A new study finds young adults are increasingly interested in faith, but with little change in core beliefs.

A new report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that young people in Amercia aged 18 to 23 are moving in two spiritual directions at once, showing increased interest in faith while also drifting away from key beliefs.

On one hand, there are clear signs of growth.

More young adults are calling themselves Christian, Bible reading has increased, and a growing number say they are committed to practising their faith.

On the other hand, deeper beliefs remain largely unchanged. The study found that just 1% of this generation holds a fully developed biblical worldview.

Activity is rising, but foundations are not

The data highlights a gap between behaviour and belief. Increases in church involvement and Bible reading suggest openness and curiosity. Yet when it comes to core questions about truth, God and morality, most views have stayed the same.

Researcher George Barna described the findings as only “a lukewarm affirmation of revival”, noting that spiritual activity alone does not necessarily lead to lasting change. That distinction matters.

As the report explains, behaviour can spark interest, but without understanding, it often doesn’t take root over time.

The same pattern is emerging in Australia

While the study focuses on the United States, recent Australian research suggests a very similar trend among young people here.

The 2025 McCrindle report An Undercurrent of Faith, based on national census data and a survey of more than 3,000 Australians, found that the country’s relationship with Christianity is increasingly complex.

On one hand, many young Australians are moving away from organised religion. Between 2016 and 2021, more than one in three young people aged 15 to 24 shifted from Christianity to “no religion”.

At the same time, the report highlights a strong sense of openness and searching.

Young Australians are described as being on a “quest for meaning”, with more than half open to spiritual conversations and exploring belief for themselves.

Fewer, but more committed

Perhaps the most striking similarity is what happens among those who do engage with faith.

Even as overall identification declines, young Australians who are Christian tend to be more active than older believers.

Around 68% of Gen Z Christians attend church at least monthly, significantly higher than older generations.

This reflects a broader shift away from cultural or inherited religion, toward something more personal and intentional.

Open, but still searching

Taken together, the findings from both the US and Australia point to a generation that is not disengaged, but still exploring.

Young people today are less likely to inherit faith by default, but more likely to question, examine and search for meaning on their own terms.

That creates both a challenge and an opportunity.

Interest is there. Curiosity is real. But without deeper understanding, that interest may not translate into long-term change.

This article was researched and prepared by Hope 103.2 staff writers, with assistance from AI in its presentation. Final review and fact-checking was undertaken by our Digital Team prior to publication.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

What if Schoolies wasn’t something young people had to recover from – but something that set them up for life? What if it could strengthen their faith, friendships and future?

That question sits at the heart of Schoolies for Jesus, a new Christ-centred Schoolies alternative launching in 2026, pioneered by Youth for Christ Australia.

For decades, Schoolies has been marketed as freedom, yet too often it leaves young people navigating pressure, regret, anxiety, and risk. After years of on-the-ground outreach at Schoolies hotspots, Youth for Christ leaders began asking a deeper question: Isn’t there a better way to celebrate this milestone?

“We’ve seen thousands of faith conversations, salvations, and baptisms during Schoolies,” says YFC National Director PJ Bedwell. “But we’ve also seen how many young people leave feeling empty. We believe this moment deserves something life-giving, not destructive. To celebrate with purpose, not regret.”

From that conviction, Schoolies for Jesus was born.

Rather than replacing traditional outreach, Schoolies for Jesus offers a new option: a week-long, joy-filled, Christ-centred getaway where school leavers can celebrate together with Jesus at the centre.

The inaugural Schoolies for Jesus Getaway will take place in 2026 at a beach-front holiday resort in Coffs Harbour, NSW, with capacity for hundreds of Year 12 graduates. The experience blends rest, fun, worship, community, and faith formation, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Event Director Ruth Lewis-Jones explains the heart behind the event:
“We want school leavers to celebrate well. To rest, have fun, and build memories together, while discovering who they are in Christ and that God’s way is better. Our prayer is that young people leave strengthened in their faith and excited about and equipped for the future God has for them.”

Throughout the week, participants will experience worship nights, clear and relevant Bible teaching, fun adventure, beach days, optional equipping workshops, prayer spaces, and faith-filled friendships- all intentionally designed to help young people encounter Jesus and step confidently into adulthood with Him.

Schoolies for Jesus exists to lead a generation out of destructive cultural patterns and into the presence, purpose, and freedom of Jesus. At a time when many young people walk away from faith between the ages of 17 and 21, the vision is bold: to see a generation ignited to live fully alive in Christ.

Participants can choose villas or camping, come with friends or meet new ones, and be surrounded by trusted leaders and ministries committed to championing the next generation.

Tickets for the 2026 Schoolies for Jesus Getaway are now available at schooliesforjesus.com.

Come away. Come alive. Come back changed and called in Christ.

Article Supplied with thanks to Youth for Christ

Feature image: Supplied