In previous blogs, I have highlighted some important new research on the Gen Z population (those born between 1999-2015) given to us by the Barna Group and Impact 360 Institute. They paint the portrait of a new generation that struggles with their own identity, swims in an ocean of moral relativism powerfully influenced by social media and YouTube, and often hides behind devices (phones, tablets, etc.) rather than connect directly with others in interpersonal ways. Today, we look at another central element that defines this culture: ANXIETY and how the Church can disciple them. Gen Z “screenagers” have never felt secured financially, emotionally, or sexually in their lives, and this reality gives the Church a wide-open door for effective discipleship to them.

In their helpful books, Gen Z (Impact 360 institute) and Barna Trends 2018 (Barna Group), the authors remind us that this generation does not recall the events of 9/11, but they felt the effects of the 2008 economic decline that saw major shifts in the Stock Market and in real estate values throughout the country. They felt these effects as they experienced the toll those declines took upon their parents and how these added stresses affected their family’s finances when they were children. The normal “safety catches” seen in previous generations were not present in their generation, and their consequences produced an underlying sense of uncertainty and doubt about the future.

Overlaid on this sense of insecurity is the realization that they have never known a day when this country has not been at hostility with other nations (Syria, North Korea, Iran, China, Russia) or at war with other contentious militant groups (ISIS, El Qaida, Hezbollah, etc.). They feel the ongoing effect of a world where “peace on earth” is only a song sung at Christmas, but something not genuinely enjoyed. This becomes only more pronounced when you add to this dynamic the vast numbers of school shootings, church shootings, mass public shootings (Las Vegas, etc.) to the equation. What you find is a young culture that lives with deep anxiety, uncertainty and fear.

Another area that contributes widely to the great anxiety that this generation feels is their shifting views and understandings about sexuality and gender identity. I will cover this topic in another blog.

With these realities (and many more) present in Gen Z, how can we reach and disciple them? The authors of these good resources offer some helpful thoughts and I’ll pitch in a few of my own:
1. So much of their identity and view of life is based on relationships (or the lack of them). If we want to reach this generation, we must pursue authentic, genuine, caring relationships with them. This takes T-I-M-E.
2. Relationships with time will earn us proper occasions to challenge their views on issues and to inject meaningful truth that can influence and persuade them. They are looking for answers, and oftentimes those answers come from the wrong sources (the moral relativism, pragmatism, and sensualism from TV and social media). Discipleship to Gen Z’ers means giving solid reasons for the truth of the Christian reality, and why God designed this world the way that he did.
3. Challenging them (within the context of your relationship with them) to “think-through” what they believe is critical for a Gen Z’er. For too long, they have been entertained, given watered-down explanations, and been sheltered to the extent that they can’t understand why human depravity acts the way it does, and why the gospel of Christ’s work is such good news. Solid discipleship that shows how and why Christianity is true, real, and different from other belief-systems will go a long way in producing Gen Z’ers who are grounded in their identity and in their standing among others.

Next blog: Discipleship in a Gen Z culture that struggles with sexual identity