Insights
The Spiritual Seismology Survey (SSS)
The Spiritual Seismology Survey is one of the largest studies of men and faith ever undertaken with over 50,000 survey responses gathered through a consortium of researchers and faith institutions.
IMR serves as the home for this dataset.
Our role is to analyze and translate it for leaders and organizations who want to understand and serve men better.
Coming early 2026:The State of Men & Faith Report
Early analysis led by Josh Hammons and the IMR Research Team.
Recent Studies We’re Tracking (2025)
While our own findings are in review, IMR curates and contextualizes new research shaping the conversation about men and faith today.
Each summary includes a TL;DR and why it matters for leaders.
Pew Research Center (USA) — Feb 2025
“After Decades of Decline, U.S. Religious Affiliation Levels Off”
TL;DR: After years of decline, America’s religious composition has stabilized, and the gender gap is narrowing.
Why it matters: Stability reframes strategy for men’s formation—less about decline, more about re-engagement and belonging.
Harvard / Baylor Global Flourishing Study — Apr 2025
“Global Flourishing Study: 2025 Update on Faith and Well-being”
TL;DR: Long-term data reinforces strong links between religious participation and well-being.
Why it matters: Leaders can credibly frame community, ritual, and faith practice as vital to holistic flourishing.
The Gospel Coalition — AI Christian Benchmark — May 2025
“AI Christian Benchmark: How Faith Shapes the Future of Artificial Intelligence”
TL;DR: A first-of-its-kind benchmark evaluating how major AI models respond to faith-based questions by measuring alignment, bias, and theological literacy.
Why it matters: As digital tools begin shaping how people learn and talk about faith, Christian leaders need to understand where these systems clarify or distort spiritual truth. IMR is tracking this shift closely to inform future ethics and formation work.
National Marriage Project (UVA) — Jun 2025
“Fatherhood and the Formation Gap”
TL;DR: Engaged fathers correlate strongly with children’s flourishing and stable families.
Why it matters: Fatherhood should be central, not peripheral, to any program or ministry aimed at forming men.
American Bible Society — State of the Bible 2025
“State of the Bible 2025: Insights on Faith Engagement”
TL;DR: Early signs of a rebound in Bible engagement, especially among men and Millennials.
Why it matters: Renewed curiosity should be met with guidance, mentoring, and disciplined pathways, not just more content.
Bible Society (UK) — The Quiet Revival — Apr 2025
“The Quiet Revival: Why More Young Adults Are Returning to Church”
TL;DR: Young adults, particularly men, show renewed church attendance in the UK though findings remain debated.
Why it matters: Even in secular contexts, the hunger for purpose and belonging persists. IMR tracks how these patterns evolve across generations.
Why Data Matters
Behind every statistic is a man.
Behind every man is a story.
Behind every story is a purpose.
The goal of our research isn’t simply to count or compare.
Ultimately, it’s to reveal purpose.
IMR helps leaders see how men are navigating faith, work, family, and formation so they can guide them toward lives of deeper meaning and impact.