For the 1st time in modern American history, young men outnumber young women in church. And what can your men’s ministry do to be part of this historical movement?

Yep, you read that right! According to a 2023 survey of 5,000 Americans by the Survey Center on American Life, young men in Generation Z (ages 14-28) are now more involved in church than young women.¹ This is despite men of other generations being less affiliated with the church. The young men of what’s been marked as the “loneliest, most anxious generation” are finding stability, belonging and deep connection in faith families. While culture beckons them to define truth by looking deep within themselves, young men find that the eternal truth of God’s Word is trustworthy and reliable. So, how can you help young men connect with Christ and His church? Here are a few recommendations from churches that have experienced spiritual growth among their young men:

1. Structure and Purpose. In a society where traditional notions of masculinity are often questioned, we should offer clear guidance on roles, responsibilities and Biblical moral frameworks. This structure appeals to young men seeking direction and a sense of purpose. Simply stated, teach Scripture, and don’t water it down!
2. Intergenerational Relationships. Young men look to the wisdom and guidance of older men. Surveys have revealed that not only is Gen Z overwhelmingly open to spiritual conversations², but they also trust older adults more than any other group (specifically adults 60 and over).³ Young people with relationships with older adults in the church are more likely to remain plugged into the church and their faith!⁴ Provide opportunities for men of all ages to eat, study, pray, worship and serve together.
3. Involvement in Serving. Young men need to feel like they belong and can contribute, so offer service and mission opportunities. Churches reaching young adults intentionally involve them in opportunities for service in the church and community. Missions opportunities help forge relationships among church members, and intercultural experiences deepen reliance on God.⁵ Young men are more likely to stick around when given actual roles.⁶ So get those guys out serving!

Implementing these simple steps can profoundly affect the spiritual health of our young men and, ultimately, our churches.

God is clearly at work in the lives of our young men. We stand at a pivotal moment, an opportunity to shape, shepherd and reclaim a generation for Christ. May we rise to the call and be found faithful in declaring His power to the next generation (Psalm 71:18).

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/us/young-men-religion-gen-z.html ↩︎
2. https://www.barna.com/research/spiritual-openness/ ↩︎
3. A New Kind of Diversity by Tim Elmore, page 191. ↩︎
4. Sticky Faith by Kara Powell & Chap Clark ↩︎
5. Understanding Faith Formation by Mark Maddix, page 109. ↩︎
6. Growing Young by Kara Powell. ↩︎

State Missionary Larry Hyche may be reached at 1-800-264-1225, ext. 2268, or (334) 613-2268, lhyche@alsbom.org.