In September 2025, the Barna Group released a report showing a notable rise in church attendance among younger generations. According to their findings, Gen Z attenders (13-28 year old’s) participate in worship services an average of 1.9 times per month — slightly more than Millennials (1.8 times), Gen X (1.6 times), and all other adults( 1.4 times). Finally, some good news!
Yet, one crucial question the report doesn’t address is how many people from each generation are attending at all. While older generations may attend slightly less often, they still make up the majority of congregations. Mission Alive’s latest data reveal that only about 4% of Americans ages 18–30 attend any kind of church gathering in a given week. That’s a sobering reality.
Together, these numbers underline an urgent need to cultivate new kinds of churches that genuinely connect with young adults. Barna’s research shows that when this generation does attend, they participate meaningfully and consistently. That’s why Mission Alive is committed to starting innovative faith communities (IFCs) that look and feel different—communities like The Table-Irving, Lufkin Street Ministries 25:40 and Made for More, that speak to younger generations and align with their passion for the flourishing of their neighborhoods.
To follow Mission Alive’s ongoing exploration of religious trends in America, visit our Religion in America page on our website. While you’re there read about the six different types of IFCs Mission Alive supports and read about more of our active IFCs.