Faith Practices Finding New Life

Though statistics on Christianity in America over the last decade have primarily indicated a decline in spiritual disciplines such as church attendance, biblical reading, and personal quiet times of devotion with the Lord, last year, researchers and ministry leaders began noticing an emerging trend back towards the reengagement of such practices.

According to a 2025 study from the Pew Research Center, 63% of Americans say they engage in at least one form of religious or spiritual practice weekly. Meanwhile, Barna Group research found renewed interest among Gen Z in practices like prayer and spiritual reflection.

A recent article from The Washington Post showed a surprising development of church engagement increasing among young men, a demographic previously believed to be drifting further from organized religion.

Even Bible sales are increasing. A recent report from Publishers Weekly noted record-setting Bible sales in both the United States and the United Kingdom last year.

Similar trends are happening in the Assemblies of God. In 2025, the Fellowship reported a more than 7.5% increase in both conversions and water baptisms nationwide – a sign, leaders say, that people are not simply curious about spirituality, but are actively responding to the gospel and taking practical next steps in their faith journeys.

“These stats reflect the spiritual life activity that is happening in our Fellowship” says Assemblies of God General Superintendent Doug Clay. “They are not just numbers, it is heaven rejoicing. We continue to celebrate what God has done and commend ourselves to Him for greater evangelism.”

AG National Director of Christian Education and Discipleship Elly Marroquin believes the renewed interest in spiritual disciplines by younger believers is a response to current culture that is overloaded with noise, digital consumption, and instability. She says that Christian disciplines are becoming a way for people to find clarity and connection.

AG ministries are actively developing discipleship resources to help churches respond to these trends in practical ways.

“Emphasizing Biblical literacy through tools like the Bible Engagement Project, encouraging mentorship relationships through intergenerational collaboration, and creating spaces for prayer and worship at family events like the Ignite Parenting conferences are helping younger generations not only know what we believe as Christians but also how we are to live that out,” says Marroquin.

Young Adult Ministries National Director Josh Wellborn says that in order to reach this generation, one many would describe as institutionally cautious, there needs to be a return to “Scriptural behavior.” That doesn’t mean older generations have to be “perfect,” he clarifies, but living out Christianity in authentic and tangible ways makes faith desirable to younger generations.

“Scripture is a daily part of my life, ” Wellborn says. “It took me a long time to get on board with the one-year Bible reading plan because, as a Gen X-er, I suspect everyone is being inauthentic, and I assumed people were doing daily reading just to check a box. But when I finally started it, I realized it developed an observable spiritual habit that my kids are watching develop in my life. And hopefully they are learning to make that same habit a part of their own lives.”

Ultimately, renewed interest in spiritual disciplines points to generations hungry for spiritual growth. Whether through prayer, Bible reading, worship gatherings, or church attendance, Christian practices are helping believers build foundations that can sustain their faith long-term.

AG News