A new study from LifeWay Research is offering a closer look at how Generation Z relates to organized religion — and the findings are a mixed bag.
On the positive side, researchers found that members of Gen Z are attending church more frequently than they once did. But the study also raises a significant concern: young people are not doing a strong job of letting their faith shape how they actually live day to day.
LifeWay spokesman Chuck Peters put it plainly, saying the issue is not one of attendance or connection. “My biggest concern for Gen Z is not that they are disconnected from the church; our research shows that Gen Z is deeply involved. The greater concern is that they are not being deeply formed,” Peters said.
The findings suggest that while the pews may be filling up with younger faces, faith leaders may need to focus more on how to help that generation move beyond simply showing up — and toward truly living out what they believe.
