More Young Men Attending Church, Reversing Long-Term Trend

Church leaders in Pennsylvania report an increase in young male parishioners as younger generations seek community and meaning.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A recent study found that more young men are attending church regularly, reversing a decades-long trend that saw women leading in religious participation. Church leaders in south central Pennsylvania say they're seeing this change play out locally, with young men taking their faith more seriously and getting more involved in church communities.

Why it matters

This shift in church attendance patterns reflects a broader search for meaning and community, especially among younger generations who have faced increased isolation and disconnection in recent years. The growing gender gap in church pews also highlights evolving attitudes and priorities within different age groups.

The details

According to data from the Barna Group, about 43% of men now attend church weekly, compared to 36% of women - a notable reversal of previous trends. Since 2019, Gen Z and Millennials were the least likely to attend regularly, but today they are among the most engaged. Church leaders point to factors like a desire for purpose and community, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as driving this shift.

  • The shift in church attendance patterns has been observed since 2019.
  • Church leaders say the trend has become especially noticeable in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players

Christian McCormick

A parishioner at Saint Leo's in Harrisburg who is involved in the Catholic young adult community.

Father Joshua Weaver

A priest with the Diocese of Harrisburg who works with young people in high schools and colleges.

Pastor Kevin Long

The pastor of Intertwined church.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There is definitely a lot of young people entering the church, taking their faith more seriously and getting involved, which has been great.”

— Christian McCormick, Parishioner

“Definitely a majority seem to be young men that's been reported across the board and because I work with young people when I go to the high schools or colleges those priests consistently report there's an increase in young men coming to events or even joining the church.”

— Father Joshua Weaver, Priest, Diocese of Harrisburg

“Anytime there's a bump in religious attendance, it has something to do with people wanting to be part of something bigger… especially right now, there's such a desire for community.”

— Pastor Kevin Long, Pastor, Intertwined

What’s next

Church leaders will continue to monitor and study the factors behind this shift in church attendance, as they work to better understand and serve the needs of younger generations.

The takeaway

The growing number of young men attending church reflects a broader societal trend of younger generations seeking deeper meaning, community, and connection in an increasingly digital and disconnected world. This shift challenges long-held assumptions about religious participation and highlights the evolving priorities and attitudes of today's youth.