Why Are Fewer Becoming Preachers? | Trends with Truth Ep. 3

About this episode

Why does someone decide to become a preacher—and why are fewer young men choosing ministry today?In Episode 3 of Trends with Truth in Churches of Christ, Dale Jenkins and Dr. Michael Jackson examine the results of a 2026 survey asking ministers one important question: Why did you enter ministry?The answers reveal some surprising trends.A love for Scripture ranked higher than a sense of “calling.” Mentors had more influence than parents. And for many ministers, preaching wasn’t part of the original plan at all—doors simply kept opening.This conversation goes beyond statistics. Dale and Michael discuss the growing shortage of preachers, the importance of recognizing spiritual gifts, the powerful influence of mentors, and what churches can do right now to encourage the next generation of ministers.They also address whether artificial intelligence could ever replace the role of a preacher—and why ministry will always require a real person who can listen, teach, encourage, counsel, and walk alongside others.Every preacher has a story. The question is: Who encouraged them to begin?Subscribe to Trends with Truth for honest conversations, meaningful data, and thoughtful analysis about the present and future of churches of Christ.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction00:43 Why do people enter ministry?01:31 Dale Jenkins’ call to preach03:10 Michael Jackson’s path into ministry05:06 Why churches need more preachers07:22 Can AI replace preachers?08:21 The number-one reason ministers begin09:56 Can you preach without loving Scripture?12:03 What elders should ask ministers12:53 Is a preacher really “called”?15:30 Recognizing and developing spiritual gifts17:40 Why mentors matter more than parents19:29 Mentors who keep ministers going21:32 When ministry wasn’t part of the plan22:55 Final challenge to churches23:13 ClosingKEYWORDS:why men become preachers, preacher shortage, churches of Christ ministry, Trends with Truth, Dale Jenkins, Michael Jackson, Heritage Christian University, The Jenkins Institute, ministry survey 2026, calling to ministry, how to become a preacher, preacher mentorship, Christian ministry, church leadership, future of churches of Christ, training young preachers, encouraging young men to preach, love for Scripture, spiritual gifts, ministry careers, preacher development, church statistics, churches of Christ podcast, Christian podcast, Bible ministry, AI and preachingHASHTAGS:#TrendsWithTruth #ChurchesOfChrist #Preaching #ChristianMinistry #ChurchLeadership #BibleStudy #MinistryMentorship #FutureOfTheChurch #HeritageChristianUniversity #TheJenkinsInstitute