From Nones to Affiliation: Listening to Twenty-Somethings

Authors

• Jay Moon, Asbury Theological SeminaryFollow
• Bethany HarmonFollow

Abstract

This exploratory article describes the religious journeys of twenty-somethings (ages 20–29) who moved from no religious affiliation (“Nones”) to Christian affiliation. Over five years, four researchers conducted interviews across the United States and gathered 101 responses to questions about what drew participants toward Jesus, what pushed them away, which aspects of Christianity resonated most, and what advice they would offer to those sharing faith with their generation. While much evangelism in North America has assumed guilt, shame, or fear as primary entry points into gospel conversations, many participants described a different posture: indifference. Yet indifference often coexisted with a longing for belonging and purpose. The findings do not claim universal patterns among all young adults but suggest that themes of belonging and purpose may function as meaningful starting points for gospel engagement with many contemporary Nones. The article concludes with implications for preachers and evangelists and calls for further research.

Recommended Citation

Moon, Jay and Harmon, Bethany (2026) "From Nones to Affiliation: Listening to Twenty-Somethings," Witness: Vol. 40: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/witness_aete/vol40/iss1/4