By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A new study from LifeWay Research challenges the common belief that Generation Z is abandoning church, finding instead that young adults are among the most active participants in congregational life.
According to the study, Gen Z Protestant churchgoers attend worship services an average of 6.2 times per month—more frequently than millennials, Generation X and baby boomers. They also lead all generations in small-group participation and rank among the most likely to serve others, share their faith and participate in mission trips.
Despite that high level of involvement, researchers found many Gen Z churchgoers struggle to apply their faith beyond Sunday worship.
More than half (52%) said they usually choose their own way over God’s when the two conflict. Additionally, 43% said reading the Bible has not significantly changed how they live, while 36% admitted they rarely think about God throughout their daily activities.
Prayer also ranked lowest among Gen Z compared with older generations, with only 35% saying they set aside time to pray every day.
“My biggest concern for Gen Z is not that they are disconnected from the church,” said Chuck Peters, director of NextGen ministries at LifeWay. “Our research shows that Gen Z is deeply involved. The greater concern is that they are not being deeply formed.”
Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research, said church leaders should not mistake attendance for spiritual maturity, noting that many young adults continue to wrestle with foundational questions of faith.
The findings suggest that while Gen Z is showing up on Sundays, churches face the ongoing challenge of helping young believers develop a deeper, everyday relationship with Christ. Source: LifeWay Research.