Protestant pastors largely avoid political endorsements from the pulpit

A Lifeway Research study of 1,003 Protestant pastors in the United States reveals that 93% do not plan to endorse political candidates from the pulpit during worship services ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

This stance remains largely unchanged despite a recent ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The agency previously indicated it would not strip tax-exempt status from churches if leaders make political endorsements during worship services. Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell noted the study sought to determine if pastors' neutrality is a matter of legal obedience or personal conviction.

The survey found demographic variations in planned endorsements. African American pastors (11%) and pastors of other ethnicities (9%) were twice as likely to plan endorsements compared to white pastors (4%). Additionally, Pentecostal (13%), Baptist (9%), and non-denominational (7%) pastors showed higher inclinations toward endorsements than Lutheran (1%) or Methodist (1%) pastors.