Audio version:
Is Christianity on the decline in Iowa? The data may not paint the entire picture, explains Pastor Rob Pearson, Youth and Connections Pastor of Living Waters Fellowship. In 2007, 78% of people identified as a Christian, today the number is 63%. But the definition of “Christian” is also changing.
Pearson explains that many Iowans he speaks to, despite claiming to be a Christian, tell him they aren’t actually sure what that means. In that same vein, people from other countries assume everyone from the USA are Christians. Are people really turning away from Christianity or are Iowans finally understanding what Christianity means?
Rage-free Iowa news in your inbox
Justin, David, & Kaylee cover Iowa news, agriculture, business and tech. No clickbait. No agenda. If you support our vision, subscribe today!
Faith in Transition: What’s Driving the Drop in Christian Identity?
In this episode of The Iowa Podcast, host Justin Brady speaks with Pastor Rob Pearson, Youth and Connections Pastor at Living Waters Fellowship, about the decline in Christian identification across Iowa and the United States. Despite national trends showing a decrease in those identifying as Christian, Pearson explains why some churches continue to see growth while others struggle.
National research shows that Christian identification has dropped from 78% in 2007 to 63% in 2024, with Iowa reflecting a similar trend. Pearson notes that while some mainline denominations are experiencing declines, other church networks are expanding and even planting new congregations. He attributes this to shifting expectations within religious communities, where individuals often seek churches that align with their existing beliefs rather than those that challenge or guide them.
Brady and Pearson also explore whether the decline in Christianity represents a true loss of faith or a redefinition of religious identity. Many individuals now approach Christianity differently, moving away from traditional labels and instead focusing on personal convictions. Pearson describes Christianity as a commitment to following Jesus rather than simply an inherited cultural identity.
Shifting Trends: More Skepticism, More Questions
Younger generations are less likely to grow up in religious households, which contributes to the decline in Christian identification. However, Pearson observes that this lack of exposure often leads young people to ask deeper questions about faith, morality, and spirituality. Rather than attending church out of tradition or societal expectation, many are actively seeking answers.
Brady and Pearson also discuss the increasing interest in religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism, as well as the plateauing of atheism at 29%. These shifts indicate that while traditional religious affiliation is changing, the search for spiritual meaning remains strong. Pearson points out that people are still searching for a deeper understanding of faith, even if they approach it in different ways than past generations.
Another significant change is the rise of online church services, a trend accelerated by COVID-19. While this has expanded accessibility, Pearson emphasizes that in-person gatherings provide a unique sense of connection and community that digital interactions cannot fully replicate. Church attendance, in his view, is about more than just consuming content—it’s about engaging with a supportive and accountable community.
The Church’s Role in an Evolving Landscape
As the definition of “church” continues to evolve, Pearson stresses that Christianity is not about achieving perfection but about spiritual transformation. He sees this period of religious change as an opportunity to have deeper, more meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and belief.
Rather than viewing the decline in self-identified Christians as a crisis, Pearson suggests it may actually be clarifying what it truly means to follow Jesus. As more people distinguish between cultural Christianity and personal faith, churches have an opportunity to engage in discussions that are both honest and impactful.
For those interested in learning more, Living Waters Fellowship’s podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.