Half of Young Men Call Themselves Failures and They Trust Obama More Than Their Own Pastors
A new study finds 54% of young men admire Barack Obama as a role model while only 46% look up to religious leaders in their own congregations.
New Study Reveals Young Men Admire Barack Obama More Than Pastors and the Pope
A sweeping new survey of 2,000 American men ages 18 to 29 has found that former President Barack Obama is viewed as a greater role model than religious leaders, the pope, President Donald Trump, and tech mogul Elon Musk.
The findings come from the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) report titled "America's Demoralized Men, Part 1: Worthy Aspirations, Trying Circumstances," authored by Joseph E. Davis, Michael Toscano, and Ken Burchfiel.
The YouGov survey, conducted between April 7 and 15, 2025, asked young men whom they admire "a good amount" or a "great deal." Obama and NBA star LeBron James each scored 54%, while religious congregational leaders received just 46%.
Elon Musk followed at 45%, Donald Trump at 42%, and online influencer Andrew Tate came in last at 31%. Parents, however, remained the most admired figures, with mothers at 79% and fathers at 69%, followed by coaches and teachers at 57%.
89% of young men endorsed "being a man requires sacrifice," while 85% agreed manhood involves "strength, responsibility, and leadership."
The report also challenged popular "toxic masculinity" narratives. Religious and conservative men expressed the strongest support for traditional masculine virtues.
Perhaps most alarming, approximately 46% of men ages 18 to 23 consider themselves failures, compared to 38% of those 24 to 29. Financial instability was cited as the primary life challenge, with many young men expressing hesitation toward marriage due to economic uncertainty.
Compared to 2002 data, more young men now prioritize financial independence (53%) over educational completion (31%) and full time work (34%). Getting married and having children ranked as the least likely milestones to be called "extremely important," at just 22% and 25% respectively.
Why Young American Men Look Up to Obama Over Their Pastors and Religious Figures
The data paints a troubling picture for the church. When young men are more likely to admire a retired politician than the spiritual leaders in their own congregations, it reveals a crisis of influence within Christianity.
The study suggests that economic despair and cultural messaging have reshaped what young men view as success. With nearly half of the youngest respondents calling themselves failures, the church faces a generation that feels lost and is looking everywhere but the pulpit for guidance.
The Crusader's Opinion
When 54% of young men look up to a politician more than their own pastors, that is not a failure of young men. That is a failure of the church. We have let the culture disciple an entire generation while we argued over worship styles and building campaigns. Barack Obama offered young men a story of overcoming adversity and rising to greatness. What story is the average church offering? Committee meetings and potluck dinners?
The church was meant to raise kings and warriors for the Kingdom of God. Instead, we have produced an institution so disconnected from the struggles of young men that they would rather follow a secular leader than the shepherds God appointed over them. This is a wake up call. If we do not meet these men where they are, with fire, with purpose, and with the unshakeable truth of the Gospel, we will lose them forever.
Take Action
- Read the full IFS report at ifstudies.org and share it with your church leadership to start a conversation about reaching young men.
- If you are a pastor or church leader, start a men's ministry or mentorship program specifically targeting men ages 18 to 29. Meet them where they are.
- Invite a young man to church this week. Personal invitation remains the most effective way to bring someone through the doors.
- Support ministries focused on discipling the next generation. Consider donating to The Shepherd's Shield, which supports Christian outreach and defense worldwide.
- Pray specifically for the young men in your life and community. Nearly half of them believe they are failures. Speak life and purpose over them.
