September 10, 2025

Hi Friend,

These are trends Christians have been praying to see. And now, Barna’s research in 2025 reveals unexpected—and hopeful—shifts in faith and culture.

1. Frequent Church Attenders Are Trending Younger
   For the first time, Gen Z Christians set the pace for frequent churchgoing. This isn’t just a demographic blip—it may signal renewed spiritual curiosity and a desire for conventional congregational engagement. However, even the most active churchgoers only show up about half the weekends in a month. Check out the article to see how many weekends per month the average churchgoer attends.
2.  Commitment to Jesus Surges
   In a rebound, two in three adults say they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life—up by nearly 30 million people since 2021. Again, we find that  younger adults–and men–are driving this resurgence, marking one of the clearest signs of spiritual renewal in America. Read more here.
3. Pastors Report Healthy Marriages—But Relational Gaps Elsewhere
   Alongside these positive trends, we also know today’s pastors carry immense personal and leadership responsibilities. Our latest research on pastors looks at the personal side of pastoral life—marriage, parenting, friendships, and the often-invisible layers of connection that sustain ministry. One of the encouraging trends we uncovered was that most pastors say their spouse is their best friend! I encourage you to explore the full report to inspire your own relational priorities and wellbeing. 

These are exciting times for the Church—the days many of us have been praying for. Barna is grateful to join you as you lead with clarity and hope.

With you for a thriving Church,

David Kinnaman
CEO, Barna Group