State of the Church - Doubt
One statistic that has been weighing on my heart is that 52% of Americans—teens and adults—have reported experiencing doubt about their faith within the past six months to a year. If we break it down further, 52% of Christians themselves have admitted to experiencing doubt frequently. In reality, I would argue the number is even higher, likely closer to 80–90%. This means that the majority of people in our church—both in person and online—have some level of doubt.
So, what is doubt? Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty, particularly regarding our faith in God and Christianity. Studies show that one of the biggest reasons people avoid Christians and church is that they perceive Christians as judgmental, simple-minded, and more concerned with being right than meeting people where they are on their faith journey. And if we’re honest, we know that sometimes this is true.
Acknowledging Our Doubt
As your pastor, let me be real with you—I have doubts too. There are moments when I look at a broken world and pray a simple but raw prayer: Lord, I believe, but help my doubt.
In Mark 9:14-24, we read about a desperate father whose son was possessed by a spirit that caused him to convulse and foam at the mouth. The father had tried everything—physicians, remedies, even the disciples—but nothing worked. As his belief decreased, his doubt increased. When he finally stood before Jesus, he cried out in desperation, “Help me if you can.” To which Jesus responded, “If you can? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
The father’s response is one of the most honest prayers in Scripture: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.” This story shows us that doubt and belief can coexist. Doubt does not erase belief, just as belief does not always eradicate doubt.
Examining the Root of Our Doubt
Rather than ignoring our doubt, we must examine it. Why do we doubt? Often, our doubt stems from unmet expectations, unanswered prayers, or the suffering we see in the world. Many of us pray for healing, provision, or restoration, and when those prayers seem unanswered, we begin to wonder: Is everything possible? Or just some things?
When I reflect on my own struggles, I realize that much of my doubt is rooted in control, fear, or a misplaced sense of security. When I stress over finances, it’s because I doubt that God is my provider. When I worry about pleasing people, it’s because I doubt that God’s approval is enough. What’s at the root of your doubt?
Surrendering Our Doubt
1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God does not ask us to pretend that doubt doesn’t exist. Instead, He invites us to bring our doubts to Him.
Thomas, often called Doubting Thomas, was not the only disciple who had doubts. But he was the only one willing to voice them. When he said, “Unless I see the marks of the nails in His hands and put my fingers where the nails were, I will not believe” (John 20:25), he was being honest about his struggles. And what did Jesus do? He met Thomas where he was and provided the evidence he needed.
If doubt were a trout, we’d all be fish. The reality is, we all wrestle with doubt at some point. But rather than hiding it, let’s acknowledge it, examine it, and surrender it to God. Doubt is not the enemy of faith—unchecked doubt is. Bring your doubts before the Lord, and let Him work through them.
Discussion Questions:
Have you ever experienced doubt in your faith? What triggered it?
How have you worked through doubt in the past? Did it strengthen or weaken your faith?
What steps can you take to acknowledge, examine, and surrender your doubts to God?
Let’s continue this conversation, supporting one another in our faith journey.
