Gen Z & JC: Introducing the Next Generation to the Gospel

A teen girl at my church recently said to me, “In my generation, it’s not OK to be OK…something has to be wrong with you if you want people to accept you. You can’t just be like, ‘I’m fine, really.’ You have to say how anxious or depressed or oppressed or whatever you are.”

Although she’s just one of seventy million Zoomers (between age 12 and 27) in America, this teenager’s experience is far from unique among her peers. Many young people these days are seeking community and identity by emphasizing their struggles and grievances. It’s hard to explain how extreme a reversal this trend represents when compared with times past, in which being strong, self-sufficient, and independent was typically preferable, while openly vulnerable, needy, anxious people tended to be more harshly judged. What this trend portends for Gen Z’s future remains to be seen.

Like every generation before them, Zoomers have come under intense scrutiny from their elders. From their problematic tech addictions and short attention spans to their apparently questionable work ethic and occasionally irksome political correctness, Gen Z has no shortage of perceived shortcomings.

Despite all this, I believe Gen Z has potential to become the sort of revolutionary blessing from God that our country so desperately needs. Recent studies have shown that Zoomers value authenticity of conviction (walking your talk), inclusivity, and social responsibility. They represent the most ethnically diverse, socially transparent, and technologically savvy generation in American history, and if enough Gen Zers manage to channel their passion in the right direction, they truly could change the course of history for the better. In order for this to happen, however, I believe Gen Z will need to experience a spiritual awakening of historic proportions.

So, what’s it going to take for Gen Z to experience such a revival? Only the Holy Spirit can do that. But until He does, I believe there are some things we Christians can do to help clear the way. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Show COMPASSION for their CONCERNS

Perhaps more than any prior generation at the same life stage, Gen Z is deeply anxious about the future. It’s really not hard to understand why. Throughout their most formative years, they’ve had front-row seats to one major social disruption after another: Covid, BLM protests/riots, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, January 6th, October 7th, pro-Palestine protests, and more. Seven out of ten Zoomers are deeply concerned about climate change, six out of ten believe they will never be able to buy a home, and more than four in ten Gen Zers are depressed and/or clinically anxious.

I suppose it could be easy for older generations to dismiss Gen Z’s concerns as a result of being emotionally fragile and/or perpetually online, or as the overly-anxious machinations of still-forming, young minds, but I believe that would be a mistake for two reasons. First, because even if an anxious person’s fears are objectively misplaced, dispassionately dismissing their fears will only serve to make them feel even more anxious and isolated.

Secondly, I believe it would be a mistake for the rest of us to dismiss Gen Z’s fears because many of their concerns are demonstrably valid. In fact, I would argue that, to some extent, biblical Christians of every age should share many of the Zoomers’ concerns. Issues like government overreach, political divisiveness, racial inequalities, care for God’s creation, and the sanctity of human life are all profoundly biblical, so it shouldn’t be a stretch for Christians to show compassion for Gen Z and the stressors that keep them up at night.

A little compassion would go a long way as we seek to engage in more meaningful conversations with teens and young adults.

2. Be CLEAR about our CONVICTIONS

Most Christians have no problem expressing our point of view. We tend to be more politically informed and outspoken than the at-large population, and this has led to many positive changes in America’s past. It should not be forgotten, for example, that the American abolitionist movement was spearheaded by outspoken followers of Jesus. Christians who are unashamed to articulate what we believe – and WHY we believe it – have a long history of doing great things in Jesus’ name.

In times past, for example, Christians made their case against slavery not only by saying “Slavery is evil and wrong, period, and anyone who disagrees with us is evil and wrong,” but also by articulating WHY slavery was (and always has been) out of step with God’s design for human beings.

Consider, for example, these statements issued by Christian abolitionists of the past:

These great men of faith went to great lengths not only to voice what they believed, but why they believed it. In doing so, they managed to persuade many others to join their cause and put an end to the heinous evil of the transatlantic slave trade.

I believe that modern Christians would do well to pay attention to the strategy employed by our faithful forebears. Many believers today are as quick as ever to share what we believe about any and all controversial, Culture War topics, but as best as I can tell, we aren’t quite as adept in sharing our “why”.

Most non-religious people know that Christians tend to be pro-life, for example, but how many of them know why? In the absence of a clear explanation, people will come up with their own explanations for the pro-life position we hold. “Christians aren’t really pro-life,” some have said, “they’re just anti-abortion…and anti-women.”

But what if we were clearer about our convictions? What if the world knew that Christians aren’t simply anti-abortion – and certainly not anti-women – but pro-humanity, pro-people of color, pro-mothers, pro-babies, pro-families, pro-love, and pro-life, from womb to tomb? And what if they knew that our basis for holding these convictions is our belief in a God who creates every human being in His image and loves every single soul?

This issue is just one example of many that we could consider. The greater point is simple: if more Christians went to greater lengths to share not only WHAT we believe but also WHY we believe it, I’m convinced that we’d have more fruitful conversations with others – especially with Zoomers.

3. Find COMMON GROUND and CONNECT

You’ve probably heard all the negative rumors about young Americans, but when it comes to Gen Z, I’m optimistic. Are they overly anxious and perpetually online? Yes, of course. But I, for one, remain cautiously optimistic about America’s largest generation. Could their deeply felt anxieties and authentic social concerns one day lead them into the arms of Christ? Absolutely.

I believe the Church of Jesus Christ and the Word of God hold the truest answers to the deepest questions that many Zoomers are asking today. All we have to do is to start the conversation by meeting them where they’re at. For example, I’ve seen Gen Zers come to faith in Christ by way of a personal invitation to church mission trips, singles’ mixers, and small groups (as opposed to the more traditional invitation to Sunday morning church services).

Christians today face a rare opportunity to impact a new generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reaching Gen Z won’t be as complicated or as difficult as advertised. By showing compassion for their concerns, being clear about our convictions, and finding common ground for real connections, I believe we can open the door to more life-changing conversations with teens and young adults.