Who Do Gen Z Trust to Teach Them More About Jesus?

Who Do Gen Z Trust to Teach Them More About Jesus? Insights from Barna Research

As the U.S. continues to witness a generational shift, the landscape of faith and belief is changing dramatically. Barna Research's latest data, part of The Open Generation: United States report, provides a deep dive into how Gen Z views Jesus and who they turn to for spiritual guidance. The findings shed light on Gen Z's curiosity about Jesus and their challenges when understanding His teachings.

The Generational Shift: A Decline in Christianity Among Gen Z

Barna’s research indicates that while Gen Z holds positive views of Jesus, such as seeing Him as trustworthy, caring, and a source of hope, these perceptions don’t always translate to a personal commitment to Christianity. The sharp decline in Christian identification begins early in adulthood, with two-thirds of U.S. teens (65%) and nearly half of young adults (48%) identifying as Christian. However, a significant gap remains between identifying as Christian and committing to follow Jesus.

Barna has long distinguished between nominal Christians—those who identify as Christian but haven’t made a personal commitment to follow Jesus—and committed Christians, those who have made such a commitment. In the U.S., about 32% of teens are categorized as committed Christians, with 33% considered nominal Christians. Notably, 44% of Catholic teens and 58% of Protestant teens are identified as committed Christians. These statistics highlight a need for deeper engagement with Gen Z, particularly in helping them make a personal commitment to Christ.

Curiosity About Jesus: Three Questions of U.S. Teens Wanting to Learn More

Despite the challenges, there is a bright spot—Gen Z’s interest in Jesus. A striking 77% of U.S. teens desire to learn more about Jesus throughout their lives. This curiosity isn’t confined to those who have already committed to following Him. Even among teens who identify as non-Christian or unsure about who Jesus is, over half express a willingness to continue exploring His life and teachings.

However, the question remains: Where do these teens turn when they want to learn more about Jesus?

The Trusted Sources: Family, Scripture, and Self

According to Barna’s research, U.S. teens overwhelmingly trust religious texts and their households as primary sources for learning about Jesus. These sources rank higher than social media, the Internet, friends, or influencers. This finding underscores the influence of family and scripture in shaping Gen Z's spiritual understanding.

However, there is a notable trend among nominal Christian teens. After turning to scripture or family members, they quickly look inward, trusting themselves to guide their understanding of Jesus. Teens without a personal commitment to follow Jesus are more likely to rely on their judgment rather than seek guidance from pastors, church leaders, or other Christians. This poses a significant challenge for faith leaders, who must engage these teens in more meaningful conversations about Jesus.

Discipleship Opportunities and Challenges

Barna's data reveals an opportunity for faith leaders to invest in discipleship programs that offer guidance, mentorship, and community. While Gen Z is curious about Jesus, they are not always equipped with the tools or relationships to understand and follow Him. This gap in discipleship may lead nominal Christian teens to rely on their interpretations of Jesus’ teachings.

As Barna’s CEO, David Kinnaman, notes in the report, "Having a spiritual mentor is one of the strongest factors for helping young people develop a resilient faith—one that grows and sustains them over time and helps guide them toward meaning and purpose in life." The challenge is ensuring that these mentors—parents, pastors, or community leaders—are present and engaged with the next generation.

Moving Forward: Faith Leaders Have Work to Do

The trend of declining Christian identity among Gen Z is clear, yet their desire to learn more about Jesus is also undeniable. Faith leaders have a unique opportunity to meet Gen Z where they are, providing guidance and wisdom to help them navigate their faith journeys. By fostering strong, relational mentorship and ensuring that teens have access to trusted discipleship resources, the church can continue to reach the Open Generation with the message of Jesus.

In conclusion, although Gen Z faces numerous challenges in their spiritual lives, their curiosity about Jesus presents a hopeful starting point. By addressing gaps in discipleship and mentorship, faith communities can assist this generation in committing to follow Jesus—one that will influence their lives for years to come.

Data Source: Barna Research, The Open Generation: United States

https://www.barna.com/research/teens-and-jesus/