Recent research suggests a significant distinction between young people’s perception of Christianity and their view of the church as an institution. This insight calls for churches to evaluate how they connect with the younger generation.
Compiled by Dr. Sarah Holmes for Scripture Union, the report titled ‘Taking the Pulse of Ministry Among Children & Young People’ is based on the feedback of 697 individuals, including church leaders and youth workers, surveyed by the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission (CYM) between May and July 2026.
Participants from various denominations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland contributed to the findings, which revealed a noticeable gap between the perceived relevance of Christianity and the church.
Christianity was rated with a relevance score of 1.28 out of 2, while the Bible received 1.13, and the church lagged behind with 0.84. The report highlighted that Christianity is viewed as 54% more relevant than the church.
The report emphasized, “This is significant because respondents did not reject faith as irrelevant; rather, they distinguished between the continuing relevance of the Christian faith and the perceived relevance of the church as an institution or community.”
Churches are encouraged to reflect on whether their culture, language, and structures resonate with children and young people, ensuring they feel included and valued.
Relationships and a sense of belonging were also identified as critical factors. Respondents underscored the importance of “a relationship with Jesus or a Christian faith foundation” for young people, alongside the need for community, trusted adults, and mental health support.
The report noted, “Churches tend to instinctively default to programmes, but these findings reveal that relationships and belonging are much greater needs.”
It further suggested that presenting Christianity in ways that address young people’s emotional needs and life experiences is vital, moving beyond abstract beliefs.
Peer influence and digital engagement emerged as significant elements, with 31.57% of respondents citing friends and peers as the most significant influence on young people’s faith, followed by parents at 28.01% and social media at 23.3%. The church and Bible were far less influential, with only 5.57% and 1.94% respectively.
Despite the impact of social media, just 1% viewed digital connections as an effective outreach strategy. Instead, 56% favored accessible activities like clubs, and 38% advocated meeting young people in schools and community spaces.
The survey also highlighted growing concerns about truth discernment, with church leaders particularly troubled by subjective truth perceptions, artificial intelligence, social media, and misinformation.
Nonetheless, there is strong support for evangelizing youth, with 87% of respondents agreeing it is appropriate, though they stressed that approaches should be “age-appropriate, clear, sensitive, safeguarded and transparent.”
In discussing the dissemination of the gospel, 23% called for careful consideration in engaging with children, while 15% pointed out barriers such as “fear, lack of knowledge or feeling unqualified.”
Leading young people to a personal relationship with Jesus topped church priorities for under-11s and 11 to 18-year-olds, alongside fostering a sense of belonging and providing faith role models.
The report noted that effective ministry treats young people as active participants rather than a separate audience, though their involvement in decision-making remains limited.
Most findings indicated minimal or no participation from young people in church decisions, with their opinions often gathered informally rather than through structured channels.
“Whilst informal listening is valuable, it is not the same as shared decision-making,” the report warned, raising questions about young people’s agency within the church.
Resource limitations, particularly volunteer shortages and time constraints, were identified as significant challenges in outreach efforts, suggesting a need for churches to integrate outreach within existing activities.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in faith development, with 83% of parents and carers aiming to incorporate discussions about Jesus into daily life, though almost half of the grandparents surveyed reported a lack of church support in this area.
Scripture Union summarized the findings, emphasizing that church environments should foster belonging, trusted relationships, and meaningful participation for young people, beyond just hosting programs.
“Trusted adults, including parents, carers and grandparents are key in the formation of faith. We need to all work together as a team.
“Digital culture matters, but online mission is marginal. Continued exploration would be valuable regarding how the online context can facilitate vibrant faith in younger generations.
“Children’s voices are valued but rarely shape decisions in church contexts.”
The report noted that the survey did not directly capture the thoughts of children and young people, with further research planned by Scripture Union to explore their perspectives.
It concluded, “Churches have opportunities to share faith, but it seems that confidence varies across roles and is shaped by safeguarding, culture and relational trust.
“Effective outreach depends on moving beyond separate provision towards sustained, everyday connection with families, schools, communities and the wider church.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
