Think about this! Most of GenZ were born after we all watched not one, but two planes crash into the Two Towers. They never saw the horrifying images of people running out of the towers and the heroic first responders running into the Twin Towers. They didn't watch as that massive iconic structure collapsed from the fatal terrorist attack on America on September 11, 2001.
Gen Z are technologically savvy, know how to use social media, and have a big interest in cultural and social issues. Their generation does not know life without having access to a smartphone and their social media platforms. Even before the pandemic, they were marked with the challenging issues of loneliness, anxiety, and stress. This generation of young people has been greatly impacted by what seemingly has become normal: masks, virtual learning, and isolation.
When governments around the world made a decision to close schools and ask students to learn on a screen, this affected more than one billion students across the world.
Do you remember what it was like for you when you were 16 years old? Well, we in youth ministry realize it is a very different experience today; but does the Church?
There is no question the past two years have stretched all of us. There have been moments of incredible frustration, confusion, and high anxiety for all of us. Even to the point of zapping our wills and bringing us to the place of almost breaking.
These times of uncertainty, anxiety and fear have greatly affected the lives of a sixteen-year-old sophomore in high school, an eleven-year-old just in middle school, or a six-year-old first grader.
We have learned over the past two years that at any moment our world can be disrupted. It would be an announcement by the President, the CDC, or your local school board.
At a time in life when GenZ should be learning in the school building, enjoying practicing and playing on sports teams, being involved in extra-curricular activities, and developing their social skills, it can all seemingly blow up and their world can and has changed so quickly.
There are times when it just feels like everything in our lives has been disrupted, dismantled, and destroyed. Despite the fact that we, as adults, have life experience to draw on, it can still be discouraging to us and leave all of us feeling helpless and with life a little out of control.
Here is an important question. "Will we, the Church - you, and I - fight for GenZ? Everyone is fighting for them. The media, politicians, and advertisers. But will the Church?
What does GenZ need?
They need to know they are loved! They need to know the Church can be trusted. They need to know the Church is real. They need to know that the Church's philosophy really works in the real world.
Regarding GenZ: is God challenging you and me to ignite the passion, purpose, and faith in a GenZer in your world?
Here is why!
Those in GenZ who are flourishing a lot in the faith life are more likely to say they are flourishing in other areas as well.
Check this out...from The State of Religion and Young People in 2021: Navigating Uncertainty
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Romantic Relationships - 43% to 16% who are not flourishing in faith
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Friendship Relationships - 59% to 32% who are not flourishing in faith
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Family Relationships - 63% to 21% who are not flourishing in faith
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Relationships with Adults - 52% to 13% who are not flourishing in faith
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Work - 45% to 13% who are not flourishing in faith
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Life at home - 62% to 25% who are not flourishing in faith
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Finances - 44% to 12% who are not flourishing in faith
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Physical Health - 44% to 16% who are not flourishing in faith
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Mental Health - 53% to 14% who are not flourishing in faith
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Social/online life - 54% to 25% who are not flourishing in faith
My friend, the Church is not the building you go to on Sunday. It is not the worship and teaching you get on your devices. No, the Church is us! God is calling us, to challenge in our congregations and those people in our sphere of influence to join us in igniting passion, purpose, and faith in a GenZer in our world.
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Dan Buschow is the executive director of Allies Ministries in Brooklyn Park, MN. Dan has a passion for mentoring GenZ! You can connect with him at www.alliesnet.com