Reaching Gen Z
Christi Lynn | VP of Communications and Engagement, ACSI
If you are working with high school or college students, you are reaching the next generation called Gen Z. This is a critical time because 59% of young Christians disconnect permanently or for an extended period from church after age 15. As those who serve this amazing generation, we must stay connected to these digital natives so that despite the post-Christian society they face, they will continue walking in the truth (3 John 1:4).
First, we must understand them
Gen Z can be defined as being born around 1995–2015, give or take a few years. They have never known a time of living off-line without a device, and because of instant access to information, they research and question things, often simultaneously as visual multitaskers. While this might build capacity to process creating great learners, this generation also faces challenges such as shorter attention spans and an overwhelmingness no other generation has faced.
Second, we must relate to them
In this “you do you” generation, many fall prey to relational counterfeits that only God can fill. We have a wonderful opportunity to disciple the next generation to understand their identity in Christ as an image-bearer of God. We can provide deeper meaning by teaching how to know and glorify God offering belonging by being rooted as a child of God.
There are some strategies that Christian apologist Tim Barnett offers course participants as ways to relate to Gen Z:
- Share your story about your relationship with Christ or life situations you’ve faced.
- Enter their world by showing up for their events or just spending time with them.
- Be a good listener using simple questions to hear how you can pray for them.
- Mentor someone in this generation, helping them to grow in Christ.
- Have a conversation to show you care and build community.
