Recent research sheds light on a concerning trend among Generation Z and their connection to the church. A new report from the American Bible Society reveals that younger adults are showing significantly less engagement with their churches compared to older generations. This disconnect raises questions about the future of church involvement and the spiritual well-being of young Christians today.
The fifth chapter of the American Bible Society’s State of the Bible: USA 2025 report highlights the importance of church engagement. Defined as an individual’s involvement in the life and mission of a local church, this engagement encompasses learning, growing in faith, and building meaningful relationships within the church community. John Farquhar Plake, Chief Innovation Officer at the American Bible Society, emphasizes that active participation in church life not only enhances spiritual growth but also contributes to overall well-being.
The survey categorized respondents into four generational groups: Generation Z (those born from 1997 onward), millennials (1982-1996), Generation X (1965-1981), and baby boomers/elders (1964 and earlier). Alarmingly, only 35% of Gen Z adults felt they had opportunities to learn and grow in their faith over the past year. In contrast, 46% of millennials, 48% of Gen X, and 46% of baby boomers reported similar sentiments. This disparity suggests that younger adults may be missing out on the enriching experiences that church involvement can provide.
Relationships are crucial for spiritual development, yet only 19% of Gen Z adults reported having a best friend at church. This is notably lower than the 31% of baby boomers and the 26% of millennials who felt similarly connected. Additionally, just 27% of Gen Z indicated that someone in their church encourages their spiritual growth, compared to 43% of older generations.
The report also examined how church leaders relate to their congregants. While 42% of Gen Z felt cared for by their pastors, this was slightly lower than the responses from older generations. Furthermore, only 19% of Gen Z adults felt they had the opportunity to use their gifts within the church, compared to higher percentages among older groups.
Denominational differences were also highlighted in the report. Evangelicals showed a mixed level of engagement, with 43% reporting average engagement, while only 39% considered their engagement high. In contrast, a significant 62% of adherents to historically black denominations reported high engagement levels. This suggests that certain communities may foster stronger connections and involvement in church activities.
Interestingly, the report found a strong correlation between church engagement and overall well-being. Those who were more engaged reported higher levels of happiness, lower stress, and greater life satisfaction. For example, individuals with high church engagement scored an average of 8.5 on the Human Flourishing Index, significantly higher than those with average (7.6) or low (7.1) engagement scores.
The implications of these findings are profound. They suggest that church engagement is not just a matter of attendance but is crucial for spiritual and emotional health. As the church seeks to connect with Generation Z, it may need to adapt its approaches to foster deeper relationships and provide meaningful opportunities for involvement.
In a world where loneliness and anxiety are on the rise, the church can play a pivotal role in offering community and support. By prioritizing genuine connections and encouraging young people to use their gifts, churches can create environments where spiritual growth thrives. For more insights on fostering church engagement and community, check out the American Bible Society’s full report here.
As we reflect on these findings, it’s essential for church leaders and congregants alike to consider how they can better engage younger generations. The future of the church depends on our ability to build bridges and foster relationships that nurture faith and community.