Young Men in the U.S. Now Say Religion Is More Important Than Young Women, Gallup Finds
A new Gallup poll shows young men in the U.S. are more likely than young women to call religion very important in their lives. This is the first time in 25 years that gap has flipped. Faith leaders are taking note.
A new Gallup poll released in April 2026 found that young men in the United States now report religion as very important in their lives at higher rates than young women. This is the first time in 25 years that the gap has shifted in this direction.
The finding has surprised researchers and church leaders alike. For decades, women have consistently reported higher levels of religious engagement across most measures.
Analysts point to several possible explanations. Some cite the growing influence of male-focused faith communities and podcasts. Others note that young men are increasingly seeking meaning and structure in religious practice.
The data comes as churches across the country report mixed attendance trends. Some congregations are seeing growth among men in their 20s and 30s, while others continue to struggle with overall engagement.
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary elected a new president this month, and the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission named Evan Lenow as its new leader. Both appointments signal continued attention to leadership development within evangelical institutions.
A federal appeals court also upheld Ten Commandments displays in public schools, a ruling that drew praise from many Christian legal advocacy groups.
Separately, a revival described as Healing Wells of Revival at a Waco, Texas church has drawn visitors from across the state. Organizers say attendance has grown each week since the gatherings began in March.
The Gallup findings are expected to shape how churches approach outreach and programming for younger generations in the months ahead.
