Churches may be noticing a trend — women from “Gen Z” (ages 18–24) are quietly walking away from the Christian faith.
A recent Barna study noted 38% of college-aged women in the U.S. now identify as “religiously unaffiliated” and are among those referred to as “nones” — when asked their religion, they say “none.”
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A 2023–24 Pew Religious Landscape Study confirmed a significant number of those women are turning to atheism, agnosticism and “no particular faith.”
Recent research suggests that as they transition into adulthood, young adult women are less likely to retain or adopt foundational Christian beliefs, a pattern that may have long-term impact on the future faith landscape.
While reasons vary, many researchers say female Gen Zers are stepping away not only for theological causes, but also for emotional, relational and cultural reasons, including the following:
Deep loneliness
In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General labeled loneliness as a national epidemic, noting it is highest among young adults. Research showed 57% say meaningful relationships are more important to them at church than sermons, programs or music.
Emotional and mental health
One study found 81% of young adults also struggle with anxiety or depression, with 36% of female Gen Zers rating their mental health as “poor” or “fair.” The National Institute of Mental Health noted major depression occurs most often among those ages 18–25, with higher rates for females than males.
Cultural and digital voices
Many women are discipled by digital voices, with social media influencers and online commentary shaping their views of purpose, morality, relationships, identity and sexuality — more than the church influences them. Many seek belonging and identity online, turning to cultural voices to define truth.
Institutional mistrust
Many are not rejecting God, but are struggling to trust institutions including the church. They associate religious groups with hypocrisy, inconsistency or lack of compassion, and news.gallup.com said recent church scandals have deepened that skepticism, especially among young women.
How the church can help
1. Provide genuine connection — Gen Zers want fewer programs and more genuine relationships. Traditional church small groups are not attracting younger women as they once did, as many fear not fitting in, worry that peers won’t accept them or don’t know anyone in a group and don’t want to attend alone, Barna reported.
2. Offer Titus 2:2–8 mentoring ministries — Some churches, like Shiloh Baptist Hartford, are seeing success with intentional, intergenerational discipleship.
“We’ve made it our mission to see Titus 2:2–8 lived out in our church,” noted Shiloh’s associate and student pastor Elliot Weston. “Our groups are gender-specific, but diverse in age and life stage.”
In many cases, older women mentoring younger women can provide “spiritual mothers” in the faith, an approach that restores belonging, wisdom, accountability and encouragement.
3. Organize generational gatherings for women — Host events focused on fellowship, food, encouragement, Bible study and prayer. They can provide a safe, welcoming place where young women ask difficult questions, share struggles and receive godly wisdom and counsel.
4. Focus on multigenerational ministry and service — Invite Gen Zers to serve, lead, teach and shape the church’s ministry programming. Multigenerational service teams build relational bridges naturally, so celebrate individual giftedness and help women feel valued, needed and seen.
5. Emphasize Christian counseling — Offer opportunities for Gen Zers to meet with church-sponsored Christian counselors in Q&A sessions or workshops that address loneliness, anxiety, relationships and identity.
The transition from youth to womanhood can be fragile for young women. After high school, many slip through the gaps of church life without spiritual guidance or community. Female Gen Zers need the church’s love, support and prayers to keep them grounded in Scripture, prayer, worship and Christian relationship.
Unlike culture’s digital voices, the church can offer biblical truth, Christian connection, Christ-centered relationships, discipleship and a pathway to hope and healing for young women.
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