Young American men are becoming more religious. Actually, everyone has a religion, but “becoming more religious” means that they are more interested in spiritual things.
For decades, we have seen a declining trend in church attendance and religious affiliation, especially among young people. But this trend seems to be reversing, especially among young men (especially Republicans). new gallup poll. Their latest research found that 42% of young men (ages 18–29) say religion is “very important” in their lives. This is up from 28% from just two years ago!
Interestingly, it has increased Only Seen in young men, not older men or women of any age. (Only 29% of women aged 18–29 say religion is “very important” in their lives, and that number has remained stable. They are considered “the least religious women by far.”) Gallup said:
With the recent increase in their attachment to religion, young men have returned to the high point of their expressed religiosity of the past 25 years, which is equivalent to the 43% found in 2000–2001. In contrast, women and older men of all ages are at or near their historical lows.
What is the reason for this surge in young people’s interest in “religion”? Well, some people are calling it the “Charlie Kirk effect”; Others are pointing to popular podcasts like Joe Rogan, which is hosted by spiritually curious and often Christian people. Although we don’t know for sure what’s causing it, the increase in men interested in the faith means there may be some new young male faces in your church – so what should you do to make sure they’re being discipled well?
I have three suggestions for you:
- Engage them in God’s Word. Young men need more than Joe Rogan hosting some Christians on his podcast – they need a daily diet of Scripture to grow them in the faith and point them to Christ. Make sure any new young people who come to your church have a Bible and encourage them to read it from cover to cover from the pulpit and in personal conversations. Start a men’s Bible study or gather for breakfast to discuss theology. There is nothing more important than basing them on God’s Word.
- Teach them a biblical worldview. Many of the men influencing young men online are ungodly and arrogant, portraying manhood as submissive, loving leaders in their homes and churches contrary to Scripture and God’s plan for men. Anti-Biblical ideas are everywhere, and many specifically target young men. We need to teach the Biblical worldview in our churches (to everyone!), including the Biblical view of manhood and sexuality. If you are a pastor, pay attention to what the youth are hearing and, as your sermon text presents the opportunity, address these errors. Even consider hosting a weekend conference or men’s retreat to discuss these non-biblical teachings in depth and help youth form a more biblical worldview.
- Give them meat. No, not literal meat (although they might like that too). Too many churches teach “false” messages and focus more on experience than teaching the Word of God. Many times, worship services are long and only contain a short message that may or may not contain much scripture! Worship is great and honors the Lord (when consistent with His Word), but people also need to hear the Word preached faithfully. Don’t be afraid to teach theology, doctrine, apologetics, and worldview—the world certainly isn’t afraid to disciple youth into its own version of these things! Give them the flesh they need to be anchored in truth.
We praise the Lord for this new interest in spiritual matters among youth. We pray that this will yield a harvest of righteousness and that many of these young people will come to saving faith in Christ.
I have another bonus tip for you: Invite the youth in your church to an Answers for Men at the Ark encounter, March 19-20, 2027. Early bird pricing is available now, and this event will sell out very quickly, so save your seats today (we’ll be adding a second back-to-back conference soon as it’s so popular!). This is an incredible time to learn from the Word – and you won’t find any “fluff” or empty sentimentality here!
The theme for 2027 is Defending the Christian Faith: A Call to Men to Be Courageous, and will feature teaching from Mary, astronaut Colonel Jeffrey Williams, Mark Spence, Justin Peters, Dr. Albert Mohler, and Alex Kendrick, as well as worship led by Michael O’Brien.
Get all the details and register on our website today. Many thanks to our sponsors, BJU Press And Master UniversityFor making this event possible.
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
ken
This item was written with the assistance of AIG’s research team.
