians or not, without specific selection criteria. Eight main questions were asked, each offering on average four choice of answer, to allow a nuanced analysis of opinions.
The results show that 60.76 % of respondents believe that social networks significantly influence preaching, while 26.58 % remain uncertain. On the question of the search for “buzz”, 29.11 % think that certain preaching is sometimes made for this purpose, and 27.85 % judge this obvious. However, 32.91 % believe that these “buzz” preaching distorts the spiritual message, against only 18.99 % which see it as a positive effect in terms of audience. Regarding the activity of pastors on social networks, opinions are shared: 30.38 % find them “a little active”, 26.58 % “not active”, and 18.99 % “very active”.
On the use of social networks by churches, 41.77 % judge that they use them “quite well, but can do better”, while 18.99 % believe that they use them “very well”. The monetization of religious content arouses reserves: 37.97 % consider that it is justified but that there are excesses, and 36.71 % remain undecided. The confidence in church managers requesting online money is low: 34.18 % “no confidence”, 31.65 % are cautious, and only 6.33 % make them “completely trust” them.
Finally, the priority of churches according to respondents is “winning souls for Christ” (35.44 %), far ahead of “making more money” (13.92 %) or “serving their personal interest” (15.19 %), while 31.65 %declare that they do not know.
The analysis of these results highlights a strong awareness of the impact of social networks on religious life, but also an increasing distrust of monetization and online financial solicitation. Churches are perceived as still having a margin of progression in their use of digital tools and must ensure that they preserve the authenticity of their message while meeting the expectations of transparency and ethics of the public.
Churches are recommended to strengthen their digital communication in an authentic way, to clarify the purpose of monetization and to favor transparency in the management of online donations. Particular attention must be paid to the training of religious leaders in the ethical and strategic use of social networks, in order to restore confidence and refocus ecclesial action on its fundamental priorities.
In conclusion, this survey highlights the challenges and opportunities for churches in the digital age: the influence of social networks is undeniable, but it must be channeled with discernment to preserve the primary mission of religious institutions and public confidence.
