035 | Mark Sayers on Cultural and Spiritual Authority, the Influence of Social Technology and the Pandemic’s Impact on Religiosity
November 05, 2020
With the number of U.S. COVID cases once again on the rise as colder weather sets in and political polarization still palpable across the nation following the recent presidential election, pastors and their people may feel just as uncertain now as they did at the start of the pandemic seven months ago. In recent ChurchPulse Weekly episodes, host Carey Nieuwhof and guest Mark Sayers—cultural commentator, writer, speaker and pastor—discuss faith, safety and opportunity during crisis.
With the number of U.S. COVID cases once again on the rise as colder weather sets in and political polarization still palpable across the nation following the recent presidential election, pastors and their people may feel just as uncertain now as they did at the start of the pandemic seven months ago.
In recent ChurchPulse Weekly episodes, host Carey Nieuwhof and guest Mark Sayers—cultural commentator, writer, speaker and pastor—discuss faith, safety and opportunity during crisis. Below, find highlights from this two-part discussion on faith during crisis.
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Social Media Promotes Charismatic Authority
With the rise of social media, Sayers sees a crucial shift in how society mediates power.
Citing Max Weber’s classifications of authority, Sayers highlights the accelerated a transition from institutional to charismatic authority. Rather than gaining power through association with a church or powerful organization,“if you’re an engaging, funny person who’s entertaining, you can now have a platform that’s disconnected from the institution.”
Thus, social media has begun a communications redistribution from “vertical” to “horizontal” contact. Even as congregations listen to their pastors, they will be deeply influenced by from bloggers and YouTubers who have the role of peer rather than leader.
“Charismatic power inherently pulls apart institutions,” warns Sayers, counseling pastors to be attentive to the ways that the Internet can destabilize churches’ traditional patterns of influence.
The Church Can Intercede in the Digital World
Sayers recommends that pastors take these issues seriously and engage them in the congregation. “We need to teach how to love each other online…How do you show grace, and mercy, and kindness, and the fruit of the spirit, in a digital space?” asks Sayers.
One concrete step his church recommends: beginning the day without screens. “You want to win the day—where you’re set on what the Holy Spirit wants for you that day, not what the algorithm wants for you.” Providing these kinds of disciplines for congregants can help them navigate the challenges of life online.
And while it’s a challenge during the pandemic, he also encourages churches to emphasize small-group efforts which can help people step outside of their digitally curated echo chambers. “The church is still an environment where people meet face to face,” and can help foster relationships across lines of polarization. As cultural trust in people and institutions decays, the Church’s voice of faith may be unique.
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About the Research
COVID-19 Data: Barna Group conducted these online surveys among Protestant Senior Pastors from March 20–September 28, 2020. Participants are all members of Barna Group’s Church Panel. Minimal weighting has been used to ensure the sample is representative based on denomination, region and church size.
Data Collection Dates
Week 1, n=222, March 20-23, 2020
Week 2, n=212, March 24-30, 2020
Week 3, n=195, March 31-April 6, 2020
Week 4, n=246, April 7-13, 2020
Week 5, n=204, April 14-20, 2020
Week 6, n=164, April 21-27, 2020
Week 7, n=167, April 28-May 4, 2020
Week 8, n=165, May 5-11, 2020
Week 9, n=184, May 12-18, 2020
Weeks 10 and 11, n=191, May 19-June 1, 2020
Week 12, n=203, June 26-29, 2020
Week 13, n=256, July 9-14, 2020
Week 14, n=285, July 24-26, 2020
Week 15, n=336, August 13-17, 2020
Week 16, n=315, August 27-31, 2020
Week 17, n=422, September 10-18, 2020
Week 18, n=475, September 24-28, 2020
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash.
About Barna
Barna Research is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Issachar Companies. Located in Ventura, California, Barna Group has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984.
© Barna Group, 2020