Why some Gen Z young adults are returning to church despite declining religion

SALT LAKE CITY — In Utah — one of the most religious states in the country — some Christian faith leaders said they’re seeing something unexpected: young adults searching for faith and spiritual meaning.

 

National data show religious affiliation has been declining for decades, especially among younger generations. But leaders from several Christian traditions said they are seeing growing interest from members of Generation Z who are exploring church, asking deeper spiritual questions and looking for purpose in their lives.

Across congregations including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Greek Orthodox Church and Utah-based South Mountain Community Church, young believers said faith offers something they struggle to find elsewhere: community, clarity and hope.

Data from the Pew Research Center illustrated the broader generational shift. According to a December 2025 report, about 57% of Americans age 30 and younger identify with a religion. Among adults 71 and older, that number is about 83%.

Yet one statistic stands out. Roughly 31% of adults between 18 and 30 said they attend religious services at least once a month — slightly higher than adults in their early 30s.

For some religious leaders, that modest difference reflects what they said they are seeing firsthand.

A search for hope and connection

Cassie Bullough, a young adult in Utah County and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said faith provides reassurance in an uncertain world.

“A huge part of it is hope,” she said. “Even when difficult situations arise and even when I have questions, I’m not alone.”

Bullough said belief in Jesus Christ — along with the support of a church community — offers stability when life feels overwhelming.

“There’s a hope that better times will come,” she said. “Whether that comes in this life or the next.”

Faith leaders said that sense of connection is one reason many young adults remain involved in religion.

President Timothy L. Farnes, Young Men General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said younger generations are often searching for meaningful relationships and a greater sense of purpose.

“Everyone wants connection. They want to be seen, heard, understood and engaged in a cause,” President Farnes said.

Faith, he said, offers something deeper than social connection alone.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ allows you to look up — to connect with God — and then look out and connect with others,” President Farnes said. “That gives purpose and meaning to life.”

President Farnes told KSL many young adults are also drawn to authenticity in their spiritual lives.

“Young people today crave realness,” he said.

In a culture filled with distractions and competing priorities, he said many people fill their lives with “good things” that ultimately crowd out what matters most.

“The world can fill our lives with good things at the expense of essential things,” President Farnes said.

His advice to young adults exploring faith is simple: start small.

“Even turning to God in a simple way each day can change your life,” he said.

Looking to ancient traditions 

Some young adults found that sense of meaning in traditions that stretch back centuries. 

Christianna Roy has been studying the Greek Orthodox Church, drawn by its emphasis on humility, worship and reverence. 

“It wasn’t about me feeling good,” Roy said. “It was about humbling myself before Christ.” 

Learning more about the Orthodox understanding of communion — known as the Eucharist — changed the way she viewed faith. 

“I always grew up thinking it was symbolic,” she said. “Thinking about it as the literal body and blood of Christ who died for me was really powerful.” 

Dean Athens, a member of Salt Lake City’s Greek Orthodox community who teaches adult education classes, said the church has seen a steady stream of newcomers in recent years — including many young adults. 

Some began exploring the faith through family connections or marriage. Others arrived after researching early Christian history and discovering Orthodoxy’s connection to the ancient church. 

“A lot of them start studying the early church fathers,” Athens said. “They see a direct link between the early church and the Orthodox Church today.” 

But beyond history, he told KSL NewsRadio’s Maria Shilaos that many visitors are looking for something deeper. 

“Christianity isn’t just a set of rules,” Athens said. “It’s an encounter with the living God.” 

That encounter, he said, can bring stability in a world that often feels uncertain. 

“People are looking for wholeness,” Athens said. “They see fragmentation in the world around them — politically, socially and culturally — and they want something that brings stability and healing.”

Community still matters

At South Mountain Community Church, leaders said community is one of the biggest reasons young people continue showing up.

Tori Goodsell said she began exploring different churches as a young adult while searching for deeper answers about faith.

“I was looking for more truth and more comfort,” she said.

She said she eventually found both through the relationships she built in her church community.

“I have friends of all ages,” Goodsell said. “It’s a really good community for young people and young families.”

Lead pastor Eric Nelson said that sense of belonging is something many young adults are seeking.

Over the past eight months, he said, more than 4,500 first-time guests have attended services across the church’s campuses, including many members of Gen Z.

Nelson told KSL he believes younger generations are asking deeper questions about life than many people assume.

“They’re asking questions about origin, meaning, morality and destiny,” Nelson said. “They’re looking for something that connects their story to ultimate reality.”

To reach those seekers, he said churches must focus on authenticity and remove unnecessary barriers.

Sometimes religious communities unintentionally push people away through complicated language or rigid expectations.

“We shouldn’t make it difficult for people who are turning to God,” Nelson said.

Instead, he said churches should emphasize honesty, vulnerability and grace.

“I think young people are looking for truth,” Nelson said. “They’re looking for grace. And they’re looking for real connection with real people.”

‘Give Jesus a try’

Despite the broader decline in religious affiliation, many young believers say faith continues to provide something essential in their lives.

For some, it offers direction and purpose.

Anneli Howells, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said religion can bring a deeper sense of meaning to everyday life.

“When life feels without purpose,” she said, “faith brings that extra purpose.”

Aaron Godoy, a member of South Mountain Community Church, encourages friends his age to explore religion with an open mind.

“Give Jesus a try,” he said. “Just show up to church and see what happens.”

Others said faith provides stability during uncertain times.

“Life can feel pretty tumultuous,” said Zach Durtschi, a 21-year-old searching for meaning in the Greek Orthodox faith. “With the economy and politics and everything going on, it’s easy to feel lost.”

For Bullough, belief in Christ provides a steady foundation.

“This world can be overwhelming,” she said. “But faith in Jesus Christ gives me hope.”

---

Contributing: Maria Shilaos

Read more: Gen Z’s credit scores are dropping. Here’s what to do if yours is too

Follow @AndyCMathis