Gen Z, typically defined as those born between 1997 and 2012, is the second-largest generation in US history, with over 68 million members. 2
They are digital natives, having grown up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information. Though they are less affiliated with organized religion than previous generations, they are not closed to faith. According to a 2022 Barna study titled“ The Open Generation,” 73 percent of US Gen Z teens believe in a higher power, and nearly half say they pray weekly. 3
This generation is spiritually curious and increasingly drawn to faith that is authentic, relational, and embodied. generations to say they would attend a church service if invited by a friend.
They were also more likely to view the church positively— especially when it was described in terms of authenticity, community, and purpose. In other words, the door isn’ t closed. It may never have been.
This generation is searching. They are aware of their anxiety. They are asking deep questions. They are weary of the filtered, curated lives on social media. They want something real. Something lasting. Something human.
That’ s what the analog church can offer.
But something unexpected is happening. Gen Z is becoming increasingly curious about spiritual matters even though they have not returned to the local church in droves. These young adults, who were supposedly the most secular generation in modern American history, are becoming surprisingly open to matters of faith.
At Church Answers Research, we conducted a major national project titled“ New Surprising Insights from the Unchurched.” 4 The findings were both sobering and hopeful.
Gen Z doesn’ t need louder content. They need deeper connection. They’ re not looking for a digital brand. They’ re looking for a place to belong. A church that notices when they’ re not there. A mentor who will walk with them. A congregation that’ s not trying to entertain them— but to love them.
The analog church isn’ t flashy. It’ s faithful. It doesn’ t rush. It listens. It creates space for conversation, doubt, prayer, and hope.
And Gen Z is noticing.
While many of the unchurched remain skeptical of religion, Gen Z respondents consistently showed a willingness to explore spiritual questions. They were more likely than older
We don’ t need to change the message. We don’ t need to chase trends. We simply need to show up— in person, in love, and in truth.
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