What Makes Gen Z Returns Stick

Executive summary

Barna Group's 2024–2025 State of the Church research reveals a striking "generational reversal": Gen Z (born 1998–2013) now leads all generations in church attendance frequency at 1.9 weekends per month, surpassing Millennials (1.8) and older cohorts — a near-doubling from 2020 pandemic lows. This return is driven by desire for authentic community, honest faith wrestling, absolute truth amid cultural relativism, meaningful service opportunities, and mission-oriented participation. However, atten...