Why Men Are Coming Back to Church This Year

For decades, studies suggested that women were more likely than men to attend church, read the Bible, and identify as Christian. But 2025 has brought an unexpected shift Gen Z men are now leading a quiet resurgence in faith and church participation.

According to Barna’s State of the Church 2025 report, commitment to Jesus among Gen Z men has risen from 52% in 2019 to 67% this year a striking increase in just six years. Even weekly church attendance, once dominated by women, has leaned male since 2022. The American Bible Society’s latest State of the Bible report found that Bible use among men has climbed 19% from 2024 to 2025, narrowing the long-standing gender gap in Scripture engagement.

“This is the clearest indication of spiritual renewal in the U.S. in more than a decade,” said David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. “We’re seeing an entire generation of men wrestling with purpose, identity, and belonging and many are turning to faith for answers.”

Why the Shift?

Experts point to a mix of cultural and personal factors fueling this change. Gen Z men, especially those in their late teens and early 20s, are reporting higher levels of loneliness, social disconnection, and uncertainty about the future. In a world dominated by fragmented online relationships and an unpredictable economy, the church stands out as a rare source of stability, community, and moral clarity.

For some young men, faith is not simply inherited from their parents it’s discovered afresh. “We’re seeing interest in Jesus among those who don’t even identify as Christians,” Kinnaman noted. “They’re encountering faith as something vibrant and new, not as a set of outdated traditions.”

Interestingly, this renewed interest in church comes at a time when young women are increasingly stepping back from organized religion. The Survey Center on American Life reports that 54% of Gen Z adults who left their formative religion are women, compared to 46% who are men. This imbalance raises questions about how churches can foster communities where both men and women feel equally seen, valued, and supported.

The Need for Meaningful Community

Historically, churches have struggled to create spaces that speak to men’s emotional and relational needs. While Gen Z men are showing a willingness to engage, their continued involvement may depend on whether they find authentic, life-giving community.

Some churches are responding by launching mentorship programs, discipleship tracks, and small groups tailored to help men grow spiritually and emotionally. These programs aim to build not only knowledge of Scripture but also the relational and leadership skills that young men crave.

Others are focusing on holistic ministry that invites both men and women to contribute meaningfully. After all, the church thrives when its community is balanced and everyone’s gifts are recognized. If young men are returning to church for purpose and connection, but young women don’t feel equally welcomed, the result could be an unbalanced ecosystem that eventually undermines growth.

“This is a critical moment for the church,” said Kinnaman. “For perhaps the first time in modern history, women are not automatically the majority when it comes to spiritual engagement. We need to ask why and how we can better serve both men and women.”

Is This the Start of Revival?

While these statistics are encouraging, church leaders are approaching the trend with cautious optimism. Although stated commitment to Jesus has risen among Gen Z men, overall church attendance and Christian identity still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. This means churches need more than enthusiasm they need intentional discipleship, emotional intelligence, and cultural awareness to guide this generation well.

Levi Lusko, pastor of Fresh Life Church, sees this shift as a challenge and an opportunity. “Gen Z is asking hard questions,” he said. “They want depth, they want authenticity, and they want to see leaders live what they preach. That hunger is a sign they care.”

What Comes Next

The resurgence of faith among young men in 2025 could be the beginning of a broader renewal, but it will require the church to respond thoughtfully. Churches that prioritize genuine relationships, spiritual mentorship, and deep biblical teaching will likely see this momentum grow.

Ultimately, the question isn’t just whether Gen Z is interested in Jesus it’s whether the church is ready to meet them with the hope and truth they’re searching for. For now, one thing is clear: Gen Z men are showing up. The next step is for the church to show up with them, ready to walk the journey of faith together.

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