By RE:NEW a Presence movement
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Abstract

This exploratory survey examined the well-being, mental health, relationships, faith, community involvement, and aspirations of young people connected to faith communities. Conducted online between April and December 2024, the study collected 192 valid responses from participants aged 11–35, primarily residing in the United States and Canada. Most respondents identified as Christian (58%), reflecting the survey’s distribution through churches and faith-based organizations and resulting in a predominantly North American, faith-informed perspective.

Overall, respondents report above-average levels of life satisfaction, mental health, and physical well-being. Several factors are strongly associated with life satisfaction, including mental health, self-image, emotional experience, stress levels, and family income. Stress is nearly universal and shifts developmentally from academic and social pressures during adolescence to financial, career, and relational concerns in young adulthood. Although only 7.3% of respondents rate their overall mental health as below average, 81% report experiencing specific mental health challenges, with anxiety emerging as the most prevalent concern, particularly among older age groups. Access to professional mental health support remains limited, with many young people expressing a desire for help they have not yet received.

Relationships are generally reported as a source of satisfaction, though parent-child conflict and peer-related challenges increase notably with age. Faith emerges as a meaningful protective factor, with stronger spirituality associated with higher life satisfaction and stronger church connection, although deeper involvement and active service are relatively uncommon.

These findings underscore the importance of holistic and integrated support for young people—support that addresses mental health, relational skills, spiritual formation, and practical life development within the context of families, churches, and communities.

Introduction

RE:NEW a Presence movement, a youth initiative by Presence launched in 2011, seeks to support young Christians in spiritual growth and personal development. Presence is a Christian nonprofit organization founded in Los Angeles, USA, in 2003. Its mission is to equip individuals and families to become a new generation of Christian cultural missionaries who have the skills and wisdom to lead, serve, apply Christian values in their daily lives, bridge the cultural and generational gaps, and create healthy families and multicultural communities.

This international survey was conducted to better understand the well-being, mental health, and faith-related challenges faced by young people today. The goal is to use these findings to develop relevant resources and offer hope and guidance to the next generation.

Methodology

From April to December 2024, responses were collected from individuals aged 11 to 35 through an online survey distributed via churches, conferences, and social media. After removing 39 duplicate or suspicious entries, a final sample of 192 valid responses was retained for analysis.

Free-form responses were grouped into themes that best reflected the content of each response. For scaled questions using a 1–5 rating system, a score of 3 was categorized as average, 4–5 as above average, and 1–2 as below average.

Participants were asked to rate their life satisfaction, mental health, and physical health using self-assessment questions (e.g., “How satisfied are you with your life as a whole?” and “How would you rate your overall mental health?”). These measures reflect personal perception rather than clinical evaluation.

Respondent Demographics

• Total valid responses: N=192

• Age groups represented (see Figure 1):
  • 11–14 (elementary/junior high) – 2.6% (n=5)
  • 15–18 (high school) – 9.4% (n=18)
  • 19–22 (college students) – 29.2% (n=56)
  • 23–35 (young adults) – 58.9% (n=113)

• Gender (see Figure 2):
  • 56% of respondents were male and 43% were female.

• Geographic distribution (See Figure 3):
  • 70% of respondents resided in the United States or Canada
  • Respondents from other countries each represented less than 5% of the sample
  • Please see Figure 3 for distribution of respondents grouped by continents of residence

• Religion distribution (see Figure 4):
  • 58% of respondents identified as Christian.
  • Other responses included agnosticism, atheism, and spiritual but non-religious identities.

• Family income:
  • 83% reported household income that was average or above average relative to their country’s economic standard (self-reported).

Limitations

This survey offers meaningful insight into the experiences of young people, yet several limitations should be noted. The study draws from a relatively small, non-random sample and was distributed primarily through churches and Christian organizations. As a result, many participants came from faith-informed backgrounds, with 58% identifying as Christian. This context likely influences how faith and well-being are reflected in the findings.

Additionally, 70% of respondents resided in the United States or Canada, meaning the results largely reflect North American contexts and may not fully represent youth experiences in other cultural or global settings. The sample is also weighted toward young adults (ages 23–35), which should be considered when interpreting age comparisons. Finally, the survey relied on self-reported reflections on mental health, stress, and life satisfaction, which are inherently personal and subjective.

Given these constraints, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory rather than definitive and cannot be generalized to the broader public. They are best suited to informing Christian youth and young adult ministry contexts. Future research with a broader and more diverse sample would strengthen these findings and extend their applicability.

Summary of Key Findings

This survey explored five core areas of youth experience: Self and well-being, treatment and support, relationships, faith and spirituality, and community involvement and future aspirations.

1. Self & Well-Being
   • Most respondents report positive overall well-being, with life satisfaction and mental health closely linked across age groups. Key findings include:
     • 62.5% rate themselves above average in life satisfaction, mental health, and physical health
     • The five factors most strongly associated with life satisfaction are mental health, self-image, emotional experience, stress levels, and family income
     • Stress is nearly universal (94.3%), shifting from academic and social pressures in adolescence to financial, career, and relational concerns in young adulthood
     • Although only 7.3% rate their overall mental health as below average, 81% report specific mental health challenges, with anxiety the most prevalent concern among older age groups
     • Physical health remains relatively stable across age groups, supported by regular exercise and sleep habits
2. Treatment and Support
   • While mental health challenges are widespread, access to professional support remains limited:
     • 81% report experiencing specific mental health challenges, particularly among college students and young adults, with anxiety as the most frequently reported concern
     • Only 12.5% are receiving medication and 8.9% are working with a mental health professional
     • 43.8% desire professional help but have not received it; nearly 30% are uncomfortable seeking professional help at all
     • 75% indicate they would seek help when needed, though help-seeking patterns shift with age — younger youth lean on family and faith, older youth turned increasingly to peers
     • Coping strategies are mixed, with younger respondents favoring constructive approaches including regular physical activity and connecting with others, while older youth increasingly combine positive strategies with avoidance, emotional eating, isolation, or substance use
3. Relationships
   • Relationships are a central source of satisfaction, even as relational complexity increases with age:
     • 72% report above-average satisfaction in their relationships overall
     • Parent–child conflict increases sharply with age, affecting 95% of college students and young adults, with poor communication, lifestyle disapproval, and boundary-setting cited as top concerns
     • Trust issues are the most commonly reported peer conflict across all age groups, alongside growing peer pressure, burnout, and exclusion among older youth
     • Respondents consistently advise parents to listen more, extend greater trust and freedom, and withhold judgment
4. Faith and Spirituality
   • Faith plays a meaningful role in overall well-being and community connection:
     • 56% report an above-average relationship with God; among this group, 84% report high life satisfaction and 79% indicate a strong church connection
     • While many attend church services or fellowship in some capacity, only 20% attend both regularly and just 5% actively serve
     • Youth value their churches as sources of spiritual, emotional, and practical support, and express a strong desire for deeper connection, mentorship, inclusive environments, and guidance in mental health and life skills
5. Community Involvement and Aspirations
   • Young people are active contributors with broad and ambitious goals:
     • 55% report heavy community involvement, with young adults comprising 60.4% of this engaged group
     • 72% express aspirations spanning spiritual growth, career achievement, personal development, meaningful relationships, health and wellness, financial stability, and global impact
     • Youth identify mentorship, relational encouragement, emotional resilience, and practical resources as essential to achieving their goals, reflecting an understanding that personal ambition requires communal support

Survey Results and Data Analysis

1. Self & Well-Being

1.1. Life Satisfaction, Mental and Physical Health

The survey results indicate generally positive outcomes across key well-being domains. Overall, 62.5% of participants rate themselves above average in all three areas: life satisfaction, mental health, and physical health.

A breakdown by age group (see Table 1) reveals variation across developmental stages. Elementary/junior high students (ages 11–14) and young adults (ages 23–35) report the highest levels of both life satisfaction and mental health. Notably, at least 61% of respondents in every age group describe their mental health as above average, suggesting generally positive mental well-being across the sample. 

Life satisfaction remains relatively high across age groups and appears to fluctuate in parallel with mental health. For example, 100% of those aged 11–14 report above-average life satisfaction, and 80% report above-average mental health. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size in this age group. Among those aged 15–18, 67% report above-average levels for both measures.

Physical health, however, shows a different pattern, with ratings increasing more independently of life satisfaction trends, rising from 40% in ages 11–14 to 79% in ages 23–35. These patterns suggest that life satisfaction is more closely linked to mental health than to physical health, while physical health reflects developmental and age-related differences.

1.1.1 Factors Associated With Life Satisfaction

The survey also explored several factors associated with life satisfaction (see Table 2).

The patterns displayed in Table 2 suggest several meaningful associations between life satisfaction and the selected factors. Key observations are summarized below.

• Self-Image:
  • Respondents with strong self-image overwhelmingly report above-average life satisfaction (92%).
  • Those with low self-image are much more likely to report below-average life satisfaction (38%).

This indicates a strong association between self-perception and overall life satisfaction.

• Emotions:
  • Respondents who experience frequent positive emotions (joy, affection, and hope) show very high life satisfaction (89%).
  • Those who experience frequent negative emotions (sadness, anger, or fear) are more likely to report below-average life satisfaction (15%).
    
    This indicates that emotional experience is strongly linked to life satisfaction in young people. However, this association does not imply that young people who report high life satisfaction do not experience negative emotions; rather, emotional tone appears to influence overall life evaluation.
    
• Family Income:
  • Youth from high- and average-income families report similarly high levels of above-average life satisfaction (85% and 81% respectively).
  • Youth from low-income families report much lower levels of high satisfaction (50%) and much higher rates of below-average satisfaction (27%).
    
    While family income is related to life satisfaction, lower income does not preclude positive life evaluations.
    
• Stress Levels:
  • Youth with low stress report the highest levels of above-average life satisfaction (87%).
  • Youth with high stress are more likely to report below-average life satisfaction (15%).
    
    This suggests that higher stress is associated with lower life satisfaction.
    
• Mental Health:
  • Youth with above-average mental health overwhelmingly report above-average life satisfaction (91%).
  • Only 36% of youth with below-average mental health report above-average life satisfaction, and an equal 36% report below-average life satisfaction.
    
    This pattern suggests a strong relationship between perceived mental health and overall life satisfaction. Youth who rate their mental health positively are significantly more likely to evaluate their lives positively overall.
    
• Physical Health
  • Youth with above-average physical health report high levels of above-average life satisfaction (86%).
  • Only 25% of youth with below-average physical health report above-average life satisfaction, while 42% report below-average life satisfaction.
    
    This pattern indicates that physical health is associated with life satisfaction. However, the pattern is less consistent across age groups compared to mental health.

1.1.2 Summary and Considerations for Further Research

Across the sample, five factors show the strongest association with higher life satisfaction among young people:

• Above-average mental health
• Stronger self-image

• Frequent positive emotions

• Average and higher family income

• Lower stress levels

While physical health is generally rated positive, it does not show a consistent relationship with life satisfaction across all age groups. It is important to note that these findings reflect associations based on self-reported data. The cross-sectional nature of the survey does not allow for causal conclusions. Further research would be needed to examine how these factors influence one another over time and to account for potential confounding variables.

1.2 Stress, Mental and Physical Well-Being

In addition to overall well-being, the survey examined stress patterns and their relationship to mental and physical health.

1.2.1 Stress Levels Across Age Groups

Survey data indicate that stress levels begin to increase in high school, with the highest proportion of above-average stress reported among college students (45%) (see Table 3).

Nevertheless, 94.3% of all respondents report experiencing stress, regardless of intensity.

1.2.2 Common Stressors by Age Group

• Elementary/Junior High (11–14): Academics (75%), followed by relationships, family, time management, anxiety, and body image
• High School (15–18): Academics (56%), relationships (50%), stress from career and money (33%), and faith (28%)
• College Students (19–22): Money (45%), work relationships (38%), academics and friendships (34%), career planning (23%), family (21%)
• Young Adults (23–35): Work (34%), money (33%), career (30%), and family concerns (27%)

Stress is a universal experience among respondents, but its sources evolve with age. Younger respondents are more affected by school and social pressures, while older youth face financial, career, and relational responsibilities. Notably, stress from faith and identity emerges in adolescents, signaling inner struggles alongside external ones.

1.2.3 Key Areas of Stress

Outlined below are summarized explanations of the specific areas in which respondents encountered challenges:

• Identity: Self-acceptance, body image, expressing identity in relationships
• Faith: Spiritual doubts and conflicts, struggle to live out faith under pressure
• Relationships: Poor communication, loneliness, conflict, social media pressure
• Peer Pressure: Comparisons with peers or family expectations
• Family: Illness, unmet expectations, financial strain, household demands
• Academics/Career: Exam pressure, unclear career paths, limited opportunities
• Workplace: Burnout, toxic environments, difficult colleagues or supervisors
• Money: Budgeting, inflation, job instability, rising costs

1.2.4 Mental Well-Being

Although only 7.3% of respondents rate their overall mental health as below average, 81% report experiencing specific mental health challenges, particularly among college students and young adults. This distinction suggests that many respondents experience mental health challenges while still perceiving their overall mental health as average or above average.

The elementary/junior high group is the only exception, with none reporting any current mental health issues. This finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size in this age group. (See Table 4). 

Note: Self-harm is reported by a small group—7% of college students and 3.5% of young adults—an important signal to monitor closely.

The sharp increase in reported mental health issues after early adolescence suggests that older adolescents and young adults may encounter greater psychological challenges during transitional life stages. Anxiety emerges as the most frequently reported concern across all older age groups, indicating it may be a primary driver of emotional distress. The rise in depression, social anxiety, and learning disorders among college students and young adults highlights that academic, social, and transitional stressors may contribute to mental health problems.

1.2.5 Physical Well-Being

While physical health does not show a strong association with life satisfaction, it is encouraging that 76% of respondents rate their physical health as above average. Among this group:

• 82% exercise at least once weekly
• 70% report minimal sleep issues
• Of those reporting minimal sleep issues, 95% indicate sleeping at least five hours per night, though this is still below the recommended duration for most age groups.

These findings indicate that consistent habits—particularly regular exercise and sufficient, restful sleep—may help youth maintain strong physical health. Compared to the greater variability in mental and emotional well-being, these physical health routines appear more stable and consistent across respondents.

1.2.6 Summary

Stress and mental health challenges increase with age, particularly after early adolescence, with anxiety emerging as the most prevalent concern among older youth. Stressors shift developmentally from academic and social pressures in younger adolescents to financial, career, and relational challenges in older youth. Physical health remains relatively strong and stable, supported by consistent habits such as regular sleep and exercise. These patterns highlight the importance of age-appropriate interventions, including mental health support, life skills training, and nurturing environments in family, school, and community settings to promote emotional resilience and overall well-being.

2. Treatment & Support

2.1 Access to Professional Mental Health Treatment

While 81% of respondents report experiencing mental health challenges, only 12.5% are receiving medication, and 8.9% are working with a mental health professional. Notably, 43.8% of respondents express a desire for professional support but have not received it, and 12% are still on a waiting list. Nearly 30% are uncomfortable seeking professional help at all.

These findings point to a substantial gap between mental health needs and access to treatment. This gap underscores two important priorities: improving connections between youth and appropriate mental health services through targeted referrals; and providing effective educational resources to help young people and their families feel more comfortable seeking support when needed.

2.2 Support & Help-Seeking

Despite limited professional treatment, 75% of youth report that they would seek help when facing stress or problems. However, a notable portion (24.5%) prefer to handle difficulties on their own. Help-seeking patterns differ across age groups, with younger participants leaning more on family and faith, and older groups turning increasingly to peers (see Table 5).

Additional Notes:

• Only 11% of young adults report turning to youth/fellowship leaders
• 0.9% each report seeking help from a pastor or generative AI tools

Help-seeking becomes more peer-oriented with age, while reliance on parents decreases. The notable proportion choosing to handle issues alone signals a potential barrier worth exploring. These trends highlight the need for church communities to foster safe, trusted, and accessible support environments where young people feel comfortable seeking guidance. 

2.3 Coping Mechanisms

Youth use a mix of healthy and unhealthy coping strategies. Encouragingly, regular physical activity and connecting with others are among the most common positive methods across all age groups.

• Elementary/Junior High: Mainly positive methods like setting goals (60%), connecting with others (60%), and regular physical activity (40%), but 60% also procrastinate.
• High School: Mixed strategies, with avoidance (44%) and emotional eating (28%) appearing more. Positive strategies are still present, though less frequent: goal-setting (33%), connecting with others (28%), and physical activity (22%).
• College Students: Majority use positive strategies like exercise (52%), spending time in nature (50%), and relaxation (43%), though some engage in procrastination (14%) or isolation (16%).
• Young Adults: Similar to college students; 46% exercise regularly, but 20% engage in emotional eating, and 4% use substances.

Note: Substances included alcohol, cigarettes, sleeping pills, and recreational drugs.

Approximately 10% of respondents report frequent or daily use of alcohol or drugs to cope with stress or mental health challenges: 

• Young adults make up 62% of this group, followed by college students (29%) and high school students (9%).
• 67% of this group report experiencing above-average stress. 

Overall, youth report using a combination of healthy and unhealthy coping strategies. Younger students tend to rely more on constructive approaches, while older groups show an increasing mix of both positive and negative strategies. While many young people demonstrate resilience through positive self-care practices, a significant portion continue to rely on avoidance, emotional eating, isolation, or substance use. These data highlight a need to strengthen emotional regulation skills, healthy coping strategies, and supportive intervention pathways.

2.4 Summary and Considerations for Further Research

Access to mental health treatment and support appears limited for many youth in this sample, despite widespread emotional challenges and a strong desire for help. While family, peers, and faith continue to serve as important sources of support, particularly for younger youth, reliance on professional care is low, and a significant portion of young people manage stress on their own or through unhealthy coping strategies. As youth age, support networks become more peer-focused, while support-seeking from parents and faith leaders declines.

These findings highlight the need for further research into why youth are uncomfortable seeking professional mental health support. The consistent percentage choosing to handle issues alone signals a barrier worth exploring. The relationship between substance dependence and loneliness or social anxiety, as well as the use of generative AI as a support tool, are topics worth further study.

3. Relationships

3.1 Satisfaction in Relationships

Overall, 72% of respondents report above-average satisfaction in their relationships with family, friends, and others. Younger age groups, particularly elementary/junior high and high school students, show the highest relational satisfaction (see Table 6).

Interestingly, relational satisfaction remains high even among age groups reporting substantial conflict, suggesting that youth may distinguish between overall relationship value and specific relational tensions.

3.2 Conflicts in Relationships

3.2.1 Conflicts with Parents

Conflict with parents increases with age in this sample, becoming highly prevalent among college students and young adults.

• Elementary/Junior High (11–14): Only 40% report conflicts—mostly quarrels and general family tension
• High School (15–18): 61% experience conflicts, with common issues being poor communication (33%) and lack of parental availability (17%)
• College (19–22) & Young Adults (23–35): 95% in both groups report parent-related conflicts. Top concerns are:
  
  • Poor communication (43% / 28%)
  • Disapproval of lifestyle (34% / 34%)
  • Parents too busy (29% / 30%)
  • Difficulty setting boundaries (29% / 21%)
  • Frequent quarrels (27% / 14%)

These findings indicate that as youth move toward greater independence, parent–child relationships may experience increased strain. The data highlight the need for improved communication skills, support for boundary-setting, and guidance for families navigating changing roles, particularly during the transition into adulthood.

3.2.2 Advice for Parents

Across all age groups, respondents offer clear suggestions to improve parent-child relationships:

• Be a good listener: A top suggestion, especially among older youth (57% of young adults, 45% of college students)
• Give more freedom and trust: Especially from college students and young adults, with 50% and 41% respectively asking for more trust
• Don’t judge: Emphasized by elementary/junior high (20%) and high school (28%) students

As young people mature, their need for autonomy grows, but so does their desire to feel heard, respected, and supported by their parents.

3.2.3 Conflicts with Peers and Others

Across all groups, trust issues are the most commonly reported conflict:

• Elementary/Junior High (20%)
• High school (17%)
• College (43%)
• Young adults (31%)

Other common interpersonal challenges:

• Peer pressure: Reported by 22% of high school students, 38% of college students, and 26% of young adults
• Burnout and stress: Noted by all older groups (up to 30% in college)
• Jealousy/competition: Affects junior high (20%), college students (23%), and young adults (24%). While this is not the top conflict for the senior high, 17% of them still experience cliques/exclusion.
• Conflict Resolution: Notably among college students (27%) and young adults (18%)

Interpersonal conflict is present across all age groups, with trust issues emerging as the most common challenge, particularly among college students and young adults. As youth mature, they report increasing difficulties related to peer pressure, burnout, and emotional strain, reflecting the growing complexity of social relationships and expectations. Feelings of jealousy, competition, and exclusion also affect a substantial portion of respondents across age groups.

3.3 Summary

Overall, respondents report high satisfaction with their relationships, particularly in younger age groups, indicating that family and peer connections remain important sources of support. However, this general satisfaction coexists with meaningful relational challenges. Parent–child conflict increases notably with age and appears related to communication difficulties, differing values, and growing autonomy needs. At the same time, peer-related challenges—especially trust issues, peer pressure, and emotional strain—become more prominent as social networks expand.

These findings underscore the need for intentional relational support across developmental stages. Strengthening communication, empathy, and boundary-setting within families, while equipping youth with trust-building and conflict resolution skills, may help sustain healthy relationships and promote long-term emotional well-being.

4. Faith & Spirituality

4.1 Spiritual Engagement

Over 56% of respondents report an above-average relationship with God. Among this group, 84% report high life satisfaction, and 79% indicate a strong relationship with their church community.

These findings point to a meaningful link between spiritual engagement, life satisfaction, and communal belonging. While the data do not establish causation, they indicate that youth who perceive their relationship with God as strong tend to report higher overall well-being and stronger church connections.

4.2 Church Attendance and Involvement

Church attendance and involvement vary across respondents (see Table 7).

Although a majority attend church services and/or fellowship gatherings in some capacity, relatively few are deeply involved or actively serving. This highlights an opportunity for churches to create more accessible and meaningful pathways for young people to engage more deeply.

4.3 Support Received from Church Communities

Respondents note that their religious communities provide various types of support (free-form responses):

• Spiritual Support: Worship spaces, pastoral care, prayer, faith-building activities
• Emotional and Moral Support: Encouragement, guidance, comfort, safe environments
• Practical Support: Financial aid, educational events, volunteer opportunities, and cultural activities

These responses indicate that churches are perceived not merely as worship spaces, but as holistic support systems, particularly during periods of stress, spiritual questioning, or personal development.

4.4 Support Youth Wish to Receive

Respondents also express a strong desire for additional forms of support (free-form responses):

• Connection: Peer discussions on tough topics, safe social spaces, mentorship
• Spiritual Growth: More prayer spaces, religious teaching, and evangelism tools
• Inclusion and Respect: Non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and inclusive environments
• Support Services: Help with mental health, financial needs, emotional care, and counseling
• Development Opportunities: Leadership training, job preparation, and life skills workshops

These findings indicate that young people are seeking churches that are relationally safe, spiritually formative, socially inclusive, and practically supportive as they navigate through life.

4.5 Spirituality & Personal Faith Practice

Some respondents share thoughtful reflections on their personal spirituality. They express a desire to prioritize their relationship with God and trust Him for direction in their lives. At the same time, some acknowledge moments when they struggle to maintain this focus, which contributes to stress.

Common spiritual practices include:

• Attending church and youth fellowship
• Reading the Bible and spiritual books
• Prayer, meditation, and journaling
• Listening to sermons, hymns, and Christian music
• Volunteering and participating in retreats
• Exercising with a spiritual mindset

However, a small number of respondents appear to interpret the question more broadly, reflecting on emotional states or self-perception rather than spirituality.

Overall, these findings indicate that families, churches, and youth leaders can support young people by encouraging consistent spiritual practices and helping them navigate challenges that distract them from their faith.

4.6 Summary

Spiritual engagement in this sample is positively associated with life satisfaction and church belonging. While many respondents report a meaningful relationship with God and some level of church participation, fewer are deeply involved or serving, highlighting potential areas for growth in discipleship pathways.

Youth recognize churches as sources of spiritual, emotional, and practical support, yet they also express a desire for greater connection, mentorship, inclusion, and life-skills development. This reflects a generation seeking faith communities that integrate spiritual depth with relational authenticity and real-world guidance.

Encouraging consistent personal faith practices, fostering connection, and creating supportive environments for honest dialogue may strengthen both spiritual development and overall well-being among young people.

5. Community Involvement & Future Aspirations

Over half of respondents (55%) report heavy involvement in their communities, with young adults comprising 60.4% of this engaged group. This indicates that a substantial portion of young adults are actively contributing to their communities despite work and life responsibilities.

5.1 Community Engagement

These findings highlight that young people, particularly young adults, represent an important resource for community development and leadership. Creating structured and accessible opportunities for engagement may further empower them to make meaningful contributions.

5.2 Aspirations and Dreams

While not all respondents share their aspirations, 72% express dreams across multiple areas:

• Spiritual Life: Growing in faith and engaging in church
• Career Goals: From educators and entrepreneurs to artists and public servants
• Personal Growth: Seeking purpose, joy, and self-discovery
• Relationships: Desire for meaningful family and social connections
• Health and Wellness: Prioritizing mental and physical well-being
• Material Stability: A stable life with financial freedom, travel, and recognition
• Global Impact: Contributing to peace, equality, and social good

These aspirations span spiritual, personal, professional, and social dimensions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of young people’s hopes for the future. The breadth of these goals reflects both ambition and an awareness of life’s interconnected domains.

5.3 Support Needed to Achieve Aspirations

In response to the question, “What resources or support do you need to make your dream a reality?”, respondents identify several forms of support:

• Relational Support: Encouragement from family, friends, and church communities
• Emotional Resilience: Stress management, positive mindset, and discipline
• Mentorship: Guidance in life, faith, and career development
• Practical Resources: Financial assistance, job training, internships, and education
• Well-being Support: Access to healthcare, time management tools, and exercise
• Social Infrastructure: Stable government, community programs, and safe environments

These responses highlight that youth understand that achieving their aspirations requires more than personal motivation. They recognize the importance of an ecosystem that supports them emotionally, relationally, financially, spiritually, and structurally.

5.4 Summary

Young people in this sample are both active contributors to their communities and individuals with broad and meaningful aspirations. Over half report heavy community involvement, with young adults representing the majority of those engaged, demonstrating a willingness to give back despite competing responsibilities.

At the same time, youth aspirations span spiritual, personal, professional, and social dimensions. Youth not only articulate ambitious goals but also identify the relational, emotional, and structural supports necessary to achieve them.

These findings underscore the value of holistic investment in youth through mentorship, emotional support, career development, and spiritual formation. Helping them realize their aspirations requires not only practical resources but also creating environments—within homes, schools, churches, and communities—that nurture their potential and affirm their long-term growth.

Conclusion

This survey provides a snapshot of the well-being, relationships, faith, and aspirations of young people connected to faith communities. While most respondents report positive levels of life satisfaction, mental health, and physical well-being, the findings also reveal significant challenges that warrant attention.

Stress appears to be nearly universal across all age groups, and mental health challenges, particularly anxiety, increase substantially with age. Despite this, access to professional mental health support remains limited, and many respondents continue to rely on informal networks or manage difficulties on their own. Relationships and community play a central role in youth well-being, with family and peer connections serving as important sources of satisfaction even as conflicts and communication challenges increase with age. Faith emerges as a meaningful protective factor, with stronger spiritual engagement linked to higher life satisfaction and deeper church connection, though active service and deep involvement remain relatively uncommon.

These findings point to several practical priorities for churches, families, and youth-serving organizations: strengthening mental health awareness and referral pathways, equipping young people with communication and coping skills, and fostering deeper discipleship, mentorship, and leadership opportunities within faith communities.

While the sample is not representative of all youth populations, the patterns observed offer useful guidance for those working in Christian youth and young adult ministry contexts. Future research with broader and more diverse samples would help validate and extend these findings.

Supporting resources to be provided soon!