Chase Johnston, a South Florida native and former March Madness standout, is stepping away from basketball to pursue a career in ministry. Johnston, who set a national high school record at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, said he wants to work at a local church and possibly become a pastor.
A Growing Trend
Johnston’s decision reflects a growing trend among Generation Z, with many young adults returning to church. According to Barna Research, Gen Z now reports the highest rate of in-person church attendance of any generation. Young adults have increased their church attendance from just over once a month in 2020 to nearly twice a month in 2025.
For Johnston, this trend is deeply personal. “I want to help young kids and people who are lost and broken,” he said. Today, Johnston is serving in ministry and learning under church leadership as he prepares for what he believes is his life’s calling.
After years of hitting three-pointers in front of thousands of fans, Johnston hopes his greatest impact will come from a pulpit—guiding the next generation through faith.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
