The Great Reversal: How Gen Z Is Leading the Way Back to Church
Gen Z is coming back to church, and they’re leading the way. New Barna research shows a surprising shift in faith engagement. Here’s what pastors need to know...
For the last decade, it’s felt like every headline about church attendance came with a sigh. “Young people are leaving the church.” “Faith is in decline.” “Nobody’s coming back after COVID.”
But finally, we have a plot twist worth celebrating: Gen Z, the generation many assumed had walked away, is now showing up to church more than anyone else.
According to new research from Barna Group, Gen Z is now the generation most likely to attend church regularly, even surpassing Millennials. Barna Research calls it a “generational reversal,” a phrase that perfectly captures this surprising shift.
In Barna’s findings, Gen Z attenders are averaging about 1.9 weekends per month, compared to 1.8 for Millennials and significantly less for Gen X and Boomers. It's the first time in modern research that the youngest generation in the Church is leading older generations in church participation.
This is remarkable news. It shows that the Church’s missiology efforts are making a difference, and even more, that God’s grace is still moving powerfully among a new generation.
So, what is drawing them in?
Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church
If we’re being honest, Gen Z has had every reason not to come back to the Church. They’ve witnessed hypocrisy, burnout, and cultural polarization in an up-front and personal way via their smartphones. Some of my Gen Z friends are the first to point out what is broken in the Church – things older generations were often too afraid to name.
They are not blind to its flaws. They see the gaps and the hurt. And yet, here they are, returning.
According to a Barna article referencing the recent State of the Church report, Gen Z is showing a noticeable openness to Jesus, community, and faith.
This shouldn’t surprise us. Gen Z wants connection. They want to wrestle honestly with faith. They want to serve together and make a difference. These desires have nudged them toward a Christianity that is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in community.
So, Gen Z has come back to church. And if you’re a pastor or ministry leader, this is your cue to lean in!
What Barna’s Gen Z Research Means for Church Leaders
If Gen Z is leading in attendance, the Church’s focus must shift from “How do we get them in the door?” to “How do we disciple and equip them once they’re here?”
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, put it best in a recent interview: “The influx of new generations represents a massive opportunity for congregational leaders, but this renewed interest must be stewarded well.”
That word – stewardship – means everything.
This resurgence is not something to take for granted. Pastors and ministry leaders must nurture the spiritual curiosity of a generation that is hungry for truth, belonging, and purpose.
So what does faithful stewardship look like? It looks like listening, equipping, trusting, and celebrating the next generation.
Here are five practical ways to do that well.
Gen Z Ministry: 5 Strategies for Pastors
1. Build Belonging Before Belief
If your church is not a safe place for questions, it will not be a safe place for Gen Z’s growth.
Gen Z is not afraid to wrestle with faith. They are asking good, hard questions about theology, culture, and the Church’s role in the world, and they are watching how leaders respond. If those questions are met with discomfort or dismissal, they will go find the answers somewhere else.
The healthiest churches are not those with the fewest questions but those where curiosity is welcomed and explored in community.
2. Communicate With Substance
Gen Z can tell when something is shallow (and for that matter, most people can!) They live in a world saturated with slogans and sales pitches, and they are not looking for another one from the pulpit.
They want to hear something real – something that sounds like it has been lived rather than just rehearsed. When you teach, go deeper than surface-level principles. Go deeper than three-point sermons! Talk honestly about your struggles, your doubts, and your redemption story. Connect biblical truth to real human experience.
The more grounded your communication is, the more credibility you will build with your audience.
3. Offer Discipleship That Fits Their Lives
Most Gen Z adults are juggling work, school, relationships, and the relentless pace of digital life. They want to grow spiritually, but they need on-ramps that fit their world.
Not everyone can commit to a 12-week class or a weekly midweek study. That doesn’t mean they aren’t committed; it simply means they’re human. Create on-ramps that work with their lives – think worship nights, monthly community gatherings, or biweekly meetups where people can ask honest questions. A team and I used to host something called “Tacos and Theology” on college campuses, where we tackled hard questions over free tacos. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real, and students kept showing up because it met them where they already were.
When discipleship works with their rhythm instead of against it, Gen Z is far more able to stay connected and keep growing.
4. Empower Gen Z to Lead and Grow
Gen Z does not just want to be “reached.” They want to participate and lead. And because they are now leading the way in church attendance, it’s a great time for pastors to invite them into meaningful roles.
Gen Z lights up when they sense they’re not being treated like a project but like a vital part of the Church. When you hand them meaningful roles, you help them discover their gifts, find their voice, and see how God can use them right now, not someday “when they’re older.” Give them real responsibility, and trust them to carry it.
5. Celebrate What Is Working
God is clearly at work in this generation, and the Church should be the first to say so!
Celebrate stories of young adults finding Jesus or serving their communities. Highlight their leadership and transformation in your sermons, newsletters, and social media. Tell those stories often.
When you celebrate what God is doing through Gen Z, you remind them that they are a vital part of the Church’s mission right now, not just in the future!
Engage the Next Generation With Confidence
If Gen Z is showing up, the Church’s next step is to connect with them meaningfully. Tools like Tithely’s Church Management Software help you organize communication, build discipleship pathways, and create real connection points that keep young adults engaged.
If you’re looking for practical ways to reach and disciple Gen Z at your church, this free resource is a great place to start.
To explore how Tithely’s Church Management Software can support the ministry you are already doing, visit Tithely.com.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
For the last decade, it’s felt like every headline about church attendance came with a sigh. “Young people are leaving the church.” “Faith is in decline.” “Nobody’s coming back after COVID.”
But finally, we have a plot twist worth celebrating: Gen Z, the generation many assumed had walked away, is now showing up to church more than anyone else.
According to new research from Barna Group, Gen Z is now the generation most likely to attend church regularly, even surpassing Millennials. Barna Research calls it a “generational reversal,” a phrase that perfectly captures this surprising shift.
In Barna’s findings, Gen Z attenders are averaging about 1.9 weekends per month, compared to 1.8 for Millennials and significantly less for Gen X and Boomers. It's the first time in modern research that the youngest generation in the Church is leading older generations in church participation.
This is remarkable news. It shows that the Church’s missiology efforts are making a difference, and even more, that God’s grace is still moving powerfully among a new generation.
So, what is drawing them in?
Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church
If we’re being honest, Gen Z has had every reason not to come back to the Church. They’ve witnessed hypocrisy, burnout, and cultural polarization in an up-front and personal way via their smartphones. Some of my Gen Z friends are the first to point out what is broken in the Church – things older generations were often too afraid to name.
They are not blind to its flaws. They see the gaps and the hurt. And yet, here they are, returning.
According to a Barna article referencing the recent State of the Church report, Gen Z is showing a noticeable openness to Jesus, community, and faith.
This shouldn’t surprise us. Gen Z wants connection. They want to wrestle honestly with faith. They want to serve together and make a difference. These desires have nudged them toward a Christianity that is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in community.
So, Gen Z has come back to church. And if you’re a pastor or ministry leader, this is your cue to lean in!
What Barna’s Gen Z Research Means for Church Leaders
If Gen Z is leading in attendance, the Church’s focus must shift from “How do we get them in the door?” to “How do we disciple and equip them once they’re here?”
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, put it best in a recent interview: “The influx of new generations represents a massive opportunity for congregational leaders, but this renewed interest must be stewarded well.”
That word – stewardship – means everything.
This resurgence is not something to take for granted. Pastors and ministry leaders must nurture the spiritual curiosity of a generation that is hungry for truth, belonging, and purpose.
So what does faithful stewardship look like? It looks like listening, equipping, trusting, and celebrating the next generation.
Here are five practical ways to do that well.
Gen Z Ministry: 5 Strategies for Pastors
1. Build Belonging Before Belief
If your church is not a safe place for questions, it will not be a safe place for Gen Z’s growth.
Gen Z is not afraid to wrestle with faith. They are asking good, hard questions about theology, culture, and the Church’s role in the world, and they are watching how leaders respond. If those questions are met with discomfort or dismissal, they will go find the answers somewhere else.
The healthiest churches are not those with the fewest questions but those where curiosity is welcomed and explored in community.
2. Communicate With Substance
Gen Z can tell when something is shallow (and for that matter, most people can!) They live in a world saturated with slogans and sales pitches, and they are not looking for another one from the pulpit.
They want to hear something real – something that sounds like it has been lived rather than just rehearsed. When you teach, go deeper than surface-level principles. Go deeper than three-point sermons! Talk honestly about your struggles, your doubts, and your redemption story. Connect biblical truth to real human experience.
The more grounded your communication is, the more credibility you will build with your audience.
3. Offer Discipleship That Fits Their Lives
Most Gen Z adults are juggling work, school, relationships, and the relentless pace of digital life. They want to grow spiritually, but they need on-ramps that fit their world.
Not everyone can commit to a 12-week class or a weekly midweek study. That doesn’t mean they aren’t committed; it simply means they’re human. Create on-ramps that work with their lives – think worship nights, monthly community gatherings, or biweekly meetups where people can ask honest questions. A team and I used to host something called “Tacos and Theology” on college campuses, where we tackled hard questions over free tacos. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real, and students kept showing up because it met them where they already were.
When discipleship works with their rhythm instead of against it, Gen Z is far more able to stay connected and keep growing.
4. Empower Gen Z to Lead and Grow
Gen Z does not just want to be “reached.” They want to participate and lead. And because they are now leading the way in church attendance, it’s a great time for pastors to invite them into meaningful roles.
Gen Z lights up when they sense they’re not being treated like a project but like a vital part of the Church. When you hand them meaningful roles, you help them discover their gifts, find their voice, and see how God can use them right now, not someday “when they’re older.” Give them real responsibility, and trust them to carry it.
5. Celebrate What Is Working
God is clearly at work in this generation, and the Church should be the first to say so!
Celebrate stories of young adults finding Jesus or serving their communities. Highlight their leadership and transformation in your sermons, newsletters, and social media. Tell those stories often.
When you celebrate what God is doing through Gen Z, you remind them that they are a vital part of the Church’s mission right now, not just in the future!
Engage the Next Generation With Confidence
If Gen Z is showing up, the Church’s next step is to connect with them meaningfully. Tools like Tithely’s Church Management Software help you organize communication, build discipleship pathways, and create real connection points that keep young adults engaged.
If you’re looking for practical ways to reach and disciple Gen Z at your church, this free resource is a great place to start.
To explore how Tithely’s Church Management Software can support the ministry you are already doing, visit Tithely.com.
podcast transcript
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
For the last decade, it’s felt like every headline about church attendance came with a sigh. “Young people are leaving the church.” “Faith is in decline.” “Nobody’s coming back after COVID.”
But finally, we have a plot twist worth celebrating: Gen Z, the generation many assumed had walked away, is now showing up to church more than anyone else.
According to new research from Barna Group, Gen Z is now the generation most likely to attend church regularly, even surpassing Millennials. Barna Research calls it a “generational reversal,” a phrase that perfectly captures this surprising shift.
In Barna’s findings, Gen Z attenders are averaging about 1.9 weekends per month, compared to 1.8 for Millennials and significantly less for Gen X and Boomers. It's the first time in modern research that the youngest generation in the Church is leading older generations in church participation.
This is remarkable news. It shows that the Church’s missiology efforts are making a difference, and even more, that God’s grace is still moving powerfully among a new generation.
So, what is drawing them in?
Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church
If we’re being honest, Gen Z has had every reason not to come back to the Church. They’ve witnessed hypocrisy, burnout, and cultural polarization in an up-front and personal way via their smartphones. Some of my Gen Z friends are the first to point out what is broken in the Church – things older generations were often too afraid to name.
They are not blind to its flaws. They see the gaps and the hurt. And yet, here they are, returning.
According to a Barna article referencing the recent State of the Church report, Gen Z is showing a noticeable openness to Jesus, community, and faith.
This shouldn’t surprise us. Gen Z wants connection. They want to wrestle honestly with faith. They want to serve together and make a difference. These desires have nudged them toward a Christianity that is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in community.
So, Gen Z has come back to church. And if you’re a pastor or ministry leader, this is your cue to lean in!
What Barna’s Gen Z Research Means for Church Leaders
If Gen Z is leading in attendance, the Church’s focus must shift from “How do we get them in the door?” to “How do we disciple and equip them once they’re here?”
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, put it best in a recent interview: “The influx of new generations represents a massive opportunity for congregational leaders, but this renewed interest must be stewarded well.”
That word – stewardship – means everything.
This resurgence is not something to take for granted. Pastors and ministry leaders must nurture the spiritual curiosity of a generation that is hungry for truth, belonging, and purpose.
So what does faithful stewardship look like? It looks like listening, equipping, trusting, and celebrating the next generation.
Here are five practical ways to do that well.
Gen Z Ministry: 5 Strategies for Pastors
1. Build Belonging Before Belief
If your church is not a safe place for questions, it will not be a safe place for Gen Z’s growth.
Gen Z is not afraid to wrestle with faith. They are asking good, hard questions about theology, culture, and the Church’s role in the world, and they are watching how leaders respond. If those questions are met with discomfort or dismissal, they will go find the answers somewhere else.
The healthiest churches are not those with the fewest questions but those where curiosity is welcomed and explored in community.
2. Communicate With Substance
Gen Z can tell when something is shallow (and for that matter, most people can!) They live in a world saturated with slogans and sales pitches, and they are not looking for another one from the pulpit.
They want to hear something real – something that sounds like it has been lived rather than just rehearsed. When you teach, go deeper than surface-level principles. Go deeper than three-point sermons! Talk honestly about your struggles, your doubts, and your redemption story. Connect biblical truth to real human experience.
The more grounded your communication is, the more credibility you will build with your audience.
3. Offer Discipleship That Fits Their Lives
Most Gen Z adults are juggling work, school, relationships, and the relentless pace of digital life. They want to grow spiritually, but they need on-ramps that fit their world.
Not everyone can commit to a 12-week class or a weekly midweek study. That doesn’t mean they aren’t committed; it simply means they’re human. Create on-ramps that work with their lives – think worship nights, monthly community gatherings, or biweekly meetups where people can ask honest questions. A team and I used to host something called “Tacos and Theology” on college campuses, where we tackled hard questions over free tacos. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real, and students kept showing up because it met them where they already were.
When discipleship works with their rhythm instead of against it, Gen Z is far more able to stay connected and keep growing.
4. Empower Gen Z to Lead and Grow
Gen Z does not just want to be “reached.” They want to participate and lead. And because they are now leading the way in church attendance, it’s a great time for pastors to invite them into meaningful roles.
Gen Z lights up when they sense they’re not being treated like a project but like a vital part of the Church. When you hand them meaningful roles, you help them discover their gifts, find their voice, and see how God can use them right now, not someday “when they’re older.” Give them real responsibility, and trust them to carry it.
5. Celebrate What Is Working
God is clearly at work in this generation, and the Church should be the first to say so!
Celebrate stories of young adults finding Jesus or serving their communities. Highlight their leadership and transformation in your sermons, newsletters, and social media. Tell those stories often.
When you celebrate what God is doing through Gen Z, you remind them that they are a vital part of the Church’s mission right now, not just in the future!
Engage the Next Generation With Confidence
If Gen Z is showing up, the Church’s next step is to connect with them meaningfully. Tools like Tithely’s Church Management Software help you organize communication, build discipleship pathways, and create real connection points that keep young adults engaged.
If you’re looking for practical ways to reach and disciple Gen Z at your church, this free resource is a great place to start.
To explore how Tithely’s Church Management Software can support the ministry you are already doing, visit Tithely.com.
VIDEO transcript
For the last decade, it’s felt like every headline about church attendance came with a sigh. “Young people are leaving the church.” “Faith is in decline.” “Nobody’s coming back after COVID.”
But finally, we have a plot twist worth celebrating: Gen Z, the generation many assumed had walked away, is now showing up to church more than anyone else.
According to new research from Barna Group, Gen Z is now the generation most likely to attend church regularly, even surpassing Millennials. Barna Research calls it a “generational reversal,” a phrase that perfectly captures this surprising shift.
In Barna’s findings, Gen Z attenders are averaging about 1.9 weekends per month, compared to 1.8 for Millennials and significantly less for Gen X and Boomers. It's the first time in modern research that the youngest generation in the Church is leading older generations in church participation.
This is remarkable news. It shows that the Church’s missiology efforts are making a difference, and even more, that God’s grace is still moving powerfully among a new generation.
So, what is drawing them in?
Why Gen Z Is Coming Back to Church
If we’re being honest, Gen Z has had every reason not to come back to the Church. They’ve witnessed hypocrisy, burnout, and cultural polarization in an up-front and personal way via their smartphones. Some of my Gen Z friends are the first to point out what is broken in the Church – things older generations were often too afraid to name.
They are not blind to its flaws. They see the gaps and the hurt. And yet, here they are, returning.
According to a Barna article referencing the recent State of the Church report, Gen Z is showing a noticeable openness to Jesus, community, and faith.
This shouldn’t surprise us. Gen Z wants connection. They want to wrestle honestly with faith. They want to serve together and make a difference. These desires have nudged them toward a Christianity that is raw, honest, and deeply rooted in community.
So, Gen Z has come back to church. And if you’re a pastor or ministry leader, this is your cue to lean in!
What Barna’s Gen Z Research Means for Church Leaders
If Gen Z is leading in attendance, the Church’s focus must shift from “How do we get them in the door?” to “How do we disciple and equip them once they’re here?”
David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, put it best in a recent interview: “The influx of new generations represents a massive opportunity for congregational leaders, but this renewed interest must be stewarded well.”
That word – stewardship – means everything.
This resurgence is not something to take for granted. Pastors and ministry leaders must nurture the spiritual curiosity of a generation that is hungry for truth, belonging, and purpose.
So what does faithful stewardship look like? It looks like listening, equipping, trusting, and celebrating the next generation.
Here are five practical ways to do that well.
Gen Z Ministry: 5 Strategies for Pastors
1. Build Belonging Before Belief
If your church is not a safe place for questions, it will not be a safe place for Gen Z’s growth.
Gen Z is not afraid to wrestle with faith. They are asking good, hard questions about theology, culture, and the Church’s role in the world, and they are watching how leaders respond. If those questions are met with discomfort or dismissal, they will go find the answers somewhere else.
The healthiest churches are not those with the fewest questions but those where curiosity is welcomed and explored in community.
2. Communicate With Substance
Gen Z can tell when something is shallow (and for that matter, most people can!) They live in a world saturated with slogans and sales pitches, and they are not looking for another one from the pulpit.
They want to hear something real – something that sounds like it has been lived rather than just rehearsed. When you teach, go deeper than surface-level principles. Go deeper than three-point sermons! Talk honestly about your struggles, your doubts, and your redemption story. Connect biblical truth to real human experience.
The more grounded your communication is, the more credibility you will build with your audience.
3. Offer Discipleship That Fits Their Lives
Most Gen Z adults are juggling work, school, relationships, and the relentless pace of digital life. They want to grow spiritually, but they need on-ramps that fit their world.
Not everyone can commit to a 12-week class or a weekly midweek study. That doesn’t mean they aren’t committed; it simply means they’re human. Create on-ramps that work with their lives – think worship nights, monthly community gatherings, or biweekly meetups where people can ask honest questions. A team and I used to host something called “Tacos and Theology” on college campuses, where we tackled hard questions over free tacos. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real, and students kept showing up because it met them where they already were.
When discipleship works with their rhythm instead of against it, Gen Z is far more able to stay connected and keep growing.
4. Empower Gen Z to Lead and Grow
Gen Z does not just want to be “reached.” They want to participate and lead. And because they are now leading the way in church attendance, it’s a great time for pastors to invite them into meaningful roles.
Gen Z lights up when they sense they’re not being treated like a project but like a vital part of the Church. When you hand them meaningful roles, you help them discover their gifts, find their voice, and see how God can use them right now, not someday “when they’re older.” Give them real responsibility, and trust them to carry it.
5. Celebrate What Is Working
God is clearly at work in this generation, and the Church should be the first to say so!
Celebrate stories of young adults finding Jesus or serving their communities. Highlight their leadership and transformation in your sermons, newsletters, and social media. Tell those stories often.
When you celebrate what God is doing through Gen Z, you remind them that they are a vital part of the Church’s mission right now, not just in the future!
Engage the Next Generation With Confidence
If Gen Z is showing up, the Church’s next step is to connect with them meaningfully. Tools like Tithely’s Church Management Software help you organize communication, build discipleship pathways, and create real connection points that keep young adults engaged.
If you’re looking for practical ways to reach and disciple Gen Z at your church, this free resource is a great place to start.
To explore how Tithely’s Church Management Software can support the ministry you are already doing, visit Tithely.com.
Sign Up for Product Updates
Susanna is a theological content writer with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is passionate about ministry, running, and exploring new cultures through international travel. In her free time, you’ll find her surfing, obsessing over the Olympics, or enjoying the San Diego sunshine!
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