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?

https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.pewresearch.org&t=h.eJxNjcFuwyAQRH8l4ly8QExs59RfobAOKBgsFgdFVf-9-FCpt9GM3rxvdpTI7hfma93pDtBaG3ZsBQlNsX7I5QEFY3iEnEAJpUEqkBqaf3OXOeUNudmwBGsS8Yjmhbx6DIX_Ubz5EJHn3hbiVM0b2MeFPU_rq4PVEMdUsewlEBI8bf_4JG-OVMNg8wZaaCtu4yquTlit9GSNM3b9krcRpVwXkNM8y3mc1TJcF6mmZToNeBpoxei88en_47m6vqYjxh5Dj_LnF4lMVoE.MEQCIAO40yzee2G9YuNe0nR9MZs61JV1ayGYRkuwaqedTHD_AiB3tHfIPF830vfYRJctIF-kfsPssZeIqEVIwxn1PJoypA

 

If you&rsquo;re a Christian parent, you&rsquo;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?
&nbsp;
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.
&nbsp;
They also talk about what parents can do to help their kids develop a faith of their own&mdash;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&rsquo;t force a change in someone&rsquo;s heart. And no matter where your child is today, their story isn&rsquo;t over.
&nbsp;
Resources
New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance, Sep 2, 2025
<a href="https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/">https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/</a>
&nbsp;
New Research: Belief in Jesus Rises, Fueled by Younger Adult, Apr 7, 2025
<a href="https://www.barna.com/research/belief-in-jesus-rises/">https://www.barna.com/research/belief-in-jesus-rises/</a>
&nbsp;
Pew Research: Why Do Some Americans Leave Their Religion While Others Stay?
<a href="https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.pewresearch.org&amp;t=h.eJxNjcFuwyAQRH8l4ly8QExs59RfobAOKBgsFgdFVf-9-FCpt9GM3rxvdpTI7hfma93pDtBaG3ZsBQlNsX7I5QEFY3iEnEAJpUEqkBqaf3OXOeUNudmwBGsS8Yjmhbx6DIX_Ubz5EJHn3hbiVM0b2MeFPU_rq4PVEMdUsewlEBI8bf_4JG-OVMNg8wZaaCtu4yquTlit9GSNM3b9krcRpVwXkNM8y3mc1TJcF6mmZToNeBpoxei88en_47m6vqYjxh5Dj_LnF4lMVoE.MEQCIAO40yzee2G9YuNe0nR9MZs61JV1ayGYRkuwaqedTHD_AiB3tHfIPF830vfYRJctIF-kfsPssZeIqEVIwxn1PJoypA">https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.pewresearch.org&amp;t=h.eJxNjcFuwyAQRH8l4ly8QExs59RfobAOKBgsFgdFVf-9-FCpt9GM3rxvdpTI7hfma93pDtBaG3ZsBQlNsX7I5QEFY3iEnEAJpUEqkBqaf3OXOeUNudmwBGsS8Yjmhbx6DIX_Ubz5EJHn3hbiVM0b2MeFPU_rq4PVEMdUsewlEBI8bf_4JG-OVMNg8wZaaCtu4yquTlit9GSNM3b9krcRpVwXkNM8y3mc1TJcF6mmZToNeBpoxei88en_47m6vqYjxh5Dj_LnF4lMVoE.MEQCIAO40yzee2G9YuNe0nR9MZs61JV1ayGYRkuwaqedTHD_AiB3tHfIPF830vfYRJctIF-kfsPssZeIqEVIwxn1PJoypA</a>
&nbsp;

Relationship tripwires. Mental health puzzles. Confusing work dynamics. You’re not the only one scratching your head. But now you have a secret decoder ring! Each episode of I Wish You Could Hear This is packed with proven, simple, and surprising secrets that help you thrive in life, faith, and relationships. Researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have spent decades interviewing and surveying more than 40,000 people to identify the little things that make a big difference in our lives. They’re Harvard-educated, Christian authors and speakers who also happen to be happily married, analytically minded, and a whole lot of fun! Join them and their guests for real stories, real help, and real hope.

I Wish You Could Hear This

Relationship tripwires. Mental health puzzles. Confusing work dynamics. You&rsquo;re not the only one scratching your head. But now you have a secret decoder ring! Each episode of I Wish You Could Hear This is packed with proven, simple, and surprising secrets that help you thrive in life, faith, and relationships. Researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have spent decades interviewing and surveying more than 40,000 people to identify the little things that make a big difference in our lives. They&rsquo;re Harvard-educated, Christian authors and speakers who also happen to be happily married, analytically minded, and a whole lot of fun! Join them and their guests for real stories, real help, and real hope.

Are Christian Kids Really Leaving the Church? The Data May Surprise You - Episode 51

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/35facedf-d031-4e43-9e7e-b4da013eb048/transcript