Faith Trends
Gen Z’s renewed interest in church is worth celebrating. But while younger adults are showing greater spiritual curiosity, another generation may be drifting away.
According to research highlighted by NRB, older adults are the only generation to experience declining church attendance over the past 25 years. Weekly Bible reading among Boomers has also fallen from 49% in 2010 to 31% in 2025.
Why This Matters
It’s easy to focus ministry attention on the generation showing renewed interest. But older adults may be navigating:
- Loneliness and isolation
- Reduced mobility
- Caregiving transitions
- Grief and loss
- Questions about purpose in a new stage of life
They are also highly reachable through traditional media. Americans aged 55 and older spend an average of three hours and 39 minutes with audio each day, with more than half of that time going to AM/FM radio.
Next Steps
The opportunity isn’t to choose one generation over another but rather to help them connect. Older believers have wisdom and experience to share, while younger believers need mentors willing to walk alongside them.
Review your ministry’s content and outreach through the eyes of an older adult.
Are you addressing the realities of aging, offering practical encouragement to seniors and caregivers, and creating meaningful ways for them to contribute?
How is your ministry helping younger and older generations find connection and purpose together?
Shannon McAllister
Director of Operations | shannon@eaglecom.ca