The teens in your life may be more open to having conversations about God than you think. Barna’s The Open Generation: United States report reveals that U.S. teens (Christian or not) are largely interested in learning more about Jesus throughout their life.
The Trend:
Over three in four U.S. teens (77%) say they are at least somewhat motivated (52% very, 25% somewhat) to continue learning about Jesus throughout the rest of their lives. Less than one in five are unmotivated (6% somewhat unmotivated, 10% not at all motivated), while another 7 percent are unsure.
This is encouraging news. Most of today’s teens say they want to know more about Jesus. Barna’s Gen Z Vol. 3 research also points to an openness and curiosity about spiritual matters among today’s teens and young adults. This generation tends to believe there’s something out there more powerful than them. Still, many remain hesitant to embrace religion or churchgoing.
The Takeaway:
Church leaders should recognize that teens’ openness to learning about Jesus represents a significant opportunity for meaningful engagement—but this requires a thoughtful approach given Gen Z’s hesitancy toward religion and the Church. Leaders would do well to create spaces for open dialogue where teens can explore their questions about Jesus without pressure.
It’s also crucial to understand that while teens express interest in Jesus, they may approach faith differently than previous generations. Furthermore, authenticity and relevance are key. Be prepared to address difficult questions honestly and demonstrate how Jesus and the Bible relate to the world we live in today.