Porn in the Church – A Study
The 2014 survey was commissioned by a nonprofit organization called Proven Men Ministries and conducted by Barna Group among a nationally representative sample of 388 self-identified Christian adult men.
Porn Addiction Statistics
The statistics for Christian men between 18 and 30 years old are particularly striking:
- 77 percent look at pornography at least monthly.
- 36 percent view pornography on a daily basis
- 32 percent admit being addicted to pornography (and another 12 percent think they may be).
The statistics for middle-aged Christian men (ages 31 to 49) are no less disturbing:
- 77 percent looked at pornography while at work in the past three months.
- 64 percent view pornography at least monthly.
- 18 percent admit being addicted to pornography (and another 8 percent think they may be).
Even married Christian men are falling prey to pornography and extramarital sexual affairs at alarming rates:
- 55 percent look at pornography at least monthly.
- 35 percent had an extramarital affair.
“These statistics knock the wind right out of you. They also confirm what we already know; that there definitely is a problem with pornography and affairs among Christian men and that they are starving for the church to step forward with solutions,” according to Joel Hesch, who sponsored the survey and is the founder of the biblically-based Proven Men Ministries.
Hesch adds: “It’s abundantly clear that pornography is one of the biggest unaddressed problems in the church.” For more details of this study, click here.
A few years ago I spoke at a men’s retreat in Florida. When I challenged the men in the area of sexual purity, the biggest, strongest-looking guy in the room stood up and said “I’m fighting a battle with porn and I know some of you guys are too. Anybody else ready to do battle with me?” Half of the forty men in the room stood with him.
Christian Men Addicted to Porn
Accepting the fact that at least half of Christian men (pastors, music ministers, missionaries and those in children’s ministry included) have an issue with porn is not good news. We want to see the church in a positive light; however, we need to be honest. The church is in serious trouble!
Another well-known pastor has dared to address the problem. The following excerpt is from an open letter Chuck Swindoll posted on his Insight for Living Website not long ago:
“The most recent studies available suggest that one out of every two people-that’s 50 percent of the people sitting in our pews, are looking at and/or could be addicted to Internet pornography… Truth be told, that statistic could be even higher… Stop and imagine the ugly but very real possibility of some of your own elders and deacons leaving your meetings and going home to surf porn. Think about youth leaders viewing it one minute, and leading a small group with your kids thirty minutes later. It’s ruining marriages, destroying relationships, harming youth, and hurting the body of Christ. You hardly need to be reminded that fallen pastors and priests did not “suddenly” fall. More often than not, pornography played a role in their downward spiral. My friend, it’s time to do something about it. In fact, we need to start today. Making a difference requires action… Our churches are in trouble. This is no time to simply wait and pray.”
Porn is reported to be a $17 billion industry in the United States. Its influence is running rampant and unchecked through our society. In my ministry to those who struggle with porn and sex addiction, I see many marriages and families on the brink of divorce. Most guys wait until their “dirty little secret” spins out of control into a big traumatic mess before they do something about it. What starts out as “just me and pictures” can destroy a family. Sadly, there are some marriages that don’t make it.
If you are struggling with a porn or sex addiction, we can help. You can stop your destructive behavior, regain your integrity, and put an end to the double life that is destroying everything you deeply cherish. We provide a safe, confidential, and proven place to find solutions. We offer porn addiction counseling that brings hope and freedom—for you and your spouse.
Some highlights of this intensive include:
- Discovering the origin of your struggle.
- Addressing core issues in your life.
- Outlining a game plan for your recovery.
- Creating long-term strategies for your successful recovery.
- Experiencing renewal in your relationship with God.
If you are ready to begin a life free from sexual sin, call us at 256-278-9188 for a free consultation.
Twenty years ago I drove myself to an Every Man’s Battle workshop because I got “caught”. I didn’t even try to hide it that well. I found myself in Celebrate Recovery for the next 18 months and got my 1 year sobriety chip, thinking I could manage it beyond that point. I was wrong. In 2017 I found myself back in the CR ministry and began attending that church. Since then I have discovered that probably 50% of the guys in our step studies have confessed they routinely view porn and they want to quit. I want to stay “quit”. The past three years, especially, have shown me a new connection with God through the Holy Spirit and I’m eternally grateful. There’s much work to do and I know from experience how this beats guys down. Thank for listening.