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Reaching All Generations With The Truth
Reaching Gen Z with the Absolute Truth of God’s Word:
A Call to Share the Eternal Message In a rapidly changing world, where social media trends, technological advancements, and cultural shifts often redefine values, one truth remains unchanging: God’s Word, the Bible. As Christians, we are called to pass on this truth to the next generation, ensuring they experience the transformative power of God’s message.
Psalm 145:4-9 beautifully captures this responsibility: "One generation shall praise thy works to another and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty and wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of their great goodness and sing of their righteousness. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy."
Understanding Gen Z: A Unique Opportunity Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is marked by curiosity, digital savviness, and a hunger for authenticity. They live in a world of information overload but are keenly aware of the gaps in meaning and purpose left by secular ideologies. This generation yearns for truth that transcends temporary trends, and as Christians, we have the opportunity to present them with the timeless, unshakable truth of God’s Word. Declaring God’s Mighty Acts Psalm 145:4 reminds us that faith is generational: “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”
Reaching Gen Z requires us to tell the stories of God’s faithfulness from Scripture and our lives. Sharing personal testimonies, recounting biblical miracles, and highlighting God’s hand in history allows young people to see how His greatness transcends time. Speaking of His Majesty and Compassion In verses 5-8, the psalmist proclaims God’s glorious majesty and His abundant mercy: "I will speak of the glorious honor of thy majesty and wondrous works... The LORD is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." Gen Z’s emphasis on compassion aligns with the character of God described here. Highlighting how God’s Word calls us to love others and show mercy resonates deeply with their values. At the same time, pointing them to the source of this love—God Himself—anchors their passion in eternal truth rather than fleeting ideologies.
Practical Steps for Reaching Gen Z
Leverage Digital Platforms: Gen Z spends much of their time online. Using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to share Scripture, create engaging content, and tell stories of God’s greatness ensures the message reaches where they are. Encourage Real Conversations: Be willing to listen to their questions and doubts. Gen Z values authenticity, so open and honest discussions about faith are essential. Model a Living Faith: Actions speak louder than words. Let them see the transformative power of God’s Word in your life. Demonstrating grace, compassion, and integrity provides a tangible example of God’s truth in action. Create Community: Gen Z desires connection. Church groups, Bible studies, and service projects tailored to their interests can foster a sense of belonging while grounding them in God’s Word.
Singing of His Righteousness Psalm 145:7 calls us to “sing of [God’s] righteousness.” Worship through music, art, and creativity resonates deeply with this generation. Encouraging them to express their faith in ways that utilize their unique gifts bridges the gap between ancient truth and contemporary culture.
Conclusion: A Gracious God for a Searching Generation Gen Z’s hunger for authenticity and purpose is an open door for the gospel. As we declare God’s mighty acts, speak of His majesty, and model His compassion, we fulfill the call of Psalm 145:4-9. Let us intentionally reach this generation with the absolute truth of God’s Word, knowing that His message is as relevant and transformative today as it has always been. The Lord’s mercy and grace extend to all generations, and we are privileged to carry His truth to the next. May we embrace this mission with passion and faithfulness, trusting in the power of God’s Word to change hearts and lives forever.
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Who Do Gen Z Trust to Teach Them More About Jesus?
Who Do Gen Z Trust to Teach Them More About Jesus? Insights from Barna Research
As the U.S. continues to witness a generational shift, the landscape of faith and belief is changing dramatically. Barna Research's latest data, part of The Open Generation: United States report, provides a deep dive into how Gen Z views Jesus and who they turn to for spiritual guidance. The findings shed light on Gen Z's curiosity about Jesus and their challenges when understanding His teachings.
The Generational Shift: A Decline in Christianity Among Gen Z
Barna’s research indicates that while Gen Z holds positive views of Jesus, such as seeing Him as trustworthy, caring, and a source of hope, these perceptions don’t always translate to a personal commitment to Christianity. The sharp decline in Christian identification begins early in adulthood, with two-thirds of U.S. teens (65%) and nearly half of young adults (48%) identifying as Christian. However, a significant gap remains between identifying as Christian and committing to follow Jesus.
Barna has long distinguished between nominal Christians—those who identify as Christian but haven’t made a personal commitment to follow Jesus—and committed Christians, those who have made such a commitment. In the U.S., about 32% of teens are categorized as committed Christians, with 33% considered nominal Christians. Notably, 44% of Catholic teens and 58% of Protestant teens are identified as committed Christians. These statistics highlight a need for deeper engagement with Gen Z, particularly in helping them make a personal commitment to Christ.
Curiosity About Jesus: Three Questions of U.S. Teens Wanting to Learn More
Despite the challenges, there is a bright spot—Gen Z’s interest in Jesus. A striking 77% of U.S. teens desire to learn more about Jesus throughout their lives. This curiosity isn’t confined to those who have already committed to following Him. Even among teens who identify as non-Christian or unsure about who Jesus is, over half express a willingness to continue exploring His life and teachings.
However, the question remains: Where do these teens turn when they want to learn more about Jesus?
The Trusted Sources: Family, Scripture, and Self
According to Barna’s research, U.S. teens overwhelmingly trust religious texts and their households as primary sources for learning about Jesus. These sources rank higher than social media, the Internet, friends, or influencers. This finding underscores the influence of family and scripture in shaping Gen Z's spiritual understanding.
However, there is a notable trend among nominal Christian teens. After turning to scripture or family members, they quickly look inward, trusting themselves to guide their understanding of Jesus. Teens without a personal commitment to follow Jesus are more likely to rely on their judgment rather than seek guidance from pastors, church leaders, or other Christians. This poses a significant challenge for faith leaders, who must engage these teens in more meaningful conversations about Jesus.
Discipleship Opportunities and Challenges
Barna's data reveals an opportunity for faith leaders to invest in discipleship programs that offer guidance, mentorship, and community. While Gen Z is curious about Jesus, they are not always equipped with the tools or relationships to understand and follow Him. This gap in discipleship may lead nominal Christian teens to rely on their interpretations of Jesus’ teachings.
As Barna’s CEO, David Kinnaman, notes in the report, "Having a spiritual mentor is one of the strongest factors for helping young people develop a resilient faith—one that grows and sustains them over time and helps guide them toward meaning and purpose in life." The challenge is ensuring that these mentors—parents, pastors, or community leaders—are present and engaged with the next generation.
Moving Forward: Faith Leaders Have Work to Do
The trend of declining Christian identity among Gen Z is clear, yet their desire to learn more about Jesus is also undeniable. Faith leaders have a unique opportunity to meet Gen Z where they are, providing guidance and wisdom to help them navigate their faith journeys. By fostering strong, relational mentorship and ensuring that teens have access to trusted discipleship resources, the church can continue to reach the Open Generation with the message of Jesus.
In conclusion, although Gen Z faces numerous challenges in their spiritual lives, their curiosity about Jesus presents a hopeful starting point. By addressing gaps in discipleship and mentorship, faith communities can assist this generation in committing to follow Jesus—one that will influence their lives for years to come.
Data Source: Barna Research, The Open Generation: United States
https://www.barna.com/research/teens-and-jesus/
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