Christian living in 2025 is at a fascinating crossroads. When it comes to Gen Z faith, we see two contrasting trends emerging. On one hand, many young adults are drifting from traditional church life – weekly church attendance among Gen Z has fallen from about 22% in 2020 to roughly 16% in 2023. On the other hand, there’s a buzz of spiritual revival stirring among Gen Z, from viral campus worship events to young Christian influencers lighting up TikTok. How can both be true? Let’s explore why some in Gen Z are leaving organized religion even as others are sparking new passion for Jesus, and how we can encourage this generation toward a strong biblical worldview and vibrant faith.
A Generation at a Crossroads
Gen Z (born roughly 1997–2012) has been called a generation of contradictions when it comes to faith. They are spiritually open yet institutionally wary. Many Gen Zers see the brokenness in the world and are hungry for deeper meaning. Surveys show a majority of Gen Z believe there’s “something more” spiritually. Yet, a large segment of this generation is stepping away from organized religion. Over one-third of Gen Z now identify as religiously unaffiliated (“nones”), making them the most non-religious generation in recent history. Church leaders have noticed that as teens graduate high school and enter adulthood, a significant number don’t return to church on Sundays.
Why the disconnect? In part, Gen Z has grown up in a rapidly changing, digital era where skepticism of institutions is high. They value authenticity and can spot hypocrisy from a mile away. If a church experience feels shallow, judgmental, or disconnected from real life, young people may disengage quickly. Some in Gen Z have been discouraged by scandals or hurt by negative experiences with Christians, leading them to distance themselves from church. Others simply never developed a habit of churchgoing – often their parents were less likely to prioritize weekly services compared to previous generations. Add to that the disruptions of 2020 (when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many in-person youth groups and services), and it’s not surprising that regular attendance slipped.
Yet, it would be a mistake to think Gen Z is simply “not interested” in faith. In fact, many are intensely interested in spirituality and big questions – they’re just not finding answers in traditional places. A Gen Z college freshman might be skeptical of a Sunday sermon but still deeply curious about Jesus. They might not show up at church, but they’ll engage in late-night conversations about purpose, morality, and God. This generation is searching for something real. As one student put it, “We don’t want something more – we want something real.” Gen Z longs for an authentic faith that isn’t just rituals and rules, but a faith that works in their lives and addresses the issues they care about.
Why Some Young People Are Leaving Faith
Let’s look first at the reality of those drifting from faith. By the numbers, Gen Z’s church involvement has declined in recent years. Many teens who were active in youth group struggle to transition into adult church life. Common reasons include:
- Lack of Authenticity or Depth: Gen Z craves honest and deep conversations. If church feels like it’s avoiding hard questions or giving pat answers, they disengage. This generation has grown up with the internet at their fingertips; they’ve been exposed to global issues, different religions, and skeptical critiques of Christianity. Simplistic answers or “because the Bible says so” might not satisfy their sincere questions about doubt, suffering, sexuality, or justice. When they sense that their questions aren’t welcome, they may conclude that church isn’t relevant to their lives.
- Perceived Hypocrisy: Young people have high sensitivity to hypocrisy. When prominent Christian leaders fall to scandal, or when they see Christians acting unloving or insincere, Gen Z takes note. Some have left church because they felt the church didn’t practice what it preached. For a generation emphasizing authentic living, nothing is more off-putting than a community that talks about love and holiness on Sunday but fails to live it out on Monday.
- Social and Cultural Issues: Gen Z is very tuned in to issues like racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health, and equality. Many want the church to engage these issues compassionately and truthfully. If they perceive the church as too political, too silent, or out-of-touch on the causes they care about, some will walk away. They aren’t looking for a watered-down faith, but they do desire a Christianity that looks like Jesus – full of both grace and truth for people in a hurting world.
- Less Family Pressure to Attend: Unlike older generations, fewer Gen Z kids grew up with parents who insisted on weekly church. That formative habit is simply missing for many. As a result, when they reach late teens and have freedom, there’s less pulling them back to a congregation. If faith wasn’t strongly woven into their childhood, it may not naturally carry into adulthood without a personal encounter or conviction.
- Alternative Spiritual Communities: It’s worth noting that some who leave traditional churches aren’t becoming outright atheists – plenty still believe in God or consider themselves “spiritual but not religious.” They might explore other faiths, or assemble their own blend of beliefs. Others find online communities or friends who fill the role church once did. If a young person feels more welcome and less judged in a secular club or on a subreddit than at church, that’s where they’ll spend their time.
The result of these factors is evident: fewer Gen Z faces in church pews. It can be discouraging for parents and pastors to see youth group alumni drifting away. However, this isn’t the end of the story. Even among those who step back from organized religion, many still hold a deep longing for spiritual reality. The question is, how will that longing be met? That’s where the other side of this trend comes in – the surprising revival among segments of Gen Z who are passionately embracing faith.
A Revival of Spiritual Openness
Despite declining church stats, Gen Z is experiencing pockets of revival and renewal that are truly inspiring. In early 2023, the world witnessed something remarkable: a routine chapel service at a small Christian college turned into a multi-week spiritual awakening. At Asbury University in Kentucky, an ordinary Wednesday chapel gathering didn’t end as scheduled. A handful of students stayed after to keep worshiping – and they just kept going. Hours passed, then days. Word spread on social media that something special was happening. Soon, thousands of people (many of them young students) flocked to the Asbury campus from across the country. For 16 days straight, young people filled the chapel day and night – singing, praying, confessing sins, and seeking God with a fervor that amazed onlookers. The atmosphere was one of raw authentic worship; there were no famous speakers or flashy lights, just students on guitars and pianos leading crowd choruses, peers praying with each other on worn carpet. One student described the scene: classmates and strangers alike kneeling together, arms raised, tears of joy and repentance flowing, and no one wanted to leave. This spontaneous outpouring of faith – now often referred to as the “Asbury revival” – captured global attention and became a symbol of Gen Z’s spiritual openness.
Even more encouraging, that spark did not remain confined to one campus. As news of Asbury spread (the hashtag #AsburyRevival trended with millions of views on TikTok and Instagram), other campus revivals ignited. At Lee University in Tennessee, students convened in their chapel to pray, inspired by what they heard from Asbury. Similar prayer gatherings and extended worship nights popped up at universities in Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and beyond. What many called a new “Jesus movement” was underway among the young.
Consider what happened at Auburn University in Alabama later that year: A campus ministry organized a “Night of Worship” in September 2023. Expecting a few hundred students, they were stunned when over 5,000 students showed up to sing praises on a campus field. The hunger for God was palpable. That night, a spontaneous altar call for baptism emerged – one student asked to be baptized right then and there in a campus lake. This spur-of-the-moment decision cascaded into roughly 200 students stepping forward to give their lives to Christ and get baptized in the chilly water, cheered on by crowds of their peers. “I’ve been to big football games and seen school spirit,” one astonished Auburn senior remarked, “but I’ve never seen anything like that.” It was a genuine move of God among college students, the kind of scene that gives chills (in the best way) to anyone worried about the younger generation’s faith.
Revivals aren’t only happening at Christian colleges either. Students at secular campuses have also been gathering to pray in dorms and public quads. In Texas, groups of students at A&M and other schools met for impromptu worship and even baptisms in public fountains. At some historically black colleges (HBCUs), ministries like the Black Voices Movement have been reporting increased interest in the Gospel and campus outreach events where many students are coming to faith. These stories echo the famous revivals of the past (some have even drawn comparisons to the Jesus People movement of the 1970s), but they’re happening now, often led by Generation Z themselves.
It’s as if even while some young people slip out the back door of the church, others are charging through the front door with hearts on fire. Gen Z is demonstrating that they will show up and commit deeply – when they encounter something real. The common thread in these revival stories is authenticity and the palpable presence of God. These gatherings aren’t about hype; they’re about hope. There’s a refreshing lack of polish. A student-led prayer night in a musty chapel, or an acoustic guitar circle in a dorm lobby, might not have the production quality of a Sunday service – but to hungry young souls, that rawness is part of the appeal. It feels less like a performance and more like a family seeking God together.
Another angle to this spiritual openness is that Gen Z Christians are unashamed of their faith in public platforms. Where older generations might have kept faith private, young believers today take to social media to share their testimonies and worship. In 2025, if revival doesn’t show up on your Instagram feed, did it even happen? Gen Z is making sure it does. During the Asbury outpouring, for example, TikTok and Instagram were flooded with live videos of students singing “Great Are You Lord” and thousands of viewers joining in digitally. This generation instinctively uses technology to build community – and that includes faith community.
Faith on Social Media: Influencers and Inspiration
The digital world is a key part of Gen Z’s faith journey. Social platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are not just distractions for Gen Z – they’re also tools for spiritual growth and evangelism. In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of Christian influencers and online ministries that resonate strongly with young people.
For example, TikTok has a vibrant #ChristianTikTok subculture where young creators share Bible verses, funny skits about church life, or honest testimonies of how Jesus changed their lives. These bite-sized videos often reach far more people than a youth pastor’s Sunday sermon ever could. An influencer like Ariel Fitzpatrick (known as @ariel.fitz on TikTok) creates engaging, relatable content about her faith – from comedic takes on Bible stories to heartfelt encouragement – and has attracted a massive following of Gen Z viewers. Another popular creator, Joe Navarro (who goes by @joethechristianguy), posts quick explanations of scripture and answers to common questions about Christianity. His casual, humorous style makes theological concepts accessible to teens scrolling on their phones.
Over on Instagram and YouTube, young Christian leaders are also making an impact. Sadie Robertson Huff, a millennial/Gen Z crossover influencer (and former Duck Dynasty star), has leveraged her platform to inspire millions of young people to live boldly for Christ. Sadie frequently speaks about how Gen Z is “craving real truth” in a culture of confusion. She shares personal stories of overcoming fear and finding identity in God, which resonate deeply with her followers. Likewise, hip pastors and speakers like Michael Todd, Jackie Hill Perry, and Tim Ross are gaining YouTube audiences by addressing topics like relationships, identity, and purpose in a raw and relevant way that young viewers appreciate.
What’s notable is how community is forming online. Gen Z Christians might start by following an influencer for their funny Bible memes, but end up joining a live prayer stream or using a YouVersion Bible reading plan because that influencer recommended it. There are even online revival events – live-streamed worship nights and prayer meetings on Zoom or Instagram Live – that draw participants from all over the world. It’s not replacing the local church, but it’s definitely supplementing it in a new way.
Social media also allows peer-to-peer ministry. A teenager in a small town who feels like “the only Christian at my school” can hop on Discord or TikTok and immediately connect with thousands of fellow young believers sharing tips on living out their faith. They swap worship songs, ask for prayer, and challenge each other to stay true to Jesus. This kind of grassroots digital discipleship is something unique to the current generation – previous eras never had these tools.
Of course, the internet has its pitfalls (plenty of bad influences and misinformation out there), but many Gen Z are navigating it with surprising savvy. They value content that is both real and relevant. If a Christian influencer is all style and no substance, Gen Z will scroll past. But if someone shares a vulnerable story about dealing with anxiety or doubt and ties it to faith, that authenticity grabs their attention. In this way, the rise of Christian content creators is actually meeting a need: filling the gap for those who might not be in church, but will listen to a peer talk about Jesus on their phone at midnight.
The bottom line is that while formal religious participation is down for some, spiritual conversation is not dead – it’s just moved to new venues (coffee shops, dorm rooms, and definitely the internet). Churches that want to reach Gen Z might need to venture beyond their four walls and engage on these platforms, meeting young people where they already are.
Mentoring Gen Z Toward a Biblical Worldview
Seeing both the challenges and the hopeful sparks, a pressing question arises: How do we help Gen Z make their faith stick? How can we guide those who are curious – and even those who are skeptical – toward a solid relationship with Christ that lasts into adulthood? One key answer is mentorship and intentional discipleship. If we want the next generation to develop a strong biblical worldview, we need to walk alongside them in a personal way.
Research and experience show that Gen Z craves genuine relationships, especially with older mentors who take them seriously. Many teens and young adults who remain strong in their faith point to a specific person who invested in them – perhaps a youth leader, a pastor, a parent or grandparent, or just an older friend who cared. Unlike some stereotypes, Gen Z is actually quite open to guidance when it comes from someone authentic. They’re not looking for perfect role models; they’re looking for real models. In fact, a lot of Gen Z Christians say they appreciate when older believers admit their own mistakes and struggles, because it makes faith feel more attainable and real.
Mentorship can take many forms. It could be a weekly coffee meet-up where you let a young person vent about their doubts and questions. It could be a church pairing program that connects teens with mature Christian adults for prayer and friendship. It might even be as simple as a mom or dad intentionally talking about the Bible at home and demonstrating living faith in everyday life. These consistent, caring interactions create a safety net for young believers. They know when life gets hard or confusing, they have someone to turn to who will remind them of God’s truth and love.
Building a biblical worldview in Gen Z means helping them see how faith isn’t just a Sunday thing – it’s a lens for all of life. This generation is bombarded by competing worldviews on TikTok, in music, at school. They’re hearing, “live your truth” from every direction. We have the opportunity to lovingly show them that there is actual Truth – and it can be known in the person of Jesus and the wisdom of Scripture. That takes patience. It requires creating environments where they can ask tough questions like, “Why does God allow suffering?” or “What does the Bible say about sexuality and identity?” without fear of being shamed or shut down. It also requires modeling how a Christian worldview plays out: for instance, demonstrating generosity, showing forgiveness, serving the marginalized, and explaining why we do those things because of Jesus.
One practical step is involving young people in real ministry and leadership, not just treating them as an audience. If a high schooler or college student has a place to actively serve – whether it’s helping lead worship, volunteering on a mission project, or mentoring younger kids – they start to “own” their faith. It’s no longer just their parents’ religion; it becomes their mission too. This kind of hands-on engagement is crucial. Gen Z wants to make a difference in the world, so let’s invite them to do that with the power of the Gospel backing them up.
We also should recognize that some mentoring might happen outside traditional church settings, and that’s okay. If a college student isn’t comfortable coming to a church service, maybe an older mentor can meet them at a gym or join a gaming session online and build trust there. The goal is to meet Gen Z where they are, literally and figuratively, and guide them toward Jesus step by step.
Finally, prayer is an often overlooked but vital element. Many older believers today are prayer warriors behind the scenes for Gen Z. We should never underestimate the impact of consistently praying for and with young people. It’s encouraging when a teenager hears, “I’m praying for you” and knows you actually mean it. Or when during a mentorship chat, you pause and pray together about a problem they’re facing. Those moments leave a deep impression, teaching them that God cares about every aspect of their lives.
In short, to nurture a robust faith in Gen Z, relationships are the conduit. Programs and events have their place, but it’s the one-on-one discipleship that often makes the difference between a teen who drifts and one who thrives spiritually. The good news is any of us can be that mentor or friend – you don’t have to be cool or up-to-date on every trend (though it helps to listen and learn!). You just have to show up and care. Authentic love and truth lived out consistently will bridge the generation gap.
5 Ways to Connect Gen Z with Jesus
Bridging the divide between a drifting Gen Z and a devoted Gen Z will take intentional effort. Whether you’re a church leader, a parent, or a peer, here are five practical strategies to help connect Gen Z with Jesus and encourage their faith:
- Be Authentic and Honest: Drop the facades and churchy clichés. Gen Z responds to transparency. Share your own struggles and stories of how you’re growing in faith. If you don’t know an answer to a spiritual question, admit it and explore it together. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens the door for truth. This generation doesn’t expect you to be perfect – they actually respect leaders who say, “I’ve doubted too” or “I was wrong and God taught me…” When they see a faith that is genuine and unscripted, it becomes attractive.
- Create Safe Spaces for Questions: Encourage Gen Z to ask tough questions about God, the Bible, and life. Rather than shying away from controversial or difficult topics, tackle them head-on with compassion and biblical wisdom. Host Q&A nights at church or start a casual discussion group in your home or online. The key is to listen more than you lecture. Young people feel valued when their questions and even doubts are taken seriously. By welcoming questions, you show that Christianity can withstand scrutiny and that God isn’t intimidated by our curiosities or confusion. It’s in those honest conversations that a resilient, reasoned faith can take root.
- Build Community and Belonging: Focus on relationships and fellowship, not just programs. Gen Z yearns for a sense of belonging. Churches can foster this by creating intergenerational friendships – for example, pairing college students with “adoptive” families in the congregation for dinner and support. Youth and young adult groups should feel more like families than clubs. It’s also important to cultivate peer community; initiatives like student-led Bible studies or faith-based clubs at school can help young believers know they’re not alone. When Gen Z has friends in faith, they’re far more likely to stick with it. As the saying goes, belonging often comes before believing (or belonging strengthens believing). So be intentional about inclusion, welcome, and making church a place where everyone – regardless of background or doubts – feels loved and at home.
- Leverage Technology to Reach Them: Rather than seeing smartphones and social media as the enemy, use these tools to engage Gen Z with the Gospel. Encourage positive online content – share inspiring Christian YouTube channels, podcasts, or TikTok accounts with the young people you know. Churches can livestream services, post engaging short videos, or even create a TikTok challenge around a biblical theme. Meet Gen Z on their turf by using Instagram polls or YouTube live chats to spark spiritual conversations (for example, post a question like, “How do you balance tech and faith in your life?” to get them talking). Additionally, consider using apps like the Bible App or prayer reminder apps together, tapping into their digital rhythm for discipleship. When we show we “get” the digital world, we earn the credibility to speak into their lives both online and offline.
- Empower Them with Purpose and Leadership: One surefire way to lose Gen Z is to sideline them. Instead, hand them the keys (metaphorically). Gen Z wants to make an impact, so channel that desire into Kingdom work. Invite young people to take on real responsibilities – let them plan a service project, lead a worship song, start a ministry initiative, or mentor younger kids. When a 17-year-old or 22-year-old is empowered to serve, whether in their church or community, they experience faith in action. It moves from theory to practice. Also, emphasize how their faith can connect with causes they care about: fighting poverty, promoting justice, caring for the environment, mental health advocacy, etc. Show that following Jesus isn’t about withdrawing from the world but transforming it. When Gen Z sees that Christianity offers a mission as big as the brokenness around them, they’ll be inspired to invest. Give them a cause in Christ and they will run with it.
By implementing these strategies, we can help close the gap between a generation that’s often labeled “unreachable” and the God who is actively reaching out to them. It’s all about connection – connecting authentically, intellectually, communally, digitally, and missionally. In doing so, we make space for Gen Z to connect with Jesus in a life-changing way.
What Revival Looks Like in 2025
So, what does revival look like in 2025? It might not mirror the tent meetings or stadium crusades of previous eras. In many ways, it’s quieter – and yet, in other ways, it’s more widespread. Revival in 2025 looks like a college freshman starting a late-night prayer circle in her dorm, and five friends coming to faith over the course of a semester. It looks like a thousand youth kneeling in a field under the stars at a worship night, as well as a single teen kneeling by his bed in tears, surrendering his life to Christ after watching a moving testimony on YouTube. Revival is both the crowd of thousands being baptized in the ocean and the one prodigal deciding to walk back into church after years away.
Among Gen Z, revival often wears the face of relationship. This generation’s spiritual awakening is less about big personalities on a stage and more about a grassroots movement of young people sharing Jesus with their peers. It’s happening in coffee shops, group chats, and yes, on TikTok duets. Revival looks like boldness – a generation unashamed to post about their faith, to pray in public, or to stand up for biblical values even when it’s countercultural. It also looks like compassion – Gen Z Christians leading the way in loving the marginalized, raising funds for charity, and showing the love of Christ through action (sometimes before words).
Crucially, revival in 2025 is intergenerational. The future of faith isn’t just Gen Z off on their own; it’s young and old together. We’re seeing churches where the energy of youth and the wisdom of older saints combine in beautiful ways. Think of an elderly woman fervently praying alongside teenagers at the altar, or a middle-aged pastor taking cues from 20-somethings on how to make church more welcoming. When the whole body of Christ comes together, revival isn’t just a flash in the pan – it has staying power. Gen Z needs the older generations for guidance, and the older generations need Gen Z to spark fresh fire and remind us of first-love passion. This collaboration is part of the hopeful picture of the church’s future.
It’s important to acknowledge that not every story is rosy. Yes, some young people are still walking away from the faith – that breaks our hearts and calls for our continued prayers and outreach. But the narrative that “all youth are godless these days” is simply not true. God is very much at work among Gen Z. In fact, their very struggles with faith might be paving the way for a deeper, more resilient belief. As the pressure of a chaotic world increases, many young people are realizing that shallow faith won’t cut it – they want the real thing or nothing at all. This “all or nothing” mentality can lead to many saying “nothing”… but it’s also leading a significant number straight into the “all” of all-in faith in Jesus.
Encouragement for the Future: If you’re concerned about a young person in your life who seems distant from God, take heart. The story isn’t over. Keep loving them, keep the dialogue open, and keep praying. If you’re inspired by the revival stories, ask God what role you can play – big or small – in sparking renewal in your community. Maybe it’s starting a little prayer gathering with teens, or sharing your testimony on social media where a young follower might hear it. Or maybe it’s simply showing up consistently for the next generation and being a living example of Christ’s love.
The future of faith with Gen Z at the helm will definitely look different than the past. And that’s okay. Every generation finds new ways to express timeless truths. The core message of Jesus doesn’t change, but the methods of reaching hearts can and do. We should expect innovation, creativity, and even some holy chaos as Gen Z takes ownership of the Great Commission in their time. We might sing different worship songs, meet in different formats, or use new slang and technology, but what matters is that the gospel of Christ is being passed on and lived out.
In closing, Gen Z and the future of faith is a story still being written. There are chapters of decline, yes – chapters where churches shrink and skepticism rises. But there are also incredible chapters of revival and growth, where the Holy Spirit moves in unexpected places. Our job is to lean into the story, to contribute to the hopeful chapters through prayer, love, and action. The same God who has been faithful in every generation is faithful now. He is doing something new in Gen Z – can you perceive it? Let’s encourage these young men and women as they seek an anchor in the storm. Let’s celebrate the ones coming alive in Christ on campuses and in online spaces. And let’s gently and persistently reach out to those who are drifting, offering a grace-filled path back home.
The future of faith is not doom and gloom; it’s a refining fire. With Gen Z, we may just see a generation that emerges more genuinely committed – fewer in number perhaps, but strong in conviction. Or, by God’s grace, we may even see a sweeping renewal that brings many back. Either way, there is plenty of reason for hope. Revival in 2025 might look a bit unconventional, but it looks real. And a real, resilient faith is exactly what Gen Z is longing for.
Let’s be part of the answer by loving this generation well and walking with them into a bright future of faith. Together – Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and beyond – we are the body of Christ. And as long as Jesus is at the center, the future of faith is alive and well. Let’s foster that spark into a flame that lights up the world.
Leave a Reply