Here at Impactus, we conduct a study every year called the “Spiritual Health of Men” survey.
We engage with a sample of evangelical men, asking questions about their spiritual practices, church engagement, family life, and other topics related to how, overall, their faith journey is going.
We are happy to share with you some key reflections on what the data told us in our 2025 version of the survey, and what it might mean for churches and men’s ministries as they increasingly seek to minister more effectively to men.
1. Men’s Spiritual Health Is Generally Good but Not Always Growing
Most men who responded to the survey rated their spiritual health as “average-to-strong,” typically crediting consistent prayer, Bible reading, and church involvement as the reasons things are going well. However, the progress remained consistent over time rather than tracking upwards. When asked to rank spiritual growth over the past year, the results showed that the journey was steady rather than developing. A few quotes that came in said:
- “I’d say (my spiritual journey) is a solid 8 out of 10, but I want more consistency.”
- “Pretty good, but there’s always room to grow.”
- “Plateaued… not much growth lately.”
- “Fair, but could be stronger.”
- “I am healthy spiritually, but I want to go deeper.”
2. Life Pressures and Personal Struggles Create Spiritual and Emotional Barriers
A significant number of men reported times of spiritual dryness, stagnation, or even decline. Causes included busyness, stress, family and work demands, temptation (especially pornography), and seasons of grief or loss. These pressures also contributed to mental health challenges for men, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and loneliness. When asked how they were doing, men shared thoughts such as:
- “I’m not where I want to be.”
- “Very stressed and overloaded.”
- “Struggle with depression and feelings of failure.”
- “Since losing my wife, I have been on a roller coaster.”
- “My emotional health seems dependent upon my relationship with the Holy Spirit.”
3. Classic Faith Practices and Community Are Key to Renewal
Men repeatedly pointed to prayer, Scripture, worship, and fellowship as sources of strength and renewal. Events like Impactus conferences, small groups, and daily devotionals were highlighted as catalysts for encouragement, accountability, and a renewed sense of purpose in following Christ. Respondents said things like:
- “Impactus devotionals start my day, every day.”
- “Grew closer to God through my trials.”
- “Renewed my commitment to prayer.”
- “I left the (Impactus) conference feeling refreshed and recharged.”
- “Being with other men of faith reminds me I’m not alone.”
What’s Next?
Based on these results, here are some practical suggestions that pastors and men’s ministry leaders can do with this information to help minister to the men in their midst:
1. Help men make a plan to grow.
The status quo is our default, and staying there is easy, including in our spiritual journeys. Just like no man loses weight or builds muscle without an intentional action plan, so too can no man grow spiritually without an intentional action plan. Many guys need some help to do so. Spend time focusing on specific and tangible “next steps” for men in their faith journey. If their Bible-reading is good, what would it take to make it great? If their church attendance is casual, what will make it steadier? If prayer is something they want to grow in, how will they make that happen? Intentional and practical next steps (and the accountability to keep them moving) help men grow.
2. Address mental/emotional issues directly.
Whether it’s the stresses of life, crises in their midst, or something like the overwhelming anxiety of our social media age, men are facing real-life problems that affect their mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Talk about these issues boldly and regularly, making them comfortable topics of conversation. Brainstorm possible solutions together and find solid resources that can help. These issues can’t be avoided or ignored; wise leaders will lean in instead of avoiding such matters.
3. Prioritize relational connections.
In a world where many men feel lonely and isolated, church and men’s ministry provide a unique solution with regular connection and community time free of charge. Gathering for spiritual events like Bible study and prayer are crucial, but it’s also biblical for guys to just hang out and spend time together as family. Make connecting one of the most important pillars of your ministry, and create a culture of invitation where guys get good at inviting other guys out to church and men’s ministry events.
Conclusion
We do this survey every year, both to help Impactus understand where men are at, and also so that we can share our findings with you as you seek to minister to your men. As we look at the results, we are grateful for the discovery of where men find themselves, and for some tools that can help us and you move forward into more effective and fruitful ministry to men. As always, if Impactus can be of any help in serving you or your men, please get in touch and let us know!
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