Although religious affiliation and church attendance are on the decline, more than half of American teenagers say they’re “very motivated” to know more about Jesus, and just over 75% say they’re at least “somewhat motivated” to learn about the centerpiece of Christianity, that’s according to Barna Research.
The researchers noted that the findings represent an opportunity for Christian leaders to engage with the age group.
In their research report they wrote, “This generation tends to believe there’s something out there more powerful than them. Still, many remain hesitant to embrace religion or churchgoing,” “Church leaders should recognize that teens’ openness to learning about Jesus represents a significant opportunity for meaningful engagement.”
While teens express an interest in Jesus, they may approach faith differently than previous generations. Those who work with teens say authenticity and relevance are key. Preparation also helps make a connection because teens are likely to ask difficult questions about the world we live in today.
Barna CEO David Kinnaman also highlighted that while teenagers are open to Christian witness, they’re also open to other faiths.
He said, “today’s teens are confronting the church with something that I think we haven’t seen before — a kind of blank slate; a chance to imagine a different future.”