Are Christian Kids Really Leaving the Church? The Data May Surprise You - Episode 51
If you’re a Christian parent, you’ve probably heard the discouraging statistic that most kids raised in the church will walk away from their faith after high school. But is that actually true?
In this episode, Shaunti and Jeff unpack recent research from Pew Research Center and Barna that paints a much more hopeful picture. They share what the data actually says about young adults and faith, why a faith-filled home makes a meaningful difference, and the surprising trends happening among Gen Z and Millennials.
They also talk about what parents can do to help their kids develop a faith of their own—and offer encouragement for parents whose children have already stepped away. Because while parents can model faith, create space for honest questions, and pray, they can’t force a change in someone’s heart. And no matter where your child is today, their story isn’t over.
Resources
New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance, Sep 2, 2025
https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/
New Research: Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adult, Apr 7, 2025
https://www.barna.com/research/belief-in-jesus-rises/
Pew Research: Why Do Some Americans Leave Their Religion While Others Stay?
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Both with graduate degrees from Harvard, Shaunti and Jeff are the authors and co-authors of many groundbreaking books, such as For Women Only, For Men Only, The Kindness Challenge, and When Hurting People Come to Church.
For more from Jeff and Shaunti, visit www.shaunti.com.
