Gen Z nets lowest score for generational church engagement, report shows

The American Bible Society released the latest chapter of its 2025 State of the Bible research report on Thursday, offering a statistical view of generational engagement in faith and the church. Data showed a strong correlation between church engagement and human flourishing, but noted low scores overall for Gen Z church engagement and faith development.

Almost half of the Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomer respondents strongly agreed that they’ve had chances to grow their faith in the last year. Only about one-third of Gen Z respondents could say the same, according to the report. Gen Z also scored the lowest among all four generations polled when it came to using spiritual gifts and having someone encourage their spiritual development.

What else did the data show? Beyond generational statistics, the report also offered a statistical overview of modern Christianity. About 64% of American adults consider themselves Christians, but about 45% of those self-identified Christians don't attend church, according to the report. Of the 55% of self-identified Christians who do attend church, only about 34% attend every week, according to the report.

The report's four previous chapters provided data on topics like Bible use in America and Bible use internationally, as well as human flourishing and well being. Statistical highlights include:

• About 66% of Bible users access the Bible digitally, with about 34% only using a printed Bible.

• About 10 million more people accessed the Bible in 2025 compared to 2024.

• Five billion copies of the Bible have been distributed internationally, with about 2,000 translations.

• About four out of 10 people in the secular West believe the Bible is relevant to them.

• Just over 75% of people in Asia report knowing nothing about the Bible, and over half have never heard of it.

• About 42% of professed Christians use the Bible at least once a week, with 37% reporting less regular use, and 21% reporting no use.

• About 60% of people consider praying to God as self-care.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on a Pew Research Center survey finding that America’s recent decline in Christianity may have leveled off. Also, read Liz Lykins’ report on growing church attendance among smaller denominations.