How Younger Adults Are Finding Faith in Jesus Without a Christian Background

A new study by the UK Evangelical Alliance (EAUK) has explored how people with no Christian background are discovering faith in Jesus. The findings come from five supporting reports linked to the Finding Jesus main survey, revealing key trends in their spiritual journeys.

Among those surveyed, the largest age group was 35-44, making up 32% of respondents. Another 25% fell into the 25-34 bracket, showing a notable interest in faith among younger adults.

The most common reasons for exploring Christianity were a search for meaning (36%) and a need for help with life (34%). For nearly a third (29%), a spiritual experience prompted their curiosity.

When asked why they ultimately chose to follow Jesus, nearly half (49%) cited an experience of God as the deciding factor. The journey wasn’t always straightforward—many faced challenges, particularly in understanding the Bible (45%) and believing they could be forgiven. Support along the way often came from church communities. A third found help through small groups, while another third relied on individual mentors. Answered prayer (31%), attending church (31%), and reading the Bible (20%) were the most influential factors in their faith development. The study also highlighted the diversity of those exploring Christianity. Around a third came from ethnic minority backgrounds, and eight had previously followed other religions. Their experiences were largely positive, with words like 'hopeful' (51%), 'comforting' (47%), and 'life-giving' (47%) describing their journeys.

The EAUK’s reports provide a detailed look at how people without a Christian background are engaging with faith. The findings suggest that personal experiences, community support, and a search for meaning play central roles in their decisions.

With younger adults making up a significant portion of those exploring Christianity, the study offers insights into the changing landscape of faith in the UK.