Black churches have been pillars of the community for generations, providing spiritual guidance and serving as centers for social justice, education and support. However, as the millennial and Gen Z generations increasingly disengage from organized religion, many Black churches are struggling to fill the pews.
A Pew Research Center study reveals that 28% of Black Gen Zers and 33% of Black millennials identify as religiously unaffiliated, compared to just 11% of Baby Boomers. Despite this trend, young pastors and church leaders are determined to reignite the spiritual passion of the younger generation.
Pastor Ahmed Ajao of Dominion City Houston understands the challenge all too well. Born and raised in a strict Muslim family, Ajao’s spiritual journey led him to Christianity during his college years in New York.
Ajao’s path to the Christian faith was unconventional; he found himself drawn to the joy and peace his peers exuded. This experience ignited a passion in Ajao to share the life-changing power of the gospel with others, leading him to eventually establish Dominion City Church in Houston in 2017.
“Anytime you find something that works, something that gives life, you want others to know about it,” Ajao said, reflecting on his mission to bring the gospel to Houston. “Some people in Houston need Jesus and God’s life and love. People feel neglected and rejected, so I came to Houston – to reach those people.”
However, Ajao acknowledges that engaging the Black community, especially young people, has been difficult.
“I had to learn that people need relationships. Especially in the Black community,” he says. “If there’s no relationship, bringing people into the church is very hard.”
Ajao’s wife, Pastor Adannia Ajao, also highlights the importance of personal connection. When they first met, Adannia didn’t know Ahmed was a pastor.
“Typically, when people find out you’re a pastor, they either run away or start pretending they’re living a holier life than they are,” she said. “But Ahmed focused on building a genuine relationship first, and it wasn’t until later that I found out he was a pastor. By that time, I was already interested in the kind of life he was living.”
This approach has proven effective in breaking down barriers and allowing spiritual conversations to happen more naturally. Adannia became more open to attending church after witnessing Ahmed’s transformation.
“It’s about letting people see the change in you, not just telling them they need to change,” she said.
In addition to relationship-building, Black churches leverage technology and social media to reach younger audiences. Dominion City Houston, for example, has built a vibrant online community where young people can engage with the church’s teachings, ask questions and find support.
“We love the community we’ve built online,” said Adannia. “It allows us to connect with people who might not step into a physical church but are searching for something more in their lives.”
Faith leaders like Pastor John D. Ogletree III, Senior Pastor at First Metropolitan Church in Houston, have firsthand experience engaging with youth and young adults throughout his ministry.
“This generation is one of the most spiritually aware I’ve ever communicated with,” Ogletree said. “They’re very perceptive. They can tell who’s being sincere and who’s not. While they may not be firm on a particular practice, they are spiritually open.”
To reach younger audiences, Ogletree focuses on the importance of relational evangelism—meeting young people where they are and building trust through personal relationships.
“Evangelism begins when someone decides to start living their faith practice openly,” he explained. “They play football with me, they’re in the band with me, and as we build a relationship, I become someone who can impart wisdom into their lives.”
But bringing them in is just the beginning. Retaining young people in the church requires ongoing discipleship and transparency. Ogletree believes honesty about successes and struggles is the key to maintaining youth engagement.
“The word that has been transforming for me is transparency,” Ogletree said. “Young people today, especially in this cancel culture generation, are going to dig deep. They want to know what you’re teaching and who you are. Being authentic and open about your triumphs and failures builds a trust bond, enabling deeper discipleship.”
What are Black millennials saying?
Dorcas Abotchie is part of the welcome committee at Dominion City Houston. She recalled how, in the past, sharing personal struggles in church often led to gossip rather than the support she sought.
“In older churches, when you tell someone your problem, it spreads like wildfire to help you, but you realize that intention doesn’t manifest. It’s more so they delight in spreading your pain,” she said.
This betrayal of trust led her and others to step away from church as a place of healing. However, she has found solace in a place where people are more reserved yet genuinely supportive when approached for help.
“That’s one thing that is bringing me back to church, knowing that there are people who care. If you reach out, they won’t spread your problems,” she says.
Abotchie says the key to re-engaging young people is showing unconditional love without judgment or an agenda.
“Just love them, even if they are not living according to what you think is right. Just love them,” Abotchie urged.
She also emphasized the importance of practical support, helping others in need regardless of their religious affiliation.
Houston residents Jiro and Oghenemine Notomajefia enjoy going to church to find a safe space for people to build community, a sense of belonging and support. However, lately, they’ve noticed a trend of young people leaving church due to the traditional mentality of many religious leaders.
“People that are heavy on religion more than spirituality tend to easily find fault in others,” Jiro says. This can create an environment that feels judgmental rather than supportive, potentially driving young people away from the church.
“Instead of helping them grow, they’re quick to beat them down,” she added.
Oghenemine shared this sentiment, noting that many people, especially young adults, need encouragement and guidance rather than criticism.
“Most people need mentorship and guidance from within the church,” he said.
When the Defender asked what churches can do to attract more young people, Jiro and Oghenemine offered practical suggestions.
Jiro advocated for more youth-focused discussions, noting that “many people have questions that they don’t know who to ask.” Creating safe spaces for teens and young adults to explore their faith, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue could make church more relevant and accessible to them.
Oghenemine suggested that churches organize more events specifically aimed at young people. These events could provide opportunities for fellowship, learning and fun, helping to build community and keep young people engaged with the church. “Some events that can help the teens” would be beneficial, he said.
Onyi Egbuna, president of the Youth Adult Fellowship at The King’s Palace in Katy, has been a church member since its inception 18 years ago. The biblical teachings and strong sense of community keep her coming back.
“The teachings are biblical, so I’m able to grow more in my faith and connection to God,” she said. “There’s also a great level of accountability and community of people I can have as mentors and friends.”
The church’s approach to engaging young adults goes beyond traditional services. Egbuna highlighted how her pastors, Pastor Tunde and Sade Badru, have been instrumental in ensuring youth are actively involved in various aspects of church life. From being part of the choir and ushering to participating in the church’s music and sports academies, young people at The King’s Palace are given numerous opportunities to express themselves and develop their talents within a supportive environment. The church even hosts its podcast for young adults, providing a platform for them to discuss issues relevant to their lives and faith.
Reflecting on what churches can do better to attract young people, Egbuna stressed the importance of three key elements: faith, fun and fellowship. She believes maintaining a strong biblical foundation is essential, but so is providing activities that resonate with young people’s interests and fostering a sense of belonging within the church community.
“Our church started very small, but it has grown to be quite a big church,” she said. “Something we’ve never left behind is that feeling of fellowship and community and not making anyone feel left out.”
