A recent Lifeway Research study reveals a divided stance among U.S. Protestant pastors regarding church participation in America's 250th anniversary, with half believing their congregations should hold special events.



Roughly half of U.S. Protestant pastors believe their churches should participate in celebrations commemorating America's 250th anniversary.

The study, conducted by the Nashville -based Lifeway Research, found that 50% of pastors will hold special events for America's 250th anniversary (2026), with 16% strongly agreeing, 47% disagreeing, and 3% who are unsure, Christianity Today reported.

“Is it the church’s place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday? Half of pastors say so,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “Only 5% more pastors believe the 250th birthday of America deserves a special celebration at church compared to those prioritizing the addition of elements to celebrate America in any July Fourth week’s worship service.”

Meanwhile, 45% believe patriotic elements should be included in July 4 worship services, with another 16% strongly agreeing, 53% disagreeing, and 2% who are unsure. These results were a decrease from a 2021 Lifeway Research study, which found that 56% of pastors felt those elements were important, while a 2016 Lifeway Research study found that 61 percent of pastors agreed with the same thing.

“Scripture teaches that Christ’s followers should give honor and respect to governing authorities and fulfill unpleasant duties such as paying taxes and tolls (Romans 13),” said McConnell. “But pastors are split on whether such honor has a place in a church service that is normally reserved for worshiping God alone.”

Along denominational lines, Pentecostals (64%), Baptists (53%), Methodists (49%), holiness pastors (48%), and nondenominational congregations (47%) are more likely than Lutheran (32%) or Presbyterian/Reformed (29%) churches to include patriotic elements in their service.

The survey also found that 30% of pastors expressed concern over the possibility of idolatry due to their congregation’s love for America, including 8 percent who strongly agree, 69% who disagree, and 1 percent who are not sure.

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