Here’s the hard truth: Institutional trust is collapsing. Across industries, organizations, and yes—even faith communities—people are putting less faith in institutions and more in individuals.

So, what does that mean for ministry? It means relationship-centered faith leadership isn’t optional—it’s the future.

In this episode of the Future of Faith Podcast, hosts Josh Packard and Keedren Boston unpack the data behind the decline in institutional trust and reveal why listening is the key to rebuilding it. When people don’t trust organizations, they turn to personal relationships—and trust is built one genuine conversation at a time.

Trust Is Built, Not Assumed

🛠️ Listening with intent is the foundation of real trust. You can’t fake it. People know when they’re truly being heard.

📉 Institutional trust is at an all-time low. People trust individuals they know more than titles or organizations.

❤️ Relationships > Authority. Trust doesn’t come from a position of power—it comes from shared experiences, honesty, and consistency.

🌍 Ministry must be relationship-centered. People stay connected when they feel seen, known, and valued—not because of an institution’s reputation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔵 How listening builds trust within faith communities

🟠 Why people trust relationships more than institutions

🟢 The importance of feedback in maintaining trust

🔴 How leaders can create spaces of belonging in a low-trust world

🟣 Why trust is gained slowly but lost quickly—and how to protect it

Where Do We Go from Here?

This episode wraps up the season with a powerful look at the future of faith in a world where trust is earned, not assumed. If you care about leadership, ministry, or the future of faith communities, you don’t want to miss this one.

🔗 Want the full study? Get the whitepaper, data graphics, and more:

👉 Sacred Listening Study

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Got insights on trust in faith communities? We’d love to hear them! Email us at hello@futureoffaith.org. 🎙️🔥

Music by Treleon Music – used with permission