The Era of Trust is Gone! Skepticism, contempt, and disillusionment are the replacements. Institutions in America, for the most part, have shown themselves to be corrupt during the past 10 years. Count in all kinds of sources of authority—Congress, banks, public schools, organized religions, businesses, sciences—and you will find mistrust and skepticism among people. What is the cause? Probably not just a single thing, but the concentration of power and erosion of accountability are at least two contributing themes. Examples abound, but consider levels of trust around climate change, the church and scout scandals, and the elected congress. Is it time to go back to our grass roots? Is it time to go downward and outward? How do we apply this lack of trust issue today to our life of service as church workers?