A recent study by the Barna Group, in collaboration with Gloo, shines a light on evolving trends in church attendance and involvement in the United States. Despite prevailing narratives of a decline in church relevance, early signs from 2025 indicate a shift, suggesting a resurgence in church activity, particularly among younger generations and males.

According to Crosswalk, A new report highlights a surprising uptick in church attendance and volunteering in the early months of 2025.

The Barna State of the Church report has continuously tracked church attendance figures, maintaining a detailed record of how these numbers have evolved over the years. Up until the end of 2024, weekly church attendance had stabilized at about 28 percent, following years of speculation about a persistent decline.

Preliminary data for 2025, however, paints a different picture, noting an increase in weekly church attendance to around 32 percent. This rise is paralleled by a renewed engagement in church-related volunteering, suggesting a revitalization of community involvement within church settings.

Increased Church Participation Among Youth and Men

Interestingly, the increase in volunteering is particularly prominent among younger generations. Data shows a significant thrust by Gen Z and Millennials, who are not only attending weekly services more frequently but are also more involved in volunteer activities compared to previous reports.

The shift is notable, considering the widespread belief in the declining interest of these age groups in traditional religious practices. In 2024, attendance rates were 29 percent for Gen Z and 30 percent for Millennials, figures that underscore a change in dynamics and suggest a growing affinity towards structured religious engagement among youth.

Another unexpected trend is the observed increase in church attendance among men. Early data from 2025 indicates that 40 percent of men are attending church weekly compared to 28 percent of women. This development marks a significant departure from previous trends where women generally showed higher church attendance figures.

Relevance of the Church in Modern Society Affirmed

The report underscores a strong disagreement with the notion that the church has lost its relevance in contemporary society. A substantial portion of American adults, about 65 percent, reject the idea that the church no longer holds significance in their lives or communities.

This sentiment is even stronger among practicing Christians, of whom 88 percent see the church as still relevant. Meanwhile, a notable 46 percent of non-Christians and 67 percent of non-practicing Christians also share this viewpoint, highlighting the extensive reach and influence that religious institutions continue to wield across diverse segments of the population.

“This data challenges the narrative that society has rejected church or views it as irrelevant,” the Barna report states. Such a statement suggests robust foundational support for church activities and indicates potential avenues for increased community engagement.

The Positive Impact of Volunteering on Church Growth

Volunteering within church communities has also seen a revival, jumping from 15 percent in 2024 to approximately 24 percent in early 2025. This rebound in volunteerism not only enhances community service but also strengthens the communal bonds that churches are known for, providing a solid foundation for further involvement and retention.

The involvement of younger people in volunteering roles is particularly noteworthy. It hints at a more engaged future generation that could spearhead the continuation and growth of church-based initiatives and programs.

This shift towards increased involvement by particular demographics like younger generations and males could mark the beginning of a new chapter for church communities across the nation. By engaging more robustly with these groups, churches not only confirm their relevance but also rejuvenate their congregations with fresh perspectives and energy.

The findings of the Barna report provide a counter-narrative to the pervasive assumption of church decline and propose a viewpoint that church leaders might find encouraging. It paints a picture of a potential renaissance in church engagement, driven by the very groups thought to be drifting away from religious institutions.

Conclusion: A Reinvigorated Interest in Church Life

As church leaders and communities ponder these findings, the increased attendance and volunteerism could form the basis for new strategic approaches to community engagement and church growth. With the narrative of decline perhaps being premature, the future of church relevance and impact appears promising, bolstered by the surprising upturn in involvement from unexpected quarters.

It is clear from the Barna report's findings that there is much to be optimistic about in the landscape of church participation. As 2025 progresses, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop and potentially reshape the role of churches in American society.