Young people increasingly open to faith and God, research finds

Yet more research has suggested that the younger generations in Britain are increasingly curious about returning to God.

Earlier this yr research commissioned by the Bible Society suggested that a “quiet revival” is going down in Britain, particularly amongst Generation Z, those born across the turn of the millennium. Gen Z are increasingly attending church, with young men particularly showing a keen interest in returning to Britain’s historic faith.

Now, Youth for Christ (YfC) has revealed its own findings in its “Z-A Growing Spirituality” report, which looks at faith attitudes within the generation below Gen Z – Generation Alpha, or 11 to 18 yr olds.

Just over half of those surveyed said they were Christian (52 per cent) but only 35 per cent described themselves as a “follower of Jesus”, although this was up 12 per cent from five years ago.

Around two thirds of respondents (65 per cent) said they’d a positive view of churches of their local area, with only six per cent taking a negative view.

Importantly, just over half (53 per cent) said they might consider attending church in the event that they were invited by a friend. 

The study was carried out by DJS Research on behalf of Youth for Christ and drew on responses to 1,009 surveys accomplished by young people from across the UK. 

It revealed that almost all young people make connections online reasonably than in an actual world environment.

Ironically though, while young people spend large amounts of time online, they still regard online influencers because the least trustworthy source of data, preferring to rely as a substitute on family and friends.

Lead researcher Laura Hancock said, “In 2025, many are spending more time in isolated environments, in the security of a house with those they trust, engaging with the world primarily through their screens. This shift has deeply influenced not only whom they trust, but additionally what shapes their beliefs and decisions.”

The research also noted that Easter and Christmas provide an ideal opportunity for outreach, with more people than ever before attending church during these key Christian festivals.

Hancock said the research shows that now could be the time for harvest in Britain.

“Reach out and get entangled with the young people in your communities … The time is now. It is urgent. Young individuals are searching for Jesus and waiting for somebody to inform them about him,” she said.