What does it look like to be comfortable in the act of talking about one’s Christian faith in an era where skepticism is high and evangelism is unpopular?

Barna has explored this question over the years, focusing on various aspects of faith-sharing, including non-Christians’ desired faith conversations, how people would like to explore curiosity about faith and whether Christians believe it’s optional or a duty to share their faith with others. In looking at the perspectives of young adults on these matters, we see indicators of what the future of fait

In looking at the perspectives of young adults on these matters, we see indicators of what the future of faith-sharing might look like, and the gaps that churches may need to fill. Below, we’ll highlight recent findings from the Reviving Evangelism in the Next Generation study, conducted in partnership with Alpha USA and Alpha Canada to produce country-specific insights. This project paid special attention to how teens in Gen Z perceive comfort and confidence in the act of evangelism, and how non-Christians in this generation prefer to be approached when Christians are witnessing to them.

Most Gen Z Name Those Who Listen Without Judgment as Comfortable Evangelists What characteristics do Gen Z name when thinking of someone who is an engaging witness? The majority of teens (especially non-Christians) says someone who listens without judgment (66% Christian, 72% non-Christian) seems like a person who’s comfortable sharing their faith. This is telling in light of past Barna findings which showed that a number of Gen Z who had interacted with church or Christianity said church was not a safe space to express doubt. Gen Z teens desire conversation partners who are open to difficult topics.

U.S. Christian teens also perceive comfort in someone who is confident in sharing their opinion (56% vs. 49% non-Christians) or good at asking questions (45%, 46%), while non-Christians look to those who don’t force a conclusion (57% vs. 44% Christians) or who demonstrate interest in other people’s stories (47% each).