They Said Christianity Was Dying—Then Gen Z Showed Up

Recent data from Premier Christian News, Barna Group, and the Bible Engagement Project reveal some surprising trends in the modern West. In the UK, church attendance among young men ages 18 to 24 rose from 4% in 2018 to 21% in 2024 (Premier Christian News). In the U.S., weekly church attendance among Millennial men increased from 21% in 2019 to 39% in 2025 (Barna Group). Bible engagement among young men grew by 19% year over year from 2024 to 2025 (Bible Engagement Project). Commitment to Jesus rose 15 percentage points among Gen Z men and 19 points among Millennial men between 2019 and 2025.

These stats are surprising when contrasted with data from the last 30 years, which show steep declines in church attendance, growing religious disaffiliation, and widespread apathy—even among Christians—about participating in church communities.

Meanwhile, there is ample evidence that young people today are less social across a variety of indicators, including employment, dating, and simply hanging out with friends. Many assume smartphones and social media are to blame. But the drop in social activity began before their widespread use. COVID may be a partial factor, given that teens spent several of their formative years in lockdown. While social scientists continue to assess the long-term impacts, any parent will tell you the consequences have been profound.

In a recent article, Ryan Burge shares data from the “Monitoring the Future” survey indicating that today’s high school students are far less likely to date, work part-time, or socialize than their counterparts a decade ago (Graphs About Religion). He notes that no single cause explains this trend—it’s a convergence of cultural, technological, and historical shifts. Yet one standout observation: teens who attend church still experience a decline in social interaction, but it’s significantly less steep than those who don’t. Community, it seems, still matters.

Despite broader cultural headwinds, the increase in church attendance, Bible engagement, and commitment to Jesus—particularly among young men—suggests that something real is stirring. Is it a pendulum swing after years of religious decline? Or is there something deeper at work?

Burge’s analysis reveals that church-attending youth are more socially connected than their non-religious peers. While he is cautious not to overstate the case, he acknowledges that faith communities may still serve as crucial spaces for human connection. Church, at its best, creates meaningful bonds—something young people clearly need.

Moral Clarity

Few over 40 have heard of Charlie Kirk, but nearly every teenage boy in my house knows his name. Kirk, and others like him, have been touring college campuses advocating for traditional Christian values. In a world of shifting ethics, many young people seem drawn to the structure and clarity such messages offer. After decades of cultural relativism, younger generations may be finding that a framework rooted in biblical principles provides purpose and coherence.

New Media, New Momentum

As traditional media loses dominance, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts have made room for faith-based voices. From devout Christian apologists like Wesley Huff to broader cultural commentators like Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan, these voices are introducing new audiences—especially young men—to the language and framework of Christianity. Whatever your opinion of them, their influence is shaping conversations about faith in surprising ways.

Fad or Awakening?

After the September 11 attacks, churches swelled with would-be worshipers—but within a few weeks, most had vanished. Is this renewed interest among young people another short-term spike? Or is it the beginning of something more durable? The answer likely depends on how churches respond.

This could be a critical moment—especially with Gen Z and Millennial men. Here’s what churches can do to steward this opportunity:

1. Transformation Over Information
   The early church grew before anyone had a Bible. What they had was the Spirit of God and transformed lives. Churches today should prioritize spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting alongside robust Bible study. It’s not just about knowing—it’s about becoming.

2. Countercultural Community
   With fewer young people building real-world connections, the church must become a place of deep relational opportunity. Small groups, retreats, service projects, and mentorships aren’t optional—they’re essential. The church is people, not a steeple, and that’s where it must shine.

3. Purpose and Calling
   Many young people feel unmoored—adrift in a sea of options, but lacking direction. Some churches have sought to make faith more accessible in the past—but today’s cultural moment may call for raising the bar instead. Offer something challenging, meaningful, and transcendent: intellectual rigor, personal accountability, and the call to discipleship. These are the things young people won’t find on TikTok, but they might find them in the church.

This is a cultural moment filled with risk and possibility. The next chapter is being written right now and the church has a chance to help write it well.