Reflections on Gen-Z

 

One of my favorite things about summer has been connecting with different ministry partners and family that I don’t normally get to spend much time with. I feel so blessed to be able to serve on campus on behalf of so many amazing people like you. Thank you so much for enabling me to serve and bring the Kingdom to these college students, and thank you so much for all your prayers, they really do make a difference!

Summer FOCUS!

A common thread I noticed in some of my meetings over the summer was the question of what is Gen-Z like? What is their stance towards to Gospel? What about all these stats we hear coming out about them? What about their views on this issue or that issue? These questions are usually framed with a bit of an undercurrent of worry for Gen-Z (and maybe a bit of worry for the world at large). With so many people wondering about this new generation, I figured I’d take this opportunity to share some of my reflections on and the hope that I have in Gen-Z as someone who spends the majority of their time ministering to them.

As someone who spends a lot of time around Gen-Z, I understand these worries. The depression, anxiety, and self-harm rates amongst Gen-Z are startling to say the least. I get to see the mental health struggles up close on a daily basis. I see the impact social media has had on how they relate, how they often feel unseen and unwanted unless they stand out in some way or get enough likes. I see the worry and anxiety about their future that seems to be far more than in generations past. I see the lack of optimism, and instead swathes of realism and an odd amount of jadedness for such young people.

All that said, I have more hope than worry for Gen-Z. I love them dearly and think that they are a generation that could drastically change the world to look more like Jesus. In the Jesus Revolution Movie there is a line that describes the hippie movement of the 60’s and 70’s, and I don’t know if I’ve heard a more accurate description of Gen-Z. It goes “I know we must seem pretty strange. But if you look a little deeper, if you look with love, you’ll see a bunch of kids that are searching for all the right things, just in all the wrong places… How do I describe my people? They are sheep without a shepherd.”

That quote brings tears to my eyes, because that is how I see Gen-Z. They want so desperately to belong somewhere, and for all their friends to be welcomed too. What better place to belong that in the church? They worry that they are not enough, that they don’t matter. But Jesus died for them, not because they proved their worth, but because of His love for them. They do matter and are loved by the one that knows them best. They are worried about the future. Jesus is coming to make all things new and works for the good of those who love Him.

There is so much potential in Gen-Z. While I see why people can be worried, I am far more excited than I am worried. I can’t wait to see what God does with the young people of this day and age. I’m reminded that every generation has been worried about the one that follows, but in every generation God is faithful. I could and would love to talk about these students forever, so if you have any thoughts or questions I’d love to talk!

Thank you again for letting me be part of God redeeming the young people of our world. Darby and I are trying to raise $1000 more a month in order to pay for all the expenses that will come with our new baby in October and childcare so that we can stay on campus full-time. It would mean the world to us if you would think and pray about even a minor increase in what you give. If all of our partners increased their giving by 15% we would reach our goal! If you aren’t able to increase but know of someone who would be encouraged by hearing about what we do, making that connection could be a huge way to help as well! Once again thank you all!