The American Bible Society released new data showing Gen Z adults score lowest for church engagement in the United States. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The study links higher church engagement with higher measures of human flourishing. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The finding matters for Thai faith groups. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The survey used a representative US panel to measure church engagement. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Gen Z respondents scored lowest on five church engagement measures. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Only one in five Gen Z adults strongly agreed they can use their gifts at church. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Only one in four Gen Z adults strongly agreed that someone in church encourages their spiritual development. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Only one in three Gen Z adults strongly agreed they had opportunities to grow in faith in the past year. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The report defines church engagement as active involvement in church life and mission. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The report shows that highly church-engaged people report better mental and social outcomes. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The study found 62 percent of highly engaged churchgoers also have the highest human flourishing scores. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The survey interviewed 2,656 US adults across all 50 states. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The questions on church engagement focused on self-identified Christians who attended church in the past six months. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
That subgroup represented 35 percent of the total survey sample. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The report also tracked broader Bible engagement trends in the US and abroad. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The 2025 State of the Bible shows 64 percent of US adults consider themselves Christian. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The report shows 45 percent of self-identified US Christians do not attend church. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Of the Christians who attend, 34 percent attend weekly. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The report found most churchgoers still prefer in-person services. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Seventy-two percent of churchgoers primarily attend in person. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Twelve percent mainly participate online. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The report links in-person attendance with stronger feelings of spiritual growth. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The study shows strong overlap between church engagement and active Bible use. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Eighty-four percent of highly engaged churchgoers say the Bible has transformed their lives. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Ninety percent of highly engaged churchgoers say church leaders make the Bible relevant. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The broader State of the Bible series reports digital Bible use at 66 percent. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The study reports 34 percent of Bible users rely only on a printed Bible. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The report notes about 10 million more people accessed the Bible in 2025 than in 2024. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The report highlights five billion Bibles distributed internationally across some 2,000 translations. (American Bible Society full report (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
The American Bible Society quotes its chief innovation officer on the findings. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The executive said the church plus the Bible can improve wellbeing. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
He said church engagement reduces stress and loneliness. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The report raises questions for church leaders. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Leaders must ask how to help young adults use their gifts. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Leaders must ask how to mentor young adults’ spiritual development. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
The study suggests practical changes in church structure. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Churches can offer more chances for service and mentoring. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Churches can recruit younger leaders. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Churches can create regular spiritual growth groups for young adults. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
How does this US data relate to Thailand? (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Thailand is a majority Buddhist country. (Thailand government page (Religion in Thailand)).
The Thai Department of Religious Affairs reported over 90 percent Buddhist. (US State Department country report summary and national sources (2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Thailand)).
Christians make up about 1 to 1.4 percent of the Thai population. (Wikipedia entry on Christianity in Thailand (Christianity in Thailand - Wikipedia)).
The small size of the Christian community changes the dynamics of church engagement in Thailand. (Wikipedia entry on Christianity in Thailand (Christianity in Thailand - Wikipedia)).
Thai Christians often operate in close-knit networks. (Christianity in Thailand literature and country reports (Christianity in Thailand - Wikipedia)).
Thai youth religious habits differ from Western patterns. (ISEAS commentary and academic surveys on Thai youth religiosity (ISEAS Perspective: Examining Religious Engagement Among Thai Buddhist Undergraduates)).
Many Thai young people practice Buddhism in cultural ways. (ISEAS commentary (Examining Religious Engagement Among Thai Buddhist Undergraduates)).
Research shows Thai Gen Z Buddhists link religious activity to wellbeing. (Research on happiness and Buddhism in Thailand (Happiness and Buddhism Among Young Generation (Z) in Thailand)).
Thai churches face different cultural and legal contexts than US churches. (US State Department and Thailand government sources (2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Thailand)).
Thai Christian leaders must adapt engagement strategies to a minority context. (Analysis based on demographic sources and State of the Bible findings (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Thai churches may need to focus more on community visibility. (Recommendation based on comparative analysis of minority faith dynamics and US church engagement findings (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Thai churches may need to offer tailored mentoring for youth. (Recommendation informed by American Bible Society findings (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Thai Christian organisations can partner with Buddhist community projects. (Practical recommendation based on local cultural norms and interfaith practice (Religion in Thailand)).
Thai families play a strong role in youth identity and spiritual formation. (Thai cultural context and family values sources (Religion in Thailand)).
Thai churches can involve families in youth programming. (Actionable recommendation in line with Thai family culture (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Digital scripture access trends may offer opportunity in Thailand. (State of the Bible digital use statistics (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Thai youth use smartphones at high rates. (National ICT and youth digital surveys and public data).
Thai churches can expand digital Bible and devotional resources. (Recommendation based on US digital trends and Thai mobile use patterns (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Language matters for scripture access in Thailand. (Local language and translation needs are critical for outreach).
Thai churches can use Thai language digital scripture tools. (Actionable step to increase engagement among young Thais).
Education institutions can also support values formation. (Recommendation for schools and universities to collaborate with community groups on moral education).
Universities can offer optional faith and wellbeing seminars. (Practical idea that respects Thailand’s secular education framework and cultural norms).
Healthcare providers can note the link between community engagement and wellbeing. (Public health implication based on the report’s linking of flourishing to church engagement (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Community groups of all kinds can help reduce loneliness among young people. (Public health and social policy implication).
The American Bible Society will publish more chapters in 2025. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Future chapters will examine Gen Z identity and trust. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Thai faith leaders can watch for lessons from upcoming US data. (Recommendation to monitor continuing research).
Comparative research helps local leaders test assumptions. (Advice for Thai religious and social leaders).
Researchers should study church engagement among Thai Christian youth. (Research gap identified by applying US methods to Thailand).
Policymakers can support interfaith youth wellbeing programs. (Actionable policy idea that fits Thailand’s multicultural setting).
Nonprofits can fund youth mentoring and skills programs. (Practical recommendation for civil society).
Churches can measure engagement with simple local surveys. (Practical tip for local congregations).
Local leaders can ask young people what gifts they want to use. (Direct action based on the report’s engagement indicators (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Leaders can document small wins to build trust. (Advice for community organisers and pastors).
Families can model spiritual conversation at home. (Cultural recommendation aligned with Thai family values).
Schools can teach civic service that links to church volunteerism. (Idea to bridge sectors and increase youth engagement).
Researchers should monitor whether digital scripture use links with flourishing in Thailand. (Suggested local research question informed by US findings (State of the Bible: USA 2025 PDF)).
Local translation and contextual Bible resources matter in multiethnic Thailand. (Practical consideration for outreach and education).
Church leaders should train mentors in spiritual accompaniment. (Actionable step to support young adults).
The report shows that encouragement from peers and leaders matters. (Core finding from the American Bible Society chapter 5 (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Thai leaders can foster peer mentoring groups. (Simple practical recommendation).
Small group structures can help youth form close friendships. (Tactic aligned with the study’s friendship indicator for engagement).
Thai churches can partner with mental health services for youth. (Health policy recommendation rooted in the flourishing link).
Local leaders should respect Buddhist cultural norms in interfaith work. (Cultural sensitivity guidance).
The study invites cross-cultural research on faith and flourishing. (Final research takeaway).
Thai religious organisations can adapt the report’s engagement indicators locally. (Practical suggestion for measurement and improvement).
Churches can pilot programs that help young people use gifts in service. (Concrete program idea).
Leaders should evaluate outcomes for wellbeing. (Simple evaluation step).
Communities should share successful local models. (Recommendation to scale promising practices).
The American Bible Society data offers a starting point for Thai leaders. (Closing assessment).
Thai churches and civic groups can test these ideas with small trials. (Practical and culturally respectful next step).
The report shows a clear link between active community life and flourishing. (Key takeaway from the State of the Bible chapter 5 (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).
Thai leaders can use this evidence to design youth programs that match local culture and needs. (Actionable conclusion tailored to Thailand).