Belief in Jesus is on the rise in the United States, according to a major new Barna survey that challenges conventional wisdom about the role of Christianity in America. The survey found that 66 percent of U.S. adults say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today -- a 12-point increase since 2022 and the highest recorded level in the poll since 2012.

Belief in Jesus has risen each year since 2022, shortly after the pandemic, perhaps indicating that the crisis prompted a renewed search for meaning. Gen Z and Millennials are helping drive the renewed interest, the data shows.

“This shift is not only statistically significant -- it may be the clearest indication of meaningful spiritual renewal in the United States,” a Barna analysis said.

The new data may be the first official confirmation of a trend that other indicators across society have already suggested -- a growing belief in Jesus. The hit Bible-based series The Chosen has amassed more than 200 million viewers worldwide as its cast has drawn mainstream media attention rare for a faith-based project. Another Bible-based series, House of David, hit No. 1 on Prime Video.

Mega-popular podcasters such as Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson have devoted entire episodes to discussing the Bible. Across cultures, movie and sports personalities are increasingly vocal about their belief in Jesus. Also, the national He Gets Us campaign has brought messages about Jesus to millions. Meanwhile, the Unite US worship movement continues to draw thousands of students on college campuses.

The Barna data would equate to nearly 30 million more Americans professing a belief in Jesus.

“Undeniably, there is renewed interest in Jesus,” David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna, said of the new data. “Many people have predicted the growing irrelevance of Christianity, however, this data shows that spiritual trends have a dynamism and can, indeed, change. This is the clearest trend we’ve seen in more than a decade pointing to spiritual renewal -- and it’s the first time Barna has recorded such spiritual interest being led by younger generations.”

The Barna data found a major increase in belief in Jesus among Gen Z and Millennials, especially among men (67 percent among Gen Z men and 71 percent among Millennial men). Among women, belief rates stand at 61 percent among Gen Z and 64 percent among Millennials.

“Young people -- especially men -- are leading the shift toward Jesus,” the Barna analysis said.

The spiritual renewal among young people is a significant change from previous Barna tracking, which “showed Elders and Boomers as more committed Christians than younger generations,” the analysis said.

Meanwhile, nearly three in 10 U.S. adults say they have a personal commitment to Jesus yet do not identify as Christian -- indicating they are hesitant to embrace organized religion, Barna said.

“At this time, we are seeing interest in Jesus that is growing among those who do not otherwise describe themselves as Christians, indicating that many of the new followers of Jesus are not just ‘recycled’ believers,” Kinnaman said. “Along with younger generations coming to Jesus, this is another strong sign that interest in Jesus is brewing in new population segments of society.”

Kinnaman said the “why” behind the positive data is not easily answered.

“While social research can effectively track trends, it may not always identify the root causes behind them,” he said. “Still, the pandemic undeniably disrupted life for everyone, creating space for existential questions and the pursuit of meaning.”

The new spiritual renewal movement, he said, offers an opportunity for the church.

“As Christian leaders navigate this changing landscape, one thing is clear: Jesus is still attracting people -- even those who have left the pews or never sat in them,” Kinnaman said. “The opportunity is not just to count commitments but to help shape people into lifelong disciples.”

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