The Next Generation and Faith: What Are Today’s Youth Searching For?
On this week’s podcast, Ministry Forum intern Rachel Kennedy-Proctor ad Rev. John Borthwick interviewed theologian, author and social media influencer Brian Recker (find it here). It was a great conversation covering a wide range of topics that got us thinking. One of those topics was about young people and the future of Christian faith… so we decided to dig into it and give you some reflection questions to ponder in your own context…
Young Canadians are walking away from church—but does that mean they are walking away from faith?
For years statistics have pointed to declining church attendance and fewer young adults pursuing ministry. At the same time, new research suggests that Gen Z (born 1997–2012) is not necessarily rejecting faith itself. Instead, they are redefining it, reshaping their spiritual lives in ways that don’t always fit neatly into traditional religious categories.
So what does this mean for churches and faith communities in Canada? How do we listen to and learn from this generation? And perhaps most importantly, how do we create space for conversations about faith that reflect the realities of young people today?
Spirituality Without Institutions?
Many assume that declining religious affiliation means that young people are uninterested in spirituality, but research suggests something more complex is happening.
A recent UnHerd article highlights that Gen Z in Britain is more likely to identify as “spiritual” than their parents. Similarly, this article from Christianity Today notes that while fewer young adults attend church, many remain curious about faith and are seeking meaning outside of institutional structures.
Springtide Research Institute has coined the term “faith unbundled” to describe this phenomenon—young people are constructing their own spiritual beliefs and practices by drawing from multiple sources rather than accepting a single tradition wholesale.
For churches accustomed to providing a structured, comprehensive framework of belief and practice, this raises important questions:
Can Christian communities make space for those who are exploring faith without committing to an institution?
How do we respond to young people who resonate with spirituality but not necessarily with church membership?
If young people aren’t turning to traditional religious institutions, where are they going for spiritual guidance? Increasingly, the answer is online.
Gen Z is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age, and their faith exploration reflects that reality. Podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media influencers have become primary sources of spiritual engagement. Podcasts like Girlscamp (which helps former Mormons process their faith transitions), or Reclaiming My Theology (a platform for voices often marginalized winthin theological spaces), have evolved into online communities that function as alternative spaces for spiritual seeking.
But what does this mean for local faith communities?
Can digital engagement complement embodied faith, or does it risk replacing it?
Is there a way for churches to enter these online spaces without simply mimicking or being disingenuous?
How do we ensure that young people encounter thoughtful, well-grounded discussions on faith amid a flood of competing voices?
The Quiet Deconstruction of Canadian Youth
In the Canadian context, deconstruction—reevaluating or leaving one’s faith—often happens quietly. Unlike some of the high-profile faith departures seen in the U.S., many young Canadians are simply slipping away from church life with little fanfare.
In Blessed Are the Undone, Angela Reitsma Bick and Peter Schuurman document what they call a Quiet Deconstruction—a pattern in which young people leave faith communities almost apologetically, rather than in anger or rebellion. Their research highlights key reasons for this trend:
Disillusionment with church scandals and institutional failures.
A disconnect between personal values (such as LGBTQ+ inclusion or justice work) and church teachings.
A struggle to reconcile faith with intellectual and ethical questions.
If the church is to remain a place of spiritual engagement for young people, we might ask:
Do we create spaces where people can safely voice their doubts?
Are we willing to listen before defending our positions?
How do we affirm that faith can be both challenging and evolving without losing its depth?
The Search for Meaning, Belonging, and Purpose
Despite changing religious affiliations, Gen Z continues to seek meaning, belonging, and purpose—core aspects of the human experience.
Research from Alpha Canada and Barna Group reveals a striking finding: Gen Z is not hostile to faith conversations. In fact, their primary emotion when discussing faith is calm, and they do not feel judged by disagreement. This is a major shift from previous generations, who often viewed religious discussions as divisive.
Similarly, Faith Today reports that while young people are deeply engaged in digital spaces, they also crave authentic, in-person relationships. They are looking for places where they can ask big questions without pretense or judgment.
For churches, this invites reflection:
Do our communities provide room for honest questioning, or do we expect certainty?
Are we offering relationships of real belonging, not just attendance at events?
How can we engage young people without the expectation of immediate commitment?
Leadership, Mentorship, and the Future of the Church
One of the most pressing concerns for churches today is leadership succession. Who will guide faith communities in the next generation?
Research and our own first hand experience at Knox shows us that fewer young people are stepping into traditional ministry roles, and the median age of pastors continues to rise. One significant factor is the reluctance of older generations to share leadership. Many young adults report feeling that they are not given meaningful opportunities to lead or shape church life.
At the same time, organizations like Ambassadors for Christ and LIFT Church have shown that when young people are given real leadership roles—not just participation, but ownership—they step up in remarkable ways.
For faith communities, this raises challenging questions:
Do we see young people as the future of the church or co-creators in the present?
Are we willing to take the risk of letting them lead, even if they make mistakes?
How do we make space for mentorship that is relational, not hierarchical?
What Questions Should We Be Asking?
Rather than prescribing answers, perhaps the best thing faith communities can do is commit to listening and asking better questions:
What assumptions do we make about young people and faith?
How can churches create spaces for spiritual exploration without rigid expectations?
What does it mean to balance tradition with change in a way that is faithful and relevant?
The conversation about faith and the next generation is far from over—it is ongoing, dynamic, and deeply personal. The real question is: how will we engage with it?