The Truth About Gen Z
Over the past year I have worked hard to educate myself on the generation I minister to. Being a millennial myself, I knew that not every opinion or fact about Gen Z would be positive, but I wanted to make sure I was completely prepared to understand their unique view and position in this broken world.
At first glance, the research for Gen Z seems frightening. They are natives to a world that is increasingly driven and connected to cutting edge technology and they are struggling more than any other generation when it comes to depression and anxiety. Both males and females of Gen Z are prone to pornography use, and they are said to be the most accepting of gender fluidity and alternative lifestyles. Upon reading these facts, I became convinced that these were the problems I needed to teach on and refute and help them battle with the word of God, but when I actually got to know them and did a little more research, I changed my mind.
One of the most obvious trends when it comes to Gen Z is their desire for authenticity. In a world where you can fake almost anything online and you can present yourself in whatever light you desire, authenticity is rare. It was from this realization that I came to believe what Gen Z needs more than anything else is to look up from their phones or from social media and see the authentic body of Christ. The Gospel is the most authentic story in the universe. It has made it through 2000 years of various generations, and even the worst of those have not been able to stop its spread.
If you want to join me in helping minister to Gen Z, you can start by examining the authenticity of your walk with Christ. This generation needs to see Christians who love each other through hard times, who follow the commands of God, and who practice what they preach. Sadly, many in this generation will leave the church because they heard the good news and the commands of the Lord, but never saw them carried out.
I love this generation. They have weaknesses like all of us, but I believe that their search for authenticity, if it is genuine, will ultimately lead them to a risen Savior. Please join me in the time-honored Christian tradition of loving God and loving others.
Romans 12:9-12 – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”