To Faithfully Respond to the Resurgence of Young Men and Women in the Church

WHEREAS, The Barna Group reported in the fall of this past year “a significant, surprising resurgence in Christian faith and church attendance led by young men (“New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance,” Barna, Sept. 2, 2025, barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church- attendance/ ); and

WHEREAS, Other cultural sources including City Journal, The New York Times, New York Post, The Catholic Herald, USA Today, and Northeastern Global News have also, during 2024–25, reported a religious resurgence among young adults; and

WHEREAS, While minority reports contradict the above (e.g., Pew Research Center and The Hill), many church workers and congregations have reported (anecdotally) the observation of a resurgence of young adults coming to church; and

WHEREAS, Many of these reports point to cultural circumstances possibly accounting for the resurgence including a stronger sense of mortality after the pandemic; the desire for meaningful community in the face of increased cultural isolationism; valuing clear moral frameworks; seeking structure, authenticity, and purpose amidst societal uncertainty; and

WHEREAS, The Church trusts in the Lord’s promise “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28); and

WHEREAS, The prophet Joel proclaimed God’s Word about the last days, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.” (Joel 2:28–29); and

WHEREAS, St. Peter preached that the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy began at Pentecost (Acts 2:17–18); and

WHEREAS, The Church has the responsibility to understand and live out the variety of gifts given to the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:4– 31); and

WHEREAS, God commanded St. Timothy through St. Paul that the young disciple “Let no one despise [him] for [his] youth” (1 Tim. 4:12); and

WHEREAS, Even in the face of numerical decline among our congregations as well as the general numerical decline among American Christian churches, not only are we to always be faithful to the Great Commission of our Lord while having fervent love for one another, but we ought also be cognizant of, and not surprised by, the Lord working revival within the Church Militant (the Reformation being a case in point); and

WHEREAS, Even in the face of many challenges, the Lord assures His Church that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17) and that “[God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4);

therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks and praise to God for our young men and women in the church and cherish them as among those who are carrying on the saving faith on earth;

and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod appoint a task force to understand the greatest opportunities and challenges facing our young men and women for being regularly and frequently well fed and nourished through the Word and Sacraments of Christ, for discovering how the church can best serve the practical needs of our young men and women in the three estates and in holy vocations, and for how our young men and women can be best equipped to be strong disciples of Christ, either as active laity or as called workers; and be it further

Resolved, That the findings of the task force not only be disseminated throughout the Synod (e.g., to all ordained and commissioned ministers, congregations, and districts), but that real recommendations be put forth on how we might provide encouragement, support, and resources for caring for and serving the young men and women in our church through the individual arms of the Synod especially the Office of National Mission, educational institutions, auxiliaries, and recognized service organizations; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention affirm President Harrison’s urgency for us to reach out “to young men, women, and families who are increasingly drawn to our congregations because of our authentic biblical teaching and practice. They want it, let’s give it to them.” (Matthew C. Harrison, “‘Abounding in the Word’: Looking Forward,” The Lutheran Witness, Dec. 29, 2025, witness.lcms.org/2025/abounding-in-the-word-looking-forward).