The latest demographic to become adults — or, we could say, the youngest adults in the world today —
are known by the moniker “Gen Z,” for Generation Z. Roughly this encompasses young people born
between 1997 and 2012. The first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age.
They’re also, sadly, a generation experiencing intense angst and hopelessness. More than a third of Gen Z rate their mental health as “poor” or “only fair,” higher than any other generation. More than half say they feel anxious every day.
Their anguish is real and has real causes — they’re the first ones to grow up with social media as a daily reality; the Surgeon General of the U.S. has issued an advisory about the destructive impact of social media use on mental health.
Further, these are the young people whose formative school years of high school or college were defined by a global pandemic that killed millions and disrupted not only the traditional milestones of education but also pushed them further into living their lives online.
They’ve also come of age and entered the workforce at a moment when what used to be very attainable goals of one full-time job, a family, and home ownership are beyond their financial means due to inflation and high interest rates that price much of Gen Z out of the housing market. No wonder they feel pressured and unmoored.
Sadly, the Church has not been able to help the broad majority of Gen Z find their foundation in serving and loving God.
But here’s the good news: Gen Z’ers who read their Bibles frequently are Scripture-engaged and rate 8/10 for human flourishing — as high as any other generation and higher than Millennials or Gen X.
It’s clear that no matter the generation demographic, when you are engaged with God’s Word and in relationship with Jesus, you can flourish in your mental and emotional health and be a blessing to others. You can overcome stress and anxiety and find meaning, purpose, and hope in Christ!
For you and me, the issue then becomes: How do we engage Gen Z with the Word, lead them to faith, and build them up in discipleship? Some options to consider:
In the same vein, create a system where you or assigned members of your team do more than send an email or text to Gen Z to apprise them of events or activities, but actually phone them or meet up on a regular schedule for in-person communication. Online church is amazing, and we take full advantage of it at World Harvest Church, but in-person interactions are something Gen Z needs.
Worship that’s heartfelt and allows more people to participate may speak more directly to the soul of Gen Z. Teaching and preaching that’s raw and real rather than pre-packaged may not feel as professional to you... but it may strike a chord in a Gen Z heart.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, “Therefore whoever humbles himself like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility is what makes you great in God’s kingdom... and I think it also attracts Gen Z’ers who are tired of TikTok influencers and media stars. When they sense that you’re humbly offering them a path to communion with God, they’ll be more likely to accept the invitation.
I hope these ideas for ministry to Gen Z give you a starting point for reaching out to today’s newest adults and meeting them at their point of need with the love of Jesus.
Thanks for your dedication to building a healthy faith in all generations. Remember, you can find more resources and information on ministry opportunities at the City Harvest Network website. Visit today, and let’s build the Kingdom together!
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer
They’re also, sadly, a generation experiencing intense angst and hopelessness. More than a third of Gen Z rate their mental health as “poor” or “only fair,” higher than any other generation. More than half say they feel anxious every day.
Their anguish is real and has real causes — they’re the first ones to grow up with social media as a daily reality; the Surgeon General of the U.S. has issued an advisory about the destructive impact of social media use on mental health.
Further, these are the young people whose formative school years of high school or college were defined by a global pandemic that killed millions and disrupted not only the traditional milestones of education but also pushed them further into living their lives online.
They’ve also come of age and entered the workforce at a moment when what used to be very attainable goals of one full-time job, a family, and home ownership are beyond their financial means due to inflation and high interest rates that price much of Gen Z out of the housing market. No wonder they feel pressured and unmoored.
Sadly, the Church has not been able to help the broad majority of Gen Z find their foundation in serving and loving God.
- The Christian Post recently reported that Gen Z is the generation most likely to reject traditional morality: 66% agree it’s morally acceptable to do anything they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone.
- Only 21% of Gen Z affirmed the Bible as the guide for their personal morality.
- Gen Z is the lowest-rated generation on the scale of “Human Flourishing,” as defined by americanbible.org: They score 6/10.
But here’s the good news: Gen Z’ers who read their Bibles frequently are Scripture-engaged and rate 8/10 for human flourishing — as high as any other generation and higher than Millennials or Gen X.
It’s clear that no matter the generation demographic, when you are engaged with God’s Word and in relationship with Jesus, you can flourish in your mental and emotional health and be a blessing to others. You can overcome stress and anxiety and find meaning, purpose, and hope in Christ!
For you and me, the issue then becomes: How do we engage Gen Z with the Word, lead them to faith, and build them up in discipleship? Some options to consider:
- Make it personal. Although Gen Z prides itself on coming of age in a digital world and living life online, they do crave the personal touch. Face-to-face interaction is more precious to them perhaps because it is also rarer in their digital world. Get to know the Gen Z members of your congregation on a first-name basis, and make sure the leaders who interact with them do as well.
In the same vein, create a system where you or assigned members of your team do more than send an email or text to Gen Z to apprise them of events or activities, but actually phone them or meet up on a regular schedule for in-person communication. Online church is amazing, and we take full advantage of it at World Harvest Church, but in-person interactions are something Gen Z needs.
- Create some services for Gen Z (and young Millennials) that focus less on perfect production and performance and more on creating a space where everyone can be a personal part of the meeting. It’s wonderful and pleases God when we focus on the excellence of worship, teaching, and preaching... but when it looks and feels to Gen Z like a production rather than an invitation to God’s presence, they’re not open to it.
Worship that’s heartfelt and allows more people to participate may speak more directly to the soul of Gen Z. Teaching and preaching that’s raw and real rather than pre-packaged may not feel as professional to you... but it may strike a chord in a Gen Z heart.
- Keep the focus on God and how people can experience His touch. This is a truly crucial concept in today’s age of mega churches and celebrity pastors. Gen Z wants to know that spiritual solutions are available without all the hype.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:4, “Therefore whoever humbles himself like this little child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humility is what makes you great in God’s kingdom... and I think it also attracts Gen Z’ers who are tired of TikTok influencers and media stars. When they sense that you’re humbly offering them a path to communion with God, they’ll be more likely to accept the invitation.
I hope these ideas for ministry to Gen Z give you a starting point for reaching out to today’s newest adults and meeting them at their point of need with the love of Jesus.
Thanks for your dedication to building a healthy faith in all generations. Remember, you can find more resources and information on ministry opportunities at the City Harvest Network website. Visit today, and let’s build the Kingdom together!
Yours for the Harvest,
Dr. Rod Parsley
Founder & General Overseer