While headlines often focus on religious decline, new Barna research uncovers an unexpected (and significant!) trend: a growing number of people are making personal commitments to follow Jesus.

According to our latest data, 66 percent of U.S. adults now say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today. That marks a 12-percentage point increase since 2021, when commitment levels reached their lowest point in 25 years of tracking (54%).

Demographically, the biggest drivers of this spiritual resurgence are younger generations—particularly Gen Z and Millennials. Among Gen Z men, commitment to Jesus jumped 22 percentage points between 2021 and 2025. Millennial men saw a similar spike of 18 percentage points. While women also showed growth, it was more modest (around 8–13 percentage points).

Notably, the largest increases are coming from people outside the Church. Among those who do not attend church or who have distanced themselves from religious identity, the personal connection to Jesus is increasing. Non-Christians saw a 10-percentage point increase in commitment, while practicing Christians remained flat.

This dramatic rise suggests a renewed spiritual interest in Jesus himself. While church attendance and formal religious affiliation have declined or plateaued in recent years, Jesus remains relevant to many—perhaps more than ever.

Discover how beliefs about Jesus are evolving and where new outreach opportunities are emerging in our latest State of the Church report, Knowing Jesus—available exclusively on Barna Access Plus.