Gen Z’s Revival and Retreat

Gen Z’s Revival and Retreat… Recently our staff have been going through Carey Niewhof’s “Church Trends for 2025”. (Get the Leader Guide) One of these trends was the “Gen Z is in Revival and Retreat at the Same Time”

As a 30-year ministry veteran in next-gen ministry (students, families, and discipleship), I have been pondering all of this.  Here is my “5 for 5” thoughts about this trend… 

5 Ways We are Seeing a Spiritual Revival Among Students in America 

1. Increased Hunger for Authentic Faith
   Students are seeking a faith that is real, deep, and transformative. Many are tired of surface-level religion and are leaning into personal devotion, Scripture, and prayer like never before.

2. Prayer and Worship Movements
   Across the country, student-led prayer and worship gatherings are popping up in schools, churches, and even secular spaces. Events like See You at the Pole and impromptu worship nights on college campuses signal a fresh hunger for God’s presence.

3. Gospel Boldness and Evangelism
   Many students are stepping out in faith to share the gospel with their peers. Social media is filled with testimonies of students leading friends to Christ, and some are even organizing baptism celebrations in public places.

4. Rise of Discipleship and Community
   Instead of just attending youth group, students are actively discipling one another. There’s a growing desire for deep, intentional community centered around God’s Word and accountability.

5. A Counter-Cultural Stand for Truth
   As culture drifts away from biblical values, many students are standing firm in their faith. Rather than blending in, they’re unashamedly proclaiming biblical truth and living it out in their schools, friend groups, and online spaces.

5 Ways We Are Seeing a Spiritual Retreat Among Students in America

1. Church Attendance Decline
   Many students who grew up in church are disengaging, either due to busyness, apathy, or skepticism. Some feel disconnected from traditional church models and struggle to see their relevance.

2. Biblical Illiteracy
   With the rise of secular influence and decreasing time spent in Scripture, many students lack a strong biblical foundation. They struggle to defend their faith or apply biblical wisdom to real-life issues.

3. Cultural and Ideological Pressure
   The rapid spread of progressive ideologies—especially around identity, morality, and truth—has led many students to deconstruct their faith or blend it with cultural beliefs rather than biblical truth.

4. Distractions and Digital Overload
   Constant access to entertainment, social media, and digital content is keeping many students spiritually distracted. Instead of seeking God in moments of stillness, they turn to endless scrolling, gaming, or binge-watching.

5. Mistrust in Spiritual Leadership
   Scandals, hypocrisy, and legalism in churches have led some students to distrust spiritual leaders. Many are disillusioned by what they see as performative Christianity, leading them to distance themselves from organized religion.

The Opportunity:
While revival is happening, the retreat is real too.

The Questions:
How can we lean into what God is doing while also addressing the areas where students are drifting? What do you think is the biggest factor at play?