More Gen Z men returning to church, Columbus faith leaders say

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Religious leaders across the country are seeing a new wave of younger people filling church pews — particularly young men.

According to a CBS News report, faith in the teachings of Jesus is growing among younger generations after hitting an all-time low during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also found Gen Z men are more likely to attend church than Gen Z women.

In Columbus, local pastors have also noticed the trend. Leaders at St. Anne Catholic Church and Grace Baptist Church say they’re seeing more young men in their congregations, many of whom are seeking structure and purpose after growing up during the pandemic.

“Especially these young men — they can grow closer to Christ and in holiness,” said Rev. Kevin Braski of St. Anne Catholic Church. “It’s something powerful, but it’s also something that I think requires discipline, and a lot of these men want that.”

Grace Baptist Church Senior Pastor Seth Han agrees, saying many of these young adults are searching for stability.

“They seem to be coming in more often and honestly, they’re searching,” Han said. “I think there’s a desire to see something settled. And also, in our culture, so much doesn’t seem to be working. So I think it’s making them reexamine faith.”

National reports also suggest a shift toward more conservative values may be another reason some Gen Z men are returning to church.