Church: Hope Beyond Tragic Headlines
The message that many are returning to church after decades of declining attendance is slowly penetrating the public’s consciousness.
Coincidentally, I saw another column about this phenomenon the day after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
At a time when many have turned violent and Kirk’s murder only seems to have inflamed irrational voices, a recent USA Today column by Ed Stetzer offers a hopeful perspective.
Stetzer, whom I interviewed twice while he was with a Southern Baptist agency, is now the dean of the Talbot School of Theology at Biola University.
He noted the trend had made headlines with celebrities like actor Chris Pratt, political commentator Chris Cillizza, and podcaster Joe Rogan expressing a desire to renew faith.
However, wrote Stetzer, statistics indicate there is more to the story than a few high-profile personalities returning to church.
“Something is going on in religion in America,” he said. “A recent study from the Pew Research Center indicated that the trend of decline of Americans who identify as Christian has leveled off since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“While it’s too early to tell if this is a lasting trend, new data from (the) Barna Group points to a possible bump in church attendance itself.”
Causes for Optimism
When I checked the Barna survey, I saw more cause for optimism, such as young men leading the rise in commitments to Jesus.
And, the fact that Gen Z and Millennial folks are attending at greater frequency than we Baby Boomers; Barna said many seem to have “retired” from going to church just as they step back from working life.
I find the generational shift encouraging because I hear too many seniors criticizing young people as shiftless and distracted. The Gen Zers I know (including our great-grandchildren) are bright, talented, and optimistic.
At a recent baptismal ceremony for a Gen Z-er, she talked about being suicidal. But thanks to hearing the stories and testimonies of other Christians, she decided to keep fighting.
“I knew if I gave up, my mother would give up,” she said.
Three cheers for this life-changing decision, one that counteracts the lie that church has little practical value.
The Barna story pointed out several other encouraging developments over the first half of 2025:
- Three in four adults pray weekly
- Personal commitment to Christ, and weekly church attendance, both increased by three percentage points
- Church volunteering has also increased
Strengthening Purpose
Stetzer’s column brought out several key points, starting with the fact that the church plays an essential role in strengthening communities.
As editor-in-chief of Outreach magazine, Stetzer knows of “scores” of churches showing the love of Christ in their area and returning value to their communities in a variety of ways.
He talked about congregations’ wide range of free social services, from food pantries to helping those struggling with addiction.
I have personal experience with the former, having spent more than 15 years helping pack food boxes at our church’s food pantry. Then, when back problems sidelined that activity, I switched to taking prayer requests from those coming for food. And, when desired, praying immediately with them.
Two other benefits Stetzer pointed out:
1) Women who attend religious services at least once a week were 68% less likely to die in “death from despair,” such as suicide or drug overdose.
2) Church involvement decreases overall morbidity, improves health, and gives a sense of purpose.
To me, the positives of churches—for helper and recipient alike—prove the wisdom of 1 Peter 2:15: “For it is the will of God that by doing right you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (MEV).
A hearty “amen” to that.
