Religion

Take our poll: Do you attend church regularly?

One study says that church attendance among Americans under the age of 35 declined from 36% to 26% between 2019 and 2021.
One study says that church attendance among Americans under the age of 35 declined from 36% to 26% between 2019 and 2021. Aaron Burden Unsplash

Finding your faith

For many who attend, church is a place to listen to teachings, make friends and build support networks to help serve their communities. But a nationwide trend shows a sharp decline in millennials who attend church. In some cases, ideological differences separate millennials from traditional worship. However, nondenominational churches have been able to retain young members. This special report explores the multilayered relationship the state’s millennials have with religion.

According to an analysis by American Family Survey, church attendance among Americans under the age of 35 declined from 36% to 26% between 2019 and 2021 — the highest drop among all age groups. For comparison, attendance among those aged 35-64 dropped by 4% during the same time period.

Gallup says the decline in church membership is tied to the increasing number of Americans who express no religious preferences. The percentage of Americans who do not identify with any religion grew from 13% in 2008-2010 to 21% in 2018-2020.

We want to know: Do you go to church? Take our short poll below.

Profile Image of Evan Moore
Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
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