Young People Are *Returning to Church.
As younger adults—especially Gen Z and Millennials—begin returning to church, it's tempting to celebrate this as a sign of spiritual renewal. But as Dr. James Tyler Robertson points out in a recent Ministry Forum Podcast episode, we should be cautious before drawing conclusions. New research from Barna reveals a complex picture: the increase is driven primarily by young men, while young women, particularly single mothers, are disengaging. This shift calls for deeper reflection. Rather than rushing to capitalize on attendance trends, ministry leaders are invited to listen well, consider who’s not in the room, and faithfully discern what the Spirit might be doing in this moment. This is not just a resurgence—it’s a realignment. And it demands our careful, curious attention.
Losing Our Religion? Digging into Canada’s Spiritual Landscape
Exploring insights from Statistics Canada’s podcast episode “Losing Our Religion? It’s Not That Simple.” Despite rising religious disaffiliation, Canadians are still engaging with spirituality in diverse and personal ways. We reflect on how ministry leaders can respond to these shifting patterns—not with fear, but with imagination, compassion, and renewed hope in the gospel. The Church may be changing, but God is still at work.
What the Data Is Telling Us About Ministry in 2025
We’re reflecting on the growing sense of fatigue, isolation, and spiritual disconnection among pastoral leaders—confirmed by research from Barna, Pew, ATS, and others. We explore how shifting congregational motivation, declining spiritual practices, and gaps in theological education are shaping today’s ministry landscape. But we also offer a word of hope rooted in the gospel: God is still at work. With prayer, honest connection, and renewed practices, there is a path toward resilience. You are not alone.
Thank You Stuart! A tribute to a career of service and insights.
We, at Ministry Forum, are paying tribute to the upcoming retirement of The Rev. Dr. Stuart Macdonald, Professor of Church and Society, with a few tidbits we expect would be right up his alley—no, not about witches—DATA about faith and religion in North America.