America’s youngest adults report attending religious services more often than several older age groups, according to new Pew Research Center findings that also reveal sharp differences within Gen Z.
The report, released Oct. 28, examines attendance, prayer and religious identification amid discussion of a possible spiritual resurgence among young Americans. Its findings show stronger attendance among adults ages 18-22 alongside weaker engagement on other measures.
Chip Rotolo, a senior researcher on Pew’s religion and public life team, called the youngest adults’ attendance figure “pretty remarkably high,” Religion News Service reported.
Pew’s analysis of surveys conducted in 2025 and 2026 found:
- Youngest adults exceed the national attendance rate. Among adults ages 18-22, 41% reported attending religious services at least monthly, compared with 33% of all U.S. adults. The measure includes churches and other houses of worship.
- Slightly older Gen Z adults show much lower engagement. Among adults ages 23-26, 27% reported monthly attendance and 50% identified with a religion. Just 26% said they pray daily.
- Young men report higher attendance than young women. Among adults ages 18-22, 47% of men reported attending services at least monthly, compared with 35% of women.
- Prayer and religious commitment trail attendance. Among the youngest adults, 34% reported daily prayer and 36% described religion as very important, compared with 46% and 43%, respectively, nationally.
- National religious engagement has largely steadied. After years of decline, Pew’s measures of affiliation, prayer, religious importance and attendance have remained relatively stable since 2020.
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The youngest group included 443 respondents, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5.7 percentage points.
Young adults are making room for worship in their lives, an encouraging sign for the next generation. Churches have an opportunity to welcome them and nurture a faith rooted in Scripture, helping that interest grow into a lasting commitment to Jesus.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
