Young Men Lead in Religious Attendance at Grace Church, Waco
- At Grace Church in Waco, Texas, young men significantly outnumber young women in attendance, a trend observed over several years.
- The church, which is a Southern Baptist congregation, has not actively sought to attract young men, yet they have become a prominent demographic.
- This gender divide among Generation Z churchgoers may influence future political and family dynamics.
In September 2024, Grace Church in Waco, Texas, witnessed a notable trend where young men outnumbered young women in attendance. This phenomenon has been observed over several years, prompting church leaders to reflect on its significance. The church, which operates as a Southern Baptist congregation, has not implemented specific strategies to attract young men, yet they have become a substantial presence within the community. During a Sunday service, young men were seen greeting visitors, managing information tables, and participating in the music ministry. The pastor, along with most of the college students in attendance, were also men, highlighting the demographic shift. This trend was further exemplified when a new outpost of the church opened in Robinson, where 12 out of 16 young attendees were men. Phil Barnes, a pastor at the new congregation, expressed curiosity about the influx of young men, questioning the reasons behind this demographic trend. The church's leaders have been discussing the implications of this gender divide, particularly in relation to Generation Z. The increasing presence of young men in church settings may have broader implications for political engagement and family structures in the future. As this trend continues, it could reshape community dynamics and influence how faith is practiced among younger generations.