How did the Great Awakening influence the perception of ministers in society?

The Great Awakening, which took place in the American colonies during the 1730s and 1740s, led to significant changes in how ministers were perceived in society. This religious revival emphasized personal faith and emotional connections to religion over established traditions and hierarchical structures within churches. As a result, the authority of traditional ministers diminished because many individuals began to seek their own spiritual journeys and interpretations of faith.

This movement encouraged a more democratic approach to religion, wherein laypeople increasingly felt empowered to question or reject established religious leaders. The rise of itinerant preachers and the proliferation of new denominations reflected this shift, as these figures often did not adhere to the established hierarchies of the more traditional churches. By promoting the idea that everyone could have a personal relationship with God, the Great Awakening contributed to the perception that ministers were less central to the spiritual lives of individuals, which aligns with the idea that they became less relevant in this changing religious landscape.