Gen Z : Social Media to Pew

Jan . 11, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — Researchers are noticing a “Quiet Revival” among Gen Z. While overall numbers for “religious unaffiliation” remain high, the young people who are religious are attending church with much higher frequency and intentionality than previous generations did at their age. While overall numbers for “religious unaffiliation” remain high, the young people who are religious are attending church with much higher frequency and intentionality than previous generations did at their age.

Data from late 2025 and early 2026 suggests several key drivers for this shift:

The Search for Stability in a “Fluid” World

Gen Z has grown up amidst constant global crises—the pandemic, economic instability, and geopolitical tension. For many, the church offers a “moral grounding” and a sense of permanence that the digital and political worlds lack. They are often drawn to more “traditional” or “high-demand” expressions of faith (like Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or Pentecostalism) because they value clear structure over what some describe as “diluted” cultural Christianity.

Digital Fatigue and the Need for “Third Spaces”

As the most digitally connected generation, Gen Z also reports the highest levels of loneliness. Church provides a rare physical “third space”—a community where interaction isn’t mediated by algorithms or screens.8 Many are seeking “authentic belonging” and a community that addresses real-world needs like mental health and social justice.

The Rise of the “Young Men” Demographic

One of the most surprising trends in 2025–2026 is the sharp increase in church attendance among young men.

In the UK, monthly attendance for men aged 18–24 jumped from 4% in 2018 to 21% in 2025.

Many analysts suggest these men are seeking order and purpose in response to feeling “dislocated” by modern culture.12 Figures like Jordan Peterson and various “faith influencers” on TikTok have served as entry points for this group.

Authenticity over “Coolness”

Unlike Millennials, who often preferred “seeker-friendly” churches with rock bands and light shows, Gen Z tends to favor spiritual depth and transparency.

Relevance: They want faith that intersects with their lived experience (mental health, doubt, identity).

Action: Roughly 78% of non-churchgoing Gen Z adults say they are more likely to respect a church that actively helps the poor.

Key Statistics (as of early 2026)

Metric | Gen Z Trend
Attendance Frequency | Average of 1.9 weekends per month, higher than Boomers (approx. 1.1).
Belief in God | In the UK, belief in God among 18–24s tripled to 45% since 2021.
Spirituality | 62% of Gen Z identify as spiritual, even if they aren’t fully settled in a church.

Note on “Non-Affiliation”: It’s important to note that Gen Z is still highly polarized. While a core group is becoming much more active, about 34%–38% still identify as religiously unaffiliated (the “Nones”).15 The trend is less about everyone going back to church and more about those who do go being more committed than ever.

Data from late 2025 and early 2026 suggests several key drivers for this shift:

The Search for Stability in a “Fluid” World

Gen Z has grown up amidst constant global crises—the pandemic, economic instability, and geopolitical tension. For many, the church offers a “moral grounding” and a sense of permanence that the digital and political worlds lack. They are often drawn to more “traditional” or “high-demand” expressions of faith (like Catholicism, Orthodoxy, or Pentecostalism) because they value clear structure over what some describe as “diluted” cultural Christianity

Digital Fatigue and the Need for “Third Spaces”7

As the most digitally connected generation, Gen Z also reports the highest levels of loneliness. Church provides a rare physical “third space”—a community where interaction isn’t mediated by algorithms or screens. Many are seeking “authentic belonging” and a community that addresses real-world needs like mental health and social justice

The Rise of the “Young Men” Demographic

One of the most surprising trends in 2025–2026 is the sharp increase in church attendance among young men.

In the UK, monthly attendance for men aged 18–24 jumped from 4% in 2018 to 21% in 2025.

Many analysts suggest these men are seeking order and purpose in response to feeling “dislocated” by modern culture.12 Figures like Jordan Peterson and various “faith influencers” on TikTok have served as entry points for this group.

Authenticity over “Coolness”

Unlike Millennials, who often preferred “seeker-friendly” churches with rock bands and light shows, Gen Z tends to favor spiritual depth and transparency.

Relevance: They want faith that intersects with their lived experience (mental health, doubt, identity).

Action: Roughly 78% of non-churchgoing Gen Z adults say they are more likely to respect a church that actively helps the poor.

Key Statistics (as of early 2026)

Metric | Gen Z Trend
Attendance Frequency | Average of 1.9 weekends per month, higher than Boomers (approx. 1.1).
Belief in God | In the UK, belief in God among 18–24s tripled to 45% since 2021.
Spirituality | 62% of Gen Z identify as spiritual, even if they aren’t fully settled in a church.

Note on “Non-Affiliation”: It’s important to note that Gen Z is still highly polarized. While a core group is becoming much more active, about 34%–38% still identify as religiously unaffiliated (the “Nones”).15 The trend is less about everyone going back to church and more about those who do go being more committed than ever.

The Catholic and Orthodox churches are experiencing a “Quiet Revival,” but their success isn’t just about traditional marketing—it’s about a specific “Counter-Cultural” appeal.

Unlike the high-energy, concert-style marketing of the 2010s, these traditions are leaning into timelessness, ritual, and aesthetic depth. Here is how they are reaching Gen Z:

The “#TradCath” and Aesthetic Wave

Social media (specifically TikTok and Instagram) has become a primary “entry point.” Gen Z users are increasingly sharing “curated collages” of incense, candlelight, ancient icons, and Latin Mass.

The Strategy: Instead of trying to look “cool” or modern, churches are leaning into their most ancient elements. The “aesthetic of the sacred” is proving highly viral among a generation tired of the “minimalist-modern” look of many modern spaces.

The Result: The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) has seen a dramatic spike in young attendees, with some congregations doubling in size between 2023 and 2025.

High-Tech Prayer Apps (Digital Asceticism)

The Catholic Church, in particular, has seen massive success through apps like Hallow.

The Strategy: These platforms market themselves not just as “church apps,” but as mental health and “peace” tools. They focus on meditation, silence, and discipline—practices that appeal to a generation experiencing high burnout and digital fatigue.

Engagement: By using high-profile voices (like Jonathan Roumie or Shia LaBeouf) to narrate ancient prayers, they make the faith feel both intimate and historically “heavy.”

Intellectual “Steel” via Podcasts

Gen Z often cites intellectual curiosity as a reason for joining.

Catholicism: Shows like Pints with Aquinas and Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire use a high-production, long-form podcast format. They don’t “dumb down” theology; they dive deep into philosophy (Thomas Aquinas, etc.), which appeals to Gen Z’s desire for “substance” over slogans.

Orthodoxy: There is a growing trend of “internet-to-Orthodoxy” converts who find the church through online apologetics that emphasize clear moral boundaries and a mystical, non-materialist worldview.

Intentional “Hard” Community

Both traditions are moving away from “loose” affiliation toward high-commitment groups.

Leadership Models: Churches are implementing “shared leadership,” where Gen Z members are given real responsibility in parish life early on.

Third Spaces: Parishes are being redesigned as “homes”—adding coffee shops, co-working areas, or community gardens to encourage people to stay all day, not just for an hour on Sunday.

The “Quiet Revival” Statistics (Current 2025/2026 Data)

Metric | 2018 | 2026 (Projected/Current)
UK Gen Z Catholics | ~30% of young churchgoers | 41% of young churchgoers
Young Men Attendance | 4% (monthly) | 21% (monthly)
Adult Baptisms (France) | ~3,900 | Over 10,000

The “Vibe” Shift: Analysts describe this as Gen Z “raging against the machine” by being traditional. In a world of moral flexibility, the rigid structure and historical certainty of Catholic and Orthodox dogma feel like a “rebellion” against the modern status quo.

In 2026, the resurgence of interest in traditional faith is being driven by a new class of “faith influencers” who specialize in “high-substance” content. Unlike the “vlogger” style of the past, these creators focus on philosophy, liturgy, and the “aesthetic of the sacred.”

Here are the specific accounts and voices shaping this trend:

The “Intellectual Heavyweights” (Catholic/Orthodox)

Gen Z is moving away from “soft” theology toward creators who tackle difficult philosophical questions.

Matt Fradd (@mattfradd / Pints with Aquinas): Perhaps the most influential Catholic voice for Gen Z men. His long-form podcast (often 2–3 hours) dives into Thomistic philosophy, traditional morality, and “masculine virtue.” His “unfiltered” approach feels authentic to a generation skeptical of polished PR.

Bishop Robert Barron (@bishopbarron / Word on Fire): While older, his high-production videos and “Intellectual Evangelization” strategy remain a gold standard. He markets “The Beauty of the Faith” through film-quality documentaries that appeal to Gen Z’s visual standards.

Father Spyridon Bailey: A prominent Orthodox voice on YouTube and Instagram who emphasizes “spiritual warfare,” asceticism, and a clean break from modern secularism.

The “Daily Ritual” Influencers

These creators focus on the lifestyle of traditionalism—how to pray, how to dress, and how to find peace in a chaotic world.

Jonathan Roumie (@jonathanroumieofficial): The actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen. He is a major face for the Hallow app. His content focuses on the “quiet power” of prayer and meditation, often reaching millions of young users through “Lenten Challenges.”

John (@johniscatholic): A “new-wave” Catholic influencer who uses humor and “Based” (counter-cultural) memes to make traditional Catholicism feel like a rebellious, youthful movement rather than a “grandparents’ religion.”

Emily Torres (@emilyyytorres): A prominent voice for young women reclaiming traditional femininity and liturgical living. She often highlights the “beauty of the home” and the rhythms of the church calendar.

The “Apologetic” TikTokers

These accounts specialize in short-form “debates” and “truth-claims,” which perform exceptionally well with the TikTok algorithm.

Stuart & Clif Knechtle (@stuartknechtle): While Protestant, their “open-mic” style of defending the historical reliability of Jesus has gone viral among Gen Z seekers of all backgrounds. They focus on logic over emotion, which is a key shift in 2026.

Alex Jarmus (@frajarmus): An Orthodox priest who uses TikTok to answer “Ask Me Anything” style questions about ancient traditions, icons, and the history of the early church.

Why this works for Gen Z (2026 Context)

Platform | The “Draw” | Top Content Type
TikTok | The “Aesthetic” | “Trad” edits (incense, Gregorian chants, architecture).
YouTube | The “Truth” | 3-hour deep dives into philosophy and “steel-manning” arguments.
Instagram | The “Community” | Liturgical living, homeschooling, and “offline” hobbies.

The “Social Media to Pew” Pipeline: A 2025 study found that 42% of Gen Z converts to traditional denominations first encountered the faith through an algorithm-recommended video or podcast before ever stepping foot in a church.

You can find a list of the most popular “Gen Z-friendly” parishes or community hubs in a specific city, or perhaps look into the “Trad” fashion trends emerging from this movement on Google Maps