The purpose of the Young People and Christian Worship (YPCW) study is to listen deeply to how young people, including teenagers and emerging adults (aged 13-29), experience public Christian worship in a range of liturgical contexts—Roman Catholic, mainline Protestant, evangelical and charismatic.
Instead of lamenting the absence of younger worshipers, or trying to counter demographic change, this study aims to shape better conversations about younger people and Christian worship by valuing the experiences and insights of teenagers and emerging adults who are already actively involved in Christian communities.
It is anchored in the theological commitment that young people are the church right now, not only the church of the future. They have valuable experiences and insights that can enrich how all participants understand and practice Christian worship.
“Imagine how the church might flourish when we listen deeply to young people and help them live into the unique callings that God has placed upon their lives.” —Rev. Nelson Cowan, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator, Samford University Center for Worship and the Arts
This research is based at multiple sites in the United States and Canada and integrates various research methods including participant observation, focus groups, interviews and a survey. View the Research Summary
The first phase of the study took place during the summer of 2024 at six summer programs held on university campuses for high school students that are focused on Christian worship and often incorporate the arts. Most participants in these summer programs are also engaged in local congregations, making these excellent settings for listening to young people who are actively involved in Christian worship.
The programs represent six different Christian traditions and geographic regions and a range of forms of worship.
“Worship matters to young people, and if we want to understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ factors behind that statement, we need to consult young people themselves. Our research project is responding to that need, and I look forward to continuing to learn through it.” —Mykayla Turner, Doctoral Student Researcher, Saint Paul University
The second phase of this study involves a nationwide survey in the United States that will be disseminated in the spring of 2025. Fieldwork will continue in the summer of 2025 at additional program sites that further expand the diversity of participants.
“We’re deeply grateful to the multitude of participants who were not only willing but enthusiastic to collaborate with us. From university program directors to ministry leaders, to lay mentors, to the young people themselves—so many offered their time, energy and vulnerability to make this project possible.” —Rev. Emily Snider Andrews, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator, Samford University Center for Worship and the Arts
“This study aims to shape better conversations about younger people and Christian worship by valuing the experiences and insights of teenagers and emerging adults who are already actively involved in Christian communities, instead of lamenting the absence of younger worshipers, or trying to counter demographic change.” —Rev. Sarah Kathleen Johnson, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator, Saint Paul University
“I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to learn from youth and young people. What I learned from these young people will help me to be a better minister to the communities that I serve.” —Fr. Erik Sorensen, SJ
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