Gen Z Shows Signs of Spiritual Revival, New Film Premieres at Kennedy Center

Dr. Ben Carson, Candy Carson, Jearlyn Dennie and Dr. Alveda King at the Kennedy Center premier of The Revival Generation.

WASHINGTON / August 27, 2025 / BPALiveWire — Generation Z, often described as the most online and anxious generation, is showing signs of a spiritual revival, with new surveys suggesting higher levels of Bible reading, prayer and church attendance than previously reported among young adults.

A 2023 Barna Group study found that nearly two in five Gen Z Americans said they read the Bible (37%) or attended a church service (36%) in the past week. Sixty-four percent reported that they prayed. Other studies in the United States and the United Kingdom show similar increases in faith practices among 18- to 24-year-olds, with researchers noting an unexpected rise in church attendance among young men.

The trend took center stage Wednesday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, where the Christian Broadcasting Network premiered The Revival Generation: Gen Z Turning to Jesus. The documentary, produced by Abigail Robertson and directed by Laura Hand, highlights campus worship movements that have spread to schools such as Auburn University and Ohio State University.

At the center of the film is the story of Tonya Prewett, a mother whose daughter’s struggles led to a campus prayer meeting that became UniteUS, a student-driven movement now reaching colleges nationwide.

Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, who appears in the film, attended the premiere. Dr. Alveda King also attended the premier. King is featured in Jesus Freaks, a film by Nina May that focuses on the revival movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

“We are one blood, one human race and the revival generation Z understands that,” said King.

Organizers said the film seeks to document what they describe as a growing hunger for identity and faith among Gen Z.

Director Nina May talks about her film, Jesus Freaks.