Why Millennials and Gen Z Are Leaving Denominations
How a search for authenticity is reshaping the future of the church.
If you grew up attending a church with a denominational label Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran chances are you’re not sitting in the same pews today. In fact, many young adults aren’t sitting in any pews at all. And for those who are, the churches they now attend often avoid denominational branding altogether. Welcome to the shifting landscape of American Christianity, where “nondenominational” has become the fastest-growing label ironically representing the desire to avoid labels altogether.
According to the U.S. Religion Census, 6.5 million more Americans attended nondenominational churches in 2020 than in 2010. Meanwhile, mainline Protestant denominations have seen steep declines. Pew Research Center data shows membership in these traditional denominations has fallen by as much as 40% since 2000.
This trend is especially pronounced among millennials and members of Gen Z. These younger generations are not abandoning faith entirely they are simply approaching it differently.
A Shift Toward Community and Authenticity
“Denominational identity is not a priority for younger generations,” explains Ryan Burge, a political scientist at Eastern Illinois University who studies generational trends in religion. “They’re looking for community and authenticity, not a specific label.”
Indeed, a 2025 report from REACHRIGHT found that while nearly half of Americans attended church weekly as children, only 20% do so as adults. However, many millennials and Gen Z aren’t abandoning church altogether. Barna Group reports that 39% of millennials now attend church weekly, nearly doubling from 21% in 2019. The difference is that many of these young adults are seeking churches that feel less institutional and more relational.
“I grew up Methodist, but I don’t really see the point of denominations anymore,” says Lauren Kim, 27, now attending a nondenominational church in Austin, Texas. “I want to be part of a community that’s actually doing something, not arguing about theology from 200 years ago.”
For many, rigid denominational structures feel outdated, while community-oriented churches that emphasize relationships, service, and honest dialogue feel more relevant and welcoming.
The Drawbacks and Trade-Offs
Of course, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this shift. Nondenominational churches often provide a flexible and vibrant community, but they may also lack the doctrinal accountability and theological grounding that denominational oversight historically offered.
Scott Thumma, director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, notes, “Churches that are growing are the ones that have let go of rigid denominational identities. They’re focusing on community, service, and spiritual growth.”
However, as these churches chart their own paths, the diversity of belief and practice among nondenominational congregations can vary widely. Without a larger structure to ensure accountability, some critics worry about doctrinal drift or theological shallowness. Still, for many younger Christians, these concerns are secondary to the hunger for genuine relationships and meaningful faith experiences.
The Larger Picture: Spiritual But Not Institutional
This shift is part of a broader trend in American religious life. Pew Research Center reports that the share of Americans identifying as Christian dropped from 78% in 2007 to 63% in 2021, while the number of religiously unaffiliated the so-called “nones” has risen to nearly 30%. Yet in recent years, those numbers have stabilized, suggesting that while many are leaving denominational churches, some are finding new ways to express and explore their faith.
Elizabeth Drescher, author of Choosing Our Religion The Spiritual Lives of America’s Nones, observes that millennials and Gen Z are not necessarily less spiritual. “They’re just less likely to see value in the institutions and labels that mattered to previous generations,” she says.
A 2023 Barna study found that young adults are more likely than older generations to want church to be a place where they can ask honest questions and engage in open dialogue, rather than simply affirm inherited beliefs. Many nondenominational churches have responded to this desire by creating environments where doubt and discussion are welcomed alongside spiritual formation.
Technology’s Role in the New Church Experience
Technology is also playing a pivotal role in this transformation. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online worship, and many young adults now participate in digital faith communities that transcend denominational lines. According to Lifeway Research, about half of churchgoers attended online services during the pandemic, and a significant portion continues to engage in these virtual communities.
Scott Thumma notes, “Digital church isn’t just a stopgap it’s a new way of being church. It allows people to connect across denominational lines and find communities that fit their needs.”
This digital fluidity further erodes the importance of traditional denominational ties, allowing believers to sample teachings, worship styles, and communities from a variety of backgrounds without ever entering a traditional church building.
Denominations Trying to Adapt
Some denominations are trying to meet these shifts head-on. The United Methodist Church, for example, has launched new church plants that avoid using the denominational name, hoping to attract younger believers who might be hesitant to join an institution. Other denominations are emphasizing social justice, local community service, and interfaith dialogue to stay relevant in a rapidly changing spiritual environment.
Still, the broader trend suggests that the era of strong denominational loyalty is fading. For many millennials and Gen Z, the future of faith looks less like neatly categorized churches and more like a flexible network of communities, both physical and digital, that reflect their desire for meaningful connection over institutional identity.
What Happens Next?
The pressing question for many churches is no longer, “How do we get young people to care about our denomination?” but, “How do we create spaces where they want to show up at all?” The answer, it seems, lies in fostering genuine community, encouraging honest conversations, and focusing on the heart of the Gospel rather than the banners under which it's preached.
In the end, this movement away from denominationalism may be less a sign of spiritual decline and more a recalibration. It’s a reminder that while labels and traditions change, the deeper hunger for God, community, and purpose remains. The church’s challenge and opportunity is to meet this generation where they are, while still anchoring them in timeless truth.
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