Why It’s Good to Bring Science to Church

“It’s easier to be a Christian in the scientific world than a scientist in a congregation.”

Sarah drove 100 miles to attend a workshop at my church. We were exploring how Genesis 1 and 2 connect with the Big Bang and evolution. As a graduate student in science, she was hungry for this conversation—the kind often missing on Sunday mornings.

After I shared insights from Tim Keller, C.S. Lewis, Francis Collins, and John Stott, Sarah approached me with excitement: “I loved this! But why don’t we hear more about this in church?“

Whether we look at the brain’s complexity or the cosmos’ beauty, science points us toward wonder. I’ve personally learned that I don’t need to protect God from science. I need to let science show us God’s amazing creation.

And as a pastor, here’s what I’ve discovered through years of mixing science into sermons and Bible studies: science doesn’t shrink faith in a congregation—it grows it.

That’s why I bring science into church today. Studying God’s creation isn’t just smart—it’s good for the soul and good for the church.

What happens when we bring science to church

Bringing science to church doesn’t just sound good on paper – it genuinely helps draw people closer to God.

Recently, I read through the report on a John Templeton Foundation-funded initiative project I co-directed, Scientists in Congregations.

We worked with 37 churches, pairing a scientist and a pastor in each to design initiatives – like a sermon series, adult education classes, or outreach events – to “bring science to church.”

The results were striking. According to the final report, 100% of clergy and 84% of church members not only learned new science, but also grew spiritually through the experience.

One comment from a participating church member stood out to me: “There’s more room for God as I learned about the mysteries that show up when we study the universe on the largest scale and the farthest distances, and again when we study it on the smallest scale—subatomic particles and structure.” It seems we can talk about God and science and discover something higher and better.

The lesson from this initiative is clear: exploring faith and science together stimulates spiritual growth.

The cost of being silent about science

It’s time we return to Sarah’s question. Why don’t we hear more about science in church?

I think there are a few common barriers. The first is a fear that we as pastors don’t know enough to talk confidently or credibly about science. Another is the concern that bringing up science may turn off members of the congregation.

But often, the biggest roadblock to bringing science to church is pastoral busyness. When talking about science is just one priority among many, it can be easy to put it on the back burner – especially when we’re working with limited time and resources.

I think these concerns, while understandable, are short-sighted.

Addressing them begins by acknowledging that we have a problem. According to the Barna Group, one of the top six reasons young people leave church is that it seems like they are “against science.” This finding should wake us up.

But it also shows us an opportunity. When churches embrace science as a path to wonder, we demonstrate that Christian faith makes sense and stays alive in our scientific world. A church that engages science shows both courage and relevance.

Also read:

• Engaging Science in the Life of Your Congregation
• Four Ways Pastors can Shepherd Their Congregation Through Discussions on Faith and Science
• What I Wish My Pastor Knew About the Life of a Scientist

This is much more than a strategy—it’s about helping people grow in faith. When science and faith talk openly, the church gives a fuller witness to the world. We help people meet the Creator in the lab just like they do in the sanctuary.

Sarah’s excitement that day reminded me why this work matters. Her question—”Why don’t we hear more about this in church?“—demands a response.

Practical steps for pastors to bring science to church

For pastors wondering where to start, my research points to one key principle: churches become safe places for people to explore faith and science when they feel they can ask questions freely. This creates room for honest inquiry for those who don’t usually darken the doors of a church.

Our goal shouldn’t be to have all the answers. It’s giving room for honest searching.

To create this kind of space, we need to start with humility and curiosity, not defense. I think back to something I learned from Tim Keller’s preaching style: never talk down about “outsiders” because they might be sitting in your church right now.

In other words, that scientist inquiring about the viability of faith might already be in your congregation. Elaine Howard Ecklund’s research shows that fifteen percent of atheist scientists have religious spouses. This means “those secular scientists” might be married to your church members – and may be attending your sermons.

What does this mean practically? We should create real forums—in sermons, small groups, adult education classes, or special events—where people can explore scientific questions alongside faith questions. Don’t feel pressure to solve every problem right away. Sometimes the most faithful response is: “That’s a great question. Let’s explore it together.” We learn by pondering.

It’s time we responded to Sarah’s question with more than good intentions. Why bring science to church? Because engaging God’s creation through modern science is deeply good for our churches—and for showing a watching world that faith and reason can walk together.