TL;DR
Young people are not abandoning faith as quickly as once thought—new research shows Christian identity is stabilizing among Millennials and Gen Z. While they’re not attending church in traditional ways, they remain spiritually open and engaged. To reach them, churches must embrace digital-first giving, social integration, and seamless mobile experiences. Tools like recurring giving, text-to-give, and QR code donations make generosity easy for this generation. The future of the Church depends on meeting them where they are—will your church be ready?
Finally, some good news.
Since the late 1960s, church leaders have been bombarded with headlines declaring the decline of Christianity in America. Congregations have been shrinking, attendance has dropped, and giving has become more unpredictable. But a new report from Pew Research brings some long-overdue good news: the decades-long slide of Christian affiliation in the U.S. may have finally leveled off.
According to Pew's February 2025 study, the rate of decline in Christian identity has slowed significantly—and a surprising contributor is the group many thought would abandon faith altogether: younger generations.1.
Millennials and Gen Z: The Unexpected Stabilizers
Young people are the surprise heroes of the Pew study. Only 46% of 18-24-year-olds identify as Christian, far below the 80% of those over 74, but that number hasn’t budged much lately. The “nones” among them sit at 43%, yet Pew finds signs of resilience:
- 89% believe in a soul
- Over 80% feel awe at nature or a higher power
While they’re not flocking to Sunday services—only 25% attend monthly—they’re not fully gone. Raised in less religious homes or turned off by politics, many still seek meaning. What is your church doing to reach them? Are you providing digital pathways that meet them where they are?
This openness and their role in steadying Christianity’s decline make them vital for the Church's future. They’re already here, waiting for connection—on their terms.
Revivals, Social Media, and the Next Generation of Churchgoers
For years, the narrative around young adults was that they were “done” with church. Yet, in recent years, revivals have broken out across multiple college campuses. Major universities like Ohio State, Georgia, Texas A&M, and others have seen large groups of students gather for religious services, resulting in hundreds accepting Christ. Images of student baptisms now fill social media.
The recent Pew Research study suggests these events aren’t just anecdotal; they’re signs of a larger shift. The question is no longer, "Are young people open to faith?" The question is, "How will the Church respond?"
At OnlineGiving.org, we see this as a moment to act. The churches that engage this digitally native generation will be the ones that thrive. Will yours be one of them?
Bridging the Gap: Digital Giving for a Digital Generation
Many pastors hesitate to embrace digital tools for fear of losing personal connection. But technology doesn’t replace ministry—it enhances it. When used well, digital tools allow you to connect with people beyond Sunday morning, build deeper relationships, and sustain generosity.
Here are a few ways OnlineGiving.org can help your church turn a plateau into a springboard for growth:
1. Mobile-First Giving
Younger generations live on their smartphones. Traditional offering plates don’t resonate when everything else in life happens through an app. That’s why OnlineGiving.org’s giving tools are designed to be mobile-first, making it simple, fast, and frictionless for people to support your ministry—anytime, anywhere.
2. Recurring Giving for a Subscription Generation
Millennials and Gen Z are used to subscriptions—whether it’s Netflix, Spotify, or their monthly coffee club. OnlineGiving.org makes recurring giving effortless, allowing these digital natives to set up consistent support for your church with just a few taps.
3. Social Integration and Community Impact
Younger givers want to see that their generosity makes a difference. With OnlineGiving.org, churches can share real-time updates and impact stories that show how giving directly fuels ministry and mission.
4. Text-to-Give and QR Code Giving
Speed matters. The easier it is for someone to give, the more likely they are to do so. Whether during a service or at a community event, Text-to-Give and QR Code giving allow people to donate in seconds.
Would your church be ready if a 22-year-old wanted to give right now?
5. Transparent Reporting
Younger generations are skeptical of institutions. They value transparency and accountability. OnlineGiving.org’s reporting tools empower churches to show exactly how funds are being used, building trust—especially with younger donors.
The Future Starts Today
The Pew Research report isn’t just good news—it’s a call to action.
The decline has paused. Young people are part of the story. Let’s make them the heartbeat of your church.
With the right tools in place, your church can:
- Engage younger believers
- Sustain generosity
- Build for a thriving future
Is your church ready to take the next step?
Call us at (615) 206-4000 or email support@onlinegiving.org to schedule a free demo today and see how OnlineGiving.org can equip your church to connect with the next generation.
1. https://pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/
