A new study has found that a growing number of Protestant churchgoers in the United States believe many people around them do not know they are Christians.
The research, carried out by Lifeway Research, explored how openly believers express their faith in everyday life. The findings form part of the organisation’s 2025 State of Discipleship: Living Unashamed report, which examines spiritual growth among Protestant churchgoers.
According to the survey, 30% of respondents agreed that many people who know them are unaware of their Christian faith. This marks a significant rise compared to previous years. In 2013, only 14% said the same, while the figure increased to 20% in 2019 before reaching its current level.
The study surveyed 2,130 Protestant churchgoers between 19 and 26 March 2025. Participants answered six questions linked to openly living out their faith. On a scale measuring spiritual maturity, respondents received an average score of 61 out of 100 for the “Living Unashamed” category.
Despite the rise in Christians keeping their faith less visible, many believers still said they are willing to speak openly about Christianity. Around 65% said they are not hesitant to let non-Christians know they follow Christ. Only 17% admitted they feel reluctant to share this part of their identity.
Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, said the findings show many Christians may still be growing in confidence when it comes to expressing their faith publicly.
He explained that faith should naturally shape every part of a believer’s life rather than being separated into different areas such as work, friendships, or social activities.
The survey also revealed that spiritual conversations are not always common, even among Christians themselves. More than four in ten respondents said spiritual matters do not regularly come up in conversations with other believers.
Churchgoers were also divided over whether everyone they know needs to be aware they are followers of Christ. While nearly half disagreed with the idea of keeping their faith private, one-third said they did not believe all acquaintances needed to know about their beliefs.
The findings reflect wider cultural trends identified in earlier studies. Research from Barna in 2022 showed that more than half of Christians viewed their spiritual lives as private. Another survey by Probe Ministries in 2021 suggested many believers avoid sharing their faith because of growing acceptance of religious pluralism.
Among the most common reasons given were beliefs that people can reach Heaven through different religions, concerns about imposing views on others, and a desire to avoid appearing judgemental.
Steve Cable of Probe Ministries said these attitudes are becoming increasingly common in modern culture, where many people accept the idea that all faiths hold equal value.
Adapted and rewritten from reporting by The Christian Post.
