Gen Z and Millennials Surpass Older Generations in Church Attendance
A new study by Barna Group and Gloo found that Millennials and Gen Z have surpassed older generations in church attendance in what is being considered "a surprising shift." The study, conducted as part of Barna Group and Gloo's ongoing State of the Church initiative, shared that Gen Z goers attend 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times. With both results reflecting a steady increase following the years of the pandemic, the frequency of churchgoing for Millennials and Gen Z has nearly doubled in just five years, rising from approximately one weekend per month in 2020 to nearly two in 2025.
"The makeup and rhythms of church life are shifting," said David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. "Young people today are showing a renewed openness to faith, and many are finding their way back into church communities. This moment invites leaders to lean in and guide young people toward deeper faith. While churchgoing alone doesn't form disciples, churches that offer relational connection, volunteer engagement, and clear discipleship pathways that resonate with younger generations can help them build a resilient and lasting faith."
As a whole, the data finds that even regular churchgoers do not attend often. For instance, the average attendance of self-described Christian church adults is 1.6 times per month, or about two out of every five weekends.
Despite older adults being the most reliable churchgoers for decades, there has been a consistent decline in participation rates over the past 25 years. Elders (born before 1946) who attended about 2.3 times per month in 2000 now attend around 1.4 times, and Boomers' attendance has dropped from 2.0 to 1.4 times per month.
Meanwhile, Gen X's attendance sits at 1.6 times per month but has grown since then.
"These shifts in church attendance open the door for leaders to innovate in how they engage with their people," said Brad Hill, president of Gloo Media Network. "Since many aren't in the pews every week, churches that prioritize relational touchpoints and digital engagement — through text, social media, and other online tools — can better reach younger generations where they already are. Every interaction counts, and this trend presents an opportunity for leaders to help grow their faith in new and impactful ways."
According to Barna Group's tracking data, the study featured a national representative sample of 132,030 adults conducted over a twenty-five-year period ending in July 2025. The data also included 5,580 online interviews collected between January and July 2025.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Maskot
Originally published September 04, 2025.
