Why are Young Men Returning to the Church as Female Attendance Declines?

In this episode of the Impact 360 Institute Podcast, host Jonathan Morrow analyzes dramatic new findings from Gen Z Volume 3 research (with Barna Group) about faith dynamics among young men and women. The conversation centers on the surprising trend: young men ages 18–24 are returning to church and recommitting to biblical faith while young women in the same age group are disengaging from organized religion at increasing rates.

Topics Discussed:

• Introduction to biblical worldview and servant leadership 
   
• Review of Gen Z Volume 3 statistics: church attendance, faith identification, gender divide 
   
• Biblical foundation for male and female (Matthew 19:4–6); God’s design for gender
   
• Why young men are experiencing renewed agency, hope, and church engagement 
   
• Factors behind female Gen Z’s rise in “nones” (no faith affiliation) and moral relativism
   
• Cultural and educational shifts: college degree gaps, mental health, deaths of despair 
   
• Zero-sum game trap in faith conversations, why both young men and women matter
   
• “Men have been left behind, women have been lied to."
   
• Sexual revolution’s consequences for women, featuring Louise Perry’s journey from atheism to Christianity
   
• How secular scripts have failed young women’s flourishing; marriage and family insights 
   
• Reanimation of meaning among young men, agency in faith, and rising Bible engagement 
   
• Discipleship challenges and practical steps for churches, parents, and leaders 
   
• Encouragement for creating men-friendly spaces, supporting both sexes, and clear gospel teaching 
   
• Resources and programs at Impact 360 Institute for Gen Z students and ongoing research 

Additional Links:

Gen Z Volume 3 Research: https://www.barna.com/gen-z-volume-3/

Impact 360 Institute Courses & Conferences: https://www.impact360institute.org/courses/

Article: Gen Z Women’s Faith Trends https://www.barna.com/trends/gen-z-women-struggling-in-faith/

Louise Perry’s Story: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/case-against-sexual-revolution-perry/

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