September Release - Pt. 1

What Young Adults Are Looking for Spiritually at Church

What Young Adults Are Looking for Spiritually at Church

At a glance

Higher Attendance

One in three young adults say they're attending church more often than a year ago—and it's not happening evenly across every group.

Prayer is No. 1

Prayer tops the list of reasons young adults give for showing up, ahead of every other spiritual reason surveyed.

Growing Groups

Black and Hispanic young adults (41% and 36%) are among the most likely to say their attendance has grown.

New research from Barna and Gloo reveals that about one in three Gen Z and Millennial young adults are attending church more often than a year ago, driven largely by foundational spiritual motivations. Prayer emerges as the top reason for attendance across demographics, followed closely by worshiping Jesus alongside others. Rather than a sweeping movement, the findings highlight a consistent pattern of young adults engaging with the devotional basics of faith.

Learn More About Barna

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