At a time when church pews across America have been steadily emptying, an unexpected shift is emerging from the very generation once dubbed the “least religious.” Gen Z, often associated with digital culture, skepticism, and declining religious affiliation, is showing signs of renewed spiritual curiosity — and even church attendance.
For years, surveys painted a bleak picture of religion in the United States. According to Pew Research, the percentage of Americans identifying as Christian dropped from 77% in 2009 to around 63% by 2021. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, were widely expected to accelerate this trend. But recent data suggest otherwise. A 2025 Barna study revealed that Gen Z and Millennials are now attending church more regularly than their parents and grandparents. In fact, young adults who go to church report an average of nearly two services per month, surpassing Gen X and Boomers in frequency. David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, called the finding “a remarkable turn of events,” noting that the youngest generation of adults is demonstrating “not just curiosity, but commitment.”
So, what’s driving this shift? Cultural anxiety and uncertainty play a big role. Rising mental health struggles, economic instability, and social polarization have left many young people searching for meaning, stability, and community — and for some, church offers an anchor. Influential movements, such as the 2023 Asbury Revival in Kentucky, where thousands of students gathered for days of continuous worship, have also fueled conversations about a new awakening led by Gen Z. And unlike past generations that may have practiced faith out of tradition or obligation, Gen Z tends to approach religion more intentionally. When they embrace faith, researchers note, it often comes from conviction rather than cultural habit. Surprisingly, digital media — often blamed for pulling young people away from religion — has become a powerful tool in this resurgence. From worship livestreams to viral testimonies, Christian creators are finding new ways to connect with spiritually curious young audiences online.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Experts caution against overstating the trend. While there is measurable growth in religious participation among young adults, the numbers are modest compared to earlier eras. Pew’s most recent Religious Landscape Study suggests that while the decline of Christianity in America has slowed — and may even have “leveled off” — it hasn’t fully reversed. Similarly, in the U.K., where reports have described a “Quiet Revival” among youth, researchers have pushed back, questioning the reliability of the data. Sociologist Ryan Burge summed it up by saying, “What we’re seeing is a stabilization, not necessarily a revolution. It’s encouraging for churches, but calling it a ‘great awakening’ may be premature.”
Even so, many leaders see reason for hope. Pastor Michael Todd of Transformation Church recently told his congregation, “The narrative was that Gen Z wanted nothing to do with faith. But I see the opposite — I see young people who are hungry for truth, authenticity, and a God who meets them where they are.” And that hunger is being noticed. Across college campuses, coffee shops, and online communities, stories are emerging of young people rediscovering prayer, scripture, and the value of spiritual community.
Whether this moment proves to be the dawn of a true revival or simply a pause in a decades-long decline remains uncertain. Yet the bigger picture reveals something undeniable: for a generation that has grown up in an age of rapid change, instability, and digital overload, faith is providing an unexpected grounding. As researchers, pastors, and young believers themselves continue to watch this movement unfold, one question lingers — could Gen Z be at the heart of America’s next great spiritual resurgence?
Tags:
Trending