A New Wave at Church

While some might want to characterize our youth and young adults as somewhat of a "lost generation," anecdotal reports and survey data are showing that God is doing an amazing work among Generation Z.  This resurgence shows, I believe, that there is a search that is taking place that is leading to Jesus, who can give them what their hearts are looking for.  In Matthew 7 (ESV), we can read these words:
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

God is so faithful, and we know as we call upon Him, He will draw people to Himself.  I think in the midst of concern over Generation Z and other young generations, people are praying. And, young people are responding.

A recent article at The Washington Stand website noted that, according to the Barna Group's State of the Church report:

The research highlighted a notable uptick in spiritual interest, faith activity, and even signs of revival, particularly among younger Christians. “The headline,” as Barna Group stated, is that “Millennials and Gen Z Christians are attending church more frequently than before and much more often than are older generations. The typical Gen Z churchgoer now attends 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times — a steady upward shift since the lows seen during the pandemic.”

The Vice President of Research at Barna, Daniel Copeland, stated: "The fact that young people are showing up more frequently than before is not a typical trend. It’s typically older adults who are the most loyal churchgoers. This data represents good news for church leaders and adds to the picture that spiritual renewal is shaping Gen Z and Millennials today.” Barna Group CEO David Kinnaman said: "The influx of new generations represents a massive opportunity for congregational leaders, but this renewed interest must be stewarded well.”

The Barna Group went on to say: "If these trends continue...the spiritual explorations of the next generation could redefine the makeup and momentum of Christianity and of congregations in the coming decade. The data points to a future where the vitality of the Church may hinge on how well leaders engage the spiritual curiosity and commitments of younger adults.”  Other evidence of spiritual renewal was cited in the article, which said:

Additional Barna research reinforces this optimism, revealing that “66 percent of all U.S. adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today.” This reflects a 12% increase since 2021, which Barna described as “not only statistically significant — it may be the clearest indication of meaningful spiritual renewal in the United States.”

But, as Barna points out, there is certainly room for improvement.  Because church attendance, by and large, consists of people attending less than weekly, generally, less than half of the weeks in a month.  So, perhaps, with Gen Z leading the way, there can be a resurgence in the percentage of the population attending church.  According to the Barna website, while the average churchgoer attends 1.6 weekends per month.  Boomers and elders are at 1.4 weekends per month, Gen X is at that average of 1.6.  So Gen Z and Millennials, respectively, are leading the way at 1.9 and 1.8 weekends a month.

Church attendance could be considered one of the many components of a person's spiritual growth.  At Faith Radio, we do not regard ourselves as a replacement or competitor for the local church, but we want to complement its work by contributing to a person's spiritual growth.  But, the Bible is clear, through direct instruction and numerous examples, that God desires for His people to gather.  This brings a sense of community - with Jesus and with His body - so that people grow in Him and that His work is accomplished in and through His people.