As the 2025 holiday season approaches, about half of Americans now say religion is not an important part of their daily life; even though many say they’re open to spirituality.
But beneath all the data is a quiet ache—for connection, for purpose, for hope. And on Christmas, that longing rises to the surface, becoming unmistakable. December is the one time of year when many people who feel unsure about God, organized religion or spiritual beliefs still find themselves walking into a church simply to feel part of something bigger than themselves.
That’s why churches should do everything possible to make attending simple, accessible, and hospitable. Start by identifying common barriers to entry or to participation. Then remove them. Make it genuinely easy for someone to walk through the door, especially at Christmas.
Many young moms or families struggle to find good childcare. So make excellent, safe childcare available.
Nearly two in five Gen Z women now identify as having “no faith” and even less say that they attend church weekly. So prioritize authentic intergenerational community and mentorship that speak to their needs and sense of belonging.
About one-third of the population reports unreliable access to independent transportation. That’s nearly one-third of the population who might not be able to make it to church at all, even if they wanted to. So if your church has the capacity, try to identify ways to facilitate carpool or transportation options.
Many men, women and children with disabilities struggle to physically access worship spaces. Even if they are able to enter and navigate the space, it’s also common for them to struggle to feel truly comfortable, accepted and considered during worship and programming. So make your church as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Then you might consider further practical inclusions. The church where I’m executive minister, Bay Area Christian Church, has developed resources like sensory-friendly zones; “sitting buddies” to accompany and support congregants with unique social or emotional needs during worship; and special programming for families and individuals with disabilities or special needs.
The church also has an opportunity to uniquely and proactively accommodate people’s spiritual needs—not just the logistical, physical or social needs that so often prevent people from attending church or staying there. I’d argue that while addressing the logistical and physical needs may help get them in the door, taking care of the spiritual needs will keep them coming back.
We should also go out of our way to become places where people can find and embrace the answers and purpose they’re looking for. One of the first steps churches can take is by re-evaluating their culture and how they communicate it. Younger generations are looking for authenticity. And they’re seeking answers online first—from people who probably don’t have the answers!
So ask yourself, your leadership team and your congregation: Are we authentic? Why? Why not? How and how not? How do we communicate with visitors? Are we truly, warmly open to them and to their questions? Are we equipped to answer their questions?
There is a mysterious, urgent but ill-defined domain of life the world is calling “spirituality” and it currently has nothing to do with the church. But it should have everything to do with the church.
