The study looked into what the public was most proud of in their area.
It found that just 33% of people agreed the local church generated a sense of local community but only 4.2% said the local church is the part of community they use the most.
There didn't appear to be an appetite to make more use of the church either with only 4.7% agreeing it was the part of the community they would like most like to use or use more.
Author and TV presenter Philippa Forrester told Premier she suspected why that might be: "Underfunding will often lead to broken windows or draughty places where people don't really want to spend that time.
"I think it's really sad but it is a fact that these buildings need to be maintained and kept repaired."
The survey was carried out by Anglian Home Improvements as part of its 50 for 50 campaign which is offering to replace broken doors or windows in some community projects.
Forrester said churches were important to the local community: "It's a place where people of all ages and different segments of the community can come together.
"Also I think for people who aren't religious the church as a place facilitates things like nursery groups or an elderly people's get togethers or lunch.
"The church works as a centre for community activity on lots of different levels. More than I think we give it credit for."
