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05 National Young Adult Research

19 min read

National Young Adult Research

Understanding Millennials and Gen Z (Ages 22-32)

Executive Summary

The Surprising Story of 2025

Conventional Wisdom (Wrong): Young adults are leaving the church in droves and have no interest in organized religion.

2025 Reality (Right): Young adults are LEADING a resurgence in church attendance, with Millennials and Gen Z now attending church more frequently than older generations for the first time in decades.

Key Findings

Church Attendance:

  • Gen Z and Millennials have nearly DOUBLED church attendance since 2020
  • Gen Z now attends church 1.9 times per month (highest of any generation)
  • Men are driving the trend, especially Gen Z and Millennial men
  • They’re seeking stability, community, and spiritual depth—not entertainment

What They Want:

  • Authentic relationships and mentorship (not celebrity pastors)
  • Spiritual substance (not shallow programming)
  • Community and belonging (not just events)
  • Structure and stability (amid cultural chaos)
  • Active participation (not passive observation)

Challenges They Face:

  • Financial stress: 56% say money worries harm their mental health
  • Loneliness epidemic: 44% feel they don’t matter to others
  • Purpose crisis: 58% lack meaning or purpose in life
  • Mental health struggles: Anxiety and depression at record levels
  • Delayed milestones: Marriage, homeownership, children—all later than previous generations

Ministry Implications for BRCC

  1. Timing is perfect: Young adults are returning to church NOW—seize the moment
  2. Go deep, not shallow: They want biblical teaching and spiritual formation, not entertainment
  3. Build real community: Small groups, mentorship, authentic relationships are essential
  4. Address real struggles: Financial anxiety, loneliness, purpose, mental health—church can speak to these
  5. Engage men intentionally: Gen Z and Millennial men are especially interested—don’t overlook them
  6. Provide structure: Clear pathways for involvement, discipleship, and growth
  7. Empower, don’t just program: They want to participate and lead, not just attend

Part 1: Who Are Millennials and Gen Z?

Defining the Generations

Millennials (Born 1981-1996):

  • Currently ages 29-45 (2026)
  • Also called “Generation Y”
  • Came of age during technology boom and economic prosperity
  • Experienced 9/11, Great Recession as defining moments

Gen Z (Born 1997-2012):

  • Currently ages 14-29 (2026)
  • Also called “Zoomers” or “iGeneration”
  • First true digital natives (never knew life without internet)
  • Came of age during Great Recession aftermath, COVID-19 pandemic

For Young Adult Ministry (Ages 22-32):

  • Younger Millennials: Ages 29-30 (born 1995-1996)
  • Gen Z: Ages 14-29 (born 1997-2012)
  • This means Gen Z dominates the young adult demographic in 2026

Key Differences Between Millennials and Gen Z

CharacteristicMillennialsGen Z
Formative EraEconomic growth, optimismGreat Recession, COVID, anxiety
TechnologyAdopted technology as teens/adultsBorn into technology, digital natives
Work ValuesWork-life balance, fulfillmentSecurity, practicality, side hustles
Financial OutlookOptimistic → disappointedSkeptical from the start
EducationCollege-focusedMore trade school, alternatives
Diversity61% non-Hispanic White52% non-Hispanic White (most diverse generation)
Social IssuesProgressive, activistEven more progressive on LGBTQ+, climate
AuthorityQuestion institutionsSeek structure amid chaos
Spirituality”Spiritual but not religious”Returning to organized religion
Side Hustles29% (at same age)58% have freelance/gig work

Sources: Barna - Gen Z 2024, Pew Research - What We Know About Gen Z, Grove HR - Gen Z Characteristics

Shared Characteristics (What They Have in Common)

Despite differences, Millennials and Gen Z share key traits:

  1. Digital Fluency: Both are comfortable with technology, social media, online community
  2. Values-Driven: Want to work for and support organizations aligned with their values
  3. Authenticity Matters: Can spot inauthenticity instantly; demand realness
  4. Experience-Oriented: Value experiences over possessions
  5. Socially Conscious: Care about justice, equality, environment
  6. Delayed Life Milestones: Marrying later, buying homes later, having children later
  7. Mental Health Aware: More open about mental health struggles than previous generations
  8. Diverse and Inclusive: Most racially/ethnically diverse generations in history

Part 2: Major Life Stage Challenges (Ages 22-32)

1. Financial Stress and Economic Anxiety

The Data:

  • 56% of young adults say financial worries negatively impact their mental health
  • Median student loan debt: 20,000 (ages 30-34) by 2022
  • Rising costs of education, housing, and living expenses create instability
  • Many cannot achieve financial independence at same age as parents’ generation

What This Looks Like:

  • Living with parents longer (or moving back home)
  • Delaying marriage and children due to financial constraints
  • Working multiple jobs or side hustles to make ends meet
  • Feeling stuck, unable to “launch” into adult life
  • Burdened by student loan debt with limited earning power

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Financial stress is a TOP life concern for young adults
  • Church can provide practical teaching on money management, debt, generosity
  • Small groups can offer encouragement and practical support
  • Ministry can feel like “one more expense” if not positioned carefully

Sources: PrairieCare - Financial Stress, PMC - Financial Stress Study

2. Loneliness and Social Isolation

The Data:

  • 44% of young adults feel they don’t matter to others
  • 34% report loneliness as a significant issue
  • Friendships from high school/college fade after graduation
  • Making and maintaining friendships outside structured environments is difficult

What This Looks Like:

  • Social media connections, but few deep friendships
  • Moving to new cities for jobs/school, leaving social networks behind
  • Long work hours and busy schedules limit social time
  • Dating relationships fail to provide lasting connection
  • Feeling anonymous in crowded cities

The Irony:

  • Most “connected” generation digitally
  • Most isolated generation relationally
  • Virtual community doesn’t replace face-to-face belonging

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Loneliness is the #1 opportunity for young adult ministry
  • Church can offer authentic community and belonging
  • Small groups, service teams, social events address core need
  • Young adults are DESPERATE for real relationships

Sources: Harvard - On Edge Report, Newport Institute - Young Adult Challenges

3. Purpose Crisis and Meaning

The Data:

  • 58% of young adults lack “meaning or purpose” in their lives (in previous month)
  • Struggle to choose career path that aligns with passions AND financial needs
  • 45% feel “things are falling apart” generally

What This Looks Like:

  • Job hopping, trying to find fulfilling work
  • Quarter-life crisis: “What am I supposed to do with my life?”
  • Pressure to find “dream job” that is meaningful AND pays well
  • Existential questions about identity, calling, significance
  • Feeling like a cog in a machine, not making a difference

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Young adults are asking THE BIG QUESTIONS: Why am I here? What’s my purpose?
  • Church has the answer: You are made in God’s image, called to glorify Him
  • Ministry can help young adults discover calling and use gifts
  • Service opportunities provide tangible sense of purpose

Sources: Harvard - On Edge Report

4. Mental Health Struggles

The Data:

  • Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression) are RISING among young adults
  • Combination of life transitions, social comparison, financial pressures takes toll
  • Young adults more open about mental health than previous generations (destigmatized)

What This Looks Like:

  • Therapy is normalized and common
  • Medication for anxiety/depression widespread
  • Burnout from work, school, life pressures
  • Comparison culture (social media) exacerbates anxiety
  • Trauma from pandemic, political division, uncertainty

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Church must be mental-health informed and compassionate
  • Small groups can provide support (but not replace professional help)
  • Teaching on peace, rest, Sabbath, God’s provision is relevant
  • Reducing stigma: church should normalize struggles, not pretend everyone’s fine

Sources: Harvard - Mental Health Challenges, Manhattan Psychology - Supporting Mental Health

5. Delayed Life Milestones

The Data:

  • Median age of first marriage: ~28 for women, ~30 for men (vs. early 20s in 1970s)
  • 78% of Gen Z and 73% of Millennials still hope to marry someday
  • Just under half of Millennials ages 25-37 were married as of 2018 (vs. 67% of Boomers)
  • Homeownership delayed, often until 30s
  • Children delayed, often until 30s or not at all

What This Looks Like:

  • Extended adolescence/“emerging adulthood” (ages 18-29)
  • Living situation instability (rentals, roommates, moving frequently)
  • Dating longer before marriage (if at all)
  • Financial readiness required before major commitments
  • Feeling “behind” compared to parents’ generation

Why This Matters for Church:

  • 20-30 year olds are in TRANSITION, not settled
  • Can’t assume marriage/home/kids by age 25 anymore
  • Ministry must serve long “emerging adulthood” phase
  • Singles and marrieds may both feel “not quite adult yet”

Sources: Barna - Millennials Trends 2025

6. Career Uncertainty and Instability

The Data:

  • Gen Z has 58% with side hustles (double Millennials’ rate at same age)
  • Job market requires flexibility, multiple skills, constant adaptation
  • “Dream job” pressure vs. economic reality creates tension

What This Looks Like:

  • Multiple part-time jobs instead of one career
  • Gig economy, freelancing, contract work
  • Career changes common (not one job for life)
  • Constant skill development to stay employable
  • Work-from-home flexibility changes expectations

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Unpredictable schedules affect availability for ministry
  • Need flexibility in programming (not just Sunday morning)
  • Teaching on calling, work as worship, contentment vs. ambition

7. External Stressors (Cultural Anxiety)

The Data:

  • 42% cite gun violence in schools as impacting mental health
  • 34% cite climate change as source of anxiety
  • 30% cite worries about political leaders
  • General sense of instability and decline

What This Looks Like:

  • News cycle anxiety
  • Political polarization straining relationships
  • Fear for future (can I afford kids? Will world be livable?)
  • Distrust of institutions

Why This Matters for Church:

  • Young adults feel world is chaotic and declining
  • Church offers hope, stability, eternal perspective
  • This is why Gen Z is returning to church (seeking anchor)

Sources: Harvard - On Edge Report

The 2025 Resurgence

Historic Shift:

  • Millennials and Gen Z are driving a RESURGENCE in church attendance
  • For first time in decades, YOUNGER generations attend more than OLDER generations
  • This is a reversal of 25-year decline trend

The Data:

  • Gen Z: Attends 1.9 weekends per month (highest of all generations)
  • Millennials: Attend 1.8 weekends per month
  • Boomers: Declining from 2.0 to lower rates
  • Millennials and Gen Z have almost DOUBLED attendance since 2020

What Changed?:

  • COVID-19 lockdowns created hunger for in-person community
  • Cultural chaos driving search for stability and meaning
  • Gen Z craves structure and tradition amid uncertainty
  • Rejection of “spiritual but not religious” - want belonging to something bigger

Sources: Barna - Young Adults Lead Resurgence, Christianity Today - Gen Z Leads Attendance, Deseret News - Church-Going Groups

Men Are Driving the Trend

Gender Reversal:

  • Historically, women attended church more than men
  • 2025: MEN now outpace WOMEN in church attendance (first time in recorded history)
  • Gender gap is largest ever recorded by Barna

The Data:

  • 43% of men attended church in past week (vs. 36% of women)
  • 46% of Gen Z men and 55% of Millennial men attended (vs. 44% Gen Z women, 38% Millennial women)

Why This Is Happening:

  • Men seeking structure, authority, clear moral guidance
  • Rejection of cultural narratives about masculinity
  • Desire for male community and mentorship
  • Church offers stability in chaotic cultural moment

Ministry Implication:

  • Don’t ignore men in young adult ministry!
  • Intentional men’s programming, mentorship, leadership opportunities
  • Address topics relevant to young men (purpose, masculinity, career, relationships)

Sources: Barna - Church Attendance Women vs Men, Religion Unplugged - Men Driving Trend

Why They’re Coming Back

Not Your Parents’ Revival:

  • They’re NOT seeking celebrity pastors
  • They’re NOT chasing emotional highs
  • They’re NOT looking for entertainment

What They ARE Seeking:

  1. Community and Belonging: Real relationships, not just events
  2. Stability and Structure: Clear teaching, moral guidance, tradition
  3. Spiritual Depth: Want to grow closer to God, learn Scripture
  4. Meaningful Relationships: Mentors who walk alongside them
  5. Purpose and Calling: Want their lives to matter
  6. Hope: Amid cultural despair, church offers eternal hope

The Quote:

“Gen Z worshippers don’t want ritual. They don’t want recycled religion. They want real. This revival isn’t looking for celebrity; it wants community. It’s not chasing emotional highs, but pursuing spiritual depth.”

Sources: Outreach Magazine - Gen Z Awakening, Northeastern - Gen Z Religion

The “Spiritual But Not Religious” Paradox

The Complexity:

  • While church attendance is rising for SOME young adults…
  • Many others identify as “spiritual but not religious”
  • 34% of Gen Z are religiously unaffiliated (vs. 29% Millennials, 25% Gen X)

Faith Unbundled:

  • Young adults construct faith by combining elements from various sources
  • Pick and choose beliefs, practices, community from religious AND non-religious options
  • Prayer remains popular, but so does yoga, nature walks, art, volunteering
  • Podcasters and influencers serve as “digital spiritual guides”
  • See religion as rigid; spirituality as fluid

The Tension:

  • Some young adults returning to structured church
  • Others creating DIY spirituality
  • Both groups exist—ministry must understand both
  • For analysis of the de-churched population — who they are, why they left, and what brings them back — see 12 Market Share Analysis, Part 4.

Ministry Implication:

  • Young adults in church may have “buffet spirituality” mindset
  • Teaching must address why Christianity is unique, not just one option among many
  • Can’t assume basic biblical literacy or orthodox beliefs
  • Need to welcome seekers while clearly articulating Gospel

Sources: Springtide - Gen Z Spiritual Practices, Survey Center - Gen Z Future of Faith, Relevant - Spiritual Not Religious

Part 4: What Young Adults Want From Church

1. Authentic Community (Not Just Events)

What They Say:

  • 78% of Millennial Christians described their ideal church using the word “community”
  • “Community doesn’t mean everyone knows everyone, but everyone knows SOMEONE”
  • They seek environments to explore identity, purpose, community, spirituality

What This Means:

  • Events alone don’t build community
  • Need structured opportunities for real relationships (small groups, service teams, mentorship)
  • Consistency matters—seeing same people regularly builds bonds
  • Church should feel like family, not an audience

What Doesn’t Work:

  • Large worship services with no connection points
  • Occasional social events with strangers
  • Superficial “greeting time” in service

What Does Work:

  • Weekly small groups with consistent attendance
  • Service projects that build teamwork
  • Mentorship pairings (older/younger)
  • Social gatherings that allow natural conversation (meals, games, etc.)

Sources: Lifeway - What Young Adults Look For, Fuller Youth Institute - Creating Connection

2. Authenticity (Not Performance)

What They Say:

  • “Authenticity is the currency of the young adult generation”
  • Millennials can “smell disingenuousness from a mile away”
  • Want real faith, real struggles shared, real growth modeled

What This Means:

  • Leaders must be vulnerable, not perfect
  • Teaching should address real questions and doubts
  • Church culture should normalize struggle, not pretend everyone’s fine
  • Authenticity in relationships connects people and builds trust

What Doesn’t Work:

  • Polished, celebrity pastor performances
  • “Everything is awesome” façade
  • Judgmental or exclusive attitudes
  • Prosperity gospel or shallow positivity

What Does Work:

  • Leaders sharing their own struggles and growth
  • Safe spaces to ask hard questions
  • Vulnerability in small groups
  • Honest preaching that addresses real life

Sources: Firebrand - Young Adult Ministry Age of Authenticity, Small Groups - Keeping Millennials

3. Spiritual Depth (Not Shallow Programming)

What They Say:

  • 8 out of 10 young adults say “growing closer to God” and “learning about God” are the two most important reasons to attend church
  • Want church to be “spiritually substantive and meaningful”
  • Not looking for entertainment—looking for substance

What This Means:

  • Bible teaching should be deep, not dumbed down
  • Discipleship pathways should be clear
  • Prayer, worship, Scripture study should be central
  • They want to be challenged, not just entertained

What Doesn’t Work:

  • Shallow sermons focused on self-help tips
  • Entertainment-driven services with no substance
  • Avoiding difficult theological topics
  • Assuming young adults want “cool” over “true”

What Does Work:

  • Expository preaching through books of the Bible
  • Small group Bible studies that go deep
  • Prayer gatherings, worship nights
  • Theology classes, discipleship training

Sources: Lifeway - What Young Adults Look For

4. Meaningful Relationships and Mentorship

What They Say:

  • Want “meaningful relationships and mentors who will walk alongside them on their faith journey”
  • NOT seeking “charismatic pastors to preach at them”
  • Value intergenerational connection

What This Means:

  • Mentorship programs are essential
  • Older believers investing in younger
  • Titus 2 model: older teaching younger
  • Relationships > Programs

What Doesn’t Work:

  • Age-segregated ministry with no cross-generational connection
  • Celebrity pastor model with no access
  • Transactional relationships (leader-to-attendee, not friend-to-friend)

What Does Work:

  • Formal mentorship pairings (older couples with younger)
  • Informal relationships (meals, coffee, hanging out)
  • Multigenerational small groups
  • Leadership opportunities that connect young adults to broader church

Sources: Religion Unplugged - Men Driving Trend

5. Structure and Stability

What They Say:

  • “Finding a structured type of religious world appeals to them during so much social uncertainty”
  • Want “someone telling them what to do and how to do it effectively”
  • Seeking rootedness, authority, tradition

What This Means:

  • Clear expectations and pathways
  • Structured discipleship (not just “figure it out yourself”)
  • Liturgy, rituals, traditions can be attractive (not off-putting)
  • Moral clarity in chaotic world

What Doesn’t Work:

  • “Anything goes” relativism
  • No clear doctrine or beliefs
  • Wishy-washy moral teaching
  • Constant reinvention with no stability

What Does Work:

  • Clear statement of beliefs and values
  • Structured discipleship pathway (classes, mentorship, service)
  • Consistent rhythms (weekly worship, small groups, annual retreats)
  • Biblical teaching on ethics and morality

Sources: Northeastern - Gen Z Religion

6. Active Participation (Not Passive Observation)

What They Say:

  • “One of the key findings for connecting with Gen Z is the adoption of shared leadership models”
  • Want inclusion and connection through active participation
  • Want to put their gifts to work NOW, not wait for “someday”

What This Means:

  • Empower young adults to lead, serve, contribute
  • Don’t just program AT them—involve them
  • Ministry WITH Gen Z, not ministry TO Gen Z
  • Give meaningful roles, not just “help set up chairs”

What Doesn’t Work:

  • “Sit and listen” model with no involvement
  • Treating young adults as consumers of ministry
  • Delaying leadership until they’re “older and wiser”
  • Token roles without real responsibility

What Does Work:

  • Young adult-led small groups
  • Service team leadership (worship, kids, outreach)
  • Input on ministry planning and direction
  • Internships, apprenticeships, leadership development

Sources: Church Leadership - Reaching Gen Z, Juicy Ecumenism - Gen Z Churchgoing

Part 5: Effective Ministry Models (What Works)

Small Groups Are Essential

The Research:

  • “Effective young adult ministry DEPENDS on small groups” (Lifeway)
  • Small groups provide intentional time, intentional community, intentional discipleship
  • Young adults in small groups = church can minister to specific needs and foster growth
  • Strong relationships within church build resilient faith

Why Small Groups Work:

  1. Authentic relationships form in consistent, intimate settings
  2. Accountability and support happen naturally
  3. Biblical depth possible in discussion format
  4. Loneliness addressed through regular connection
  5. Discipleship happens as people share life together

Best Practices for Small Groups:

  • Keep groups small (6-12 people ideal)
  • Meet weekly (consistency is key)
  • Combine Bible study + life sharing (not just study, not just social)
  • Eat together (meals facilitate connection)
  • Serve together (mission beyond yourselves)
  • Let relationships form naturally (don’t force it)

Avoid:

  • Groups that are too large (no intimacy)
  • Inconsistent meetings (momentum lost)
  • All teaching, no sharing (feels like lecture)
  • Awkward forced “sharing time” (authenticity matters)

Sources: Lifeway - Effective Young Adult Ministry Small Groups, Barna - Relationships Build Resilient Faith

Service and Mission

Why Service Matters:

  • Gen Z values action, not just talk
  • Social justice and service demonstrate authentic faith
  • Working together builds community
  • Provides tangible sense of purpose

What Works:

  • Quarterly service projects (Habitat, food bank, etc.)
  • Ongoing partnerships with local nonprofits
  • International mission trips (short-term)
  • Church-wide service days

Hybrid Online + In-Person

The Reality:

  • Millennials have embraced hybrid worship
  • Comfortable watching livestream occasionally instead of always in-person
  • Weekly rhythms can no longer be assumed

What This Means:

  • Don’t expect perfect Sunday morning attendance
  • Offer multiple entry points (online, in-person, weeknight groups)
  • Understand flexibility is valued
  • BUT: Push toward in-person community (online alone doesn’t build relationships)

Multigenerational Integration

The Research:

  • Young adults benefit from older mentors
  • Intergenerational church is biblical (Titus 2)
  • Purely age-segregated ministry limits growth

What This Looks Like:

  • Young adult ministry exists BUT connects to broader church
  • Mentorship pairings with older couples
  • Young adults serving on church-wide teams
  • Multigenerational worship and events

Part 6: Ministry Design Implications for BRCC

Key Takeaways for BRCC’s Young Adult Ministry

1. The Timing Is Perfect

  • National trend: Young adults returning to church
  • Gen Z and Millennials seeking community, stability, spiritual depth
  • Launching young adult ministry in 2026 = riding the wave

2. Go Deep, Not Shallow

  • They want biblical teaching, not entertainment
  • Discipleship > Programming
  • Challenge them intellectually and spiritually

3. Build Real Community Through Small Groups

  • This is THE model that works
  • Weekly small groups are non-negotiable
  • Loneliness is their #1 felt need—community addresses it

4. Address Their Real Struggles

  • Financial anxiety, loneliness, purpose crisis, mental health
  • Church has something to say about all of these
  • Don’t avoid hard topics—lean into them with biblical wisdom

5. Engage Men Intentionally

  • Men are driving church attendance resurgence
  • Don’t make young adult ministry feel “feminine”
  • Offer men’s groups, serve projects, mentorship

6. Provide Clear Structure

  • Pathways for involvement, discipleship, growth
  • Clear expectations and next steps
  • Structure = stability in chaotic world

7. Empower Them to Lead

  • Don’t just program AT them—involve them
  • Give real responsibilities and leadership roles
  • Ministry WITH them, not ministry TO them

8. Focus on Authenticity

  • Leaders must be vulnerable and real
  • Safe space for questions and doubts
  • Normalize struggle, don’t pretend everyone’s perfect

9. Connect to Broader Church

  • Avoid isolated silo
  • Mentorship with older believers
  • Service on church-wide teams

10. Flexibility in Format

  • Can’t assume Sunday morning availability
  • Offer weeknight options, hybrid elements
  • BUT: Push toward in-person community (that’s where relationships form)

Conclusion

The Opportunity Is Now

Young adults are returning to church at historic rates. They’re not looking for entertainment, celebrity pastors, or shallow programming. They’re seeking:

  • Authentic community to address loneliness
  • Spiritual depth to provide meaning and purpose
  • Structure and stability amid cultural chaos
  • Real relationships and mentorship
  • Active participation and leadership

BRCC has the opportunity to reach a generation that is HUNGRY for what the church offers.

The challenges young adults face—financial stress, loneliness, purpose crisis, mental health struggles—are real and significant. But the church has answers: biblical truth, loving community, eternal hope, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The question is not whether young adults want church. The 2025 data shows they do.

The question is: Will BRCC be ready to receive them?

Next Steps

With this national research in hand, BRCC can now:

  1. Study successful young adult ministry models
  2. Synthesize all research into specific recommendations
  3. Design a ministry that addresses BRCC’s local context with national best practices
  4. Launch young adult ministry positioned for maximum impact

Sources Summary

Generational Research

Life Stage Challenges

Spirituality and Beliefs

What Young Adults Want From Church

Ministry Best Practices

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