June Release
At a glance
Spiritual Openness Is High
Spiritual openness among Americans is at a notable high, but turning that openness into discipleship remains one of the most pressing questions in ministry today.
The Gender Gap Continues
For the first time in decades, men now outpace women in church attendance, and the gap is widest among Gen Z—a shift that demands a closer look at who is showing up and who is stepping away.
AI Becomes a Spiritual Authority
Nearly half of practicing Christians have already turned to AI for personal growth, largely without pastoral input, making it one of the most urgent and under-addressed formation challenges leaders face right now.
New research from The State of the Church Initiative, reveals a pivotal moment for the American church: spiritual openness is rising — especially among Gen Z — yet discipleship depth continues to decline. Younger men are driving a surprising surge in church attendance, while Gen Z women are disengaging at historic rates. Prayer remains a quiet anchor of faith even as institutional participation wavers. And AI is already shaping the spiritual lives of the people in your pews — often without pastoral guidance. These four trends aren't distant forecasts; they're shaping your congregation right now. The question isn't whether your ministry will respond — it's whether it will respond with clarity and intention.
Related Research
