Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, were born between 1997 and 2012, during the internet advancement period. This was exemplified by the rise of social media such as Facebook and YouTube in the early 2000s, as well as WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok much later. In short, this generation can be called the connected generation. Most of them believe that the world is one big interconnected community.
Challenges and Gospel Opportunities
Generation Z are more aware of the world than all previous generations. From this, we can glean a few of its defining characteristics to help us understand how to reach out to them with the Gospel.
- No ethnic barriers: Since they believe that the world is an interconnected community, the idea of being defined by race or tribe is essentially pointless to them. The previous generations of leaders, both in churches and the government, have sadly been defined by tribal and racial lines for a long time. In the New Testament, we can see several ethnic tensions such as Jews vs Romans (Matthew 22:15-22; John 19:1-22), Samaritans vs Jews (John 4:5-30), Jew vs. Greek (1 Corinthians 1:22-23), Greek Jews vs Hebrew Jews (Acts 6:1-3, clean Jews vs unclean Jews, sinful Jews vs. pure Jews, Pharisees vs Sadducees, rich vs poor, men vs women. Gen Z has transcended most, if not all, of the ethnic barriers. This Gen Z dynamic presents an excellent opportunity for the Church to raise ministers of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:12) and leaders who appreciate diversity and can become anything to anyone to win many to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22).
- Highly empowered: Another trait of Gen Z is that they are highly educated and progressive. They are well versed not only in matters of their country but also globally. You will find them online commenting on issues concerning African countries and the world at large. Because of this, the Church must raise Biblically upright ministers who can answer tough theological and life questions. The place of fellowship can easily be undermined by a lack of equipped ministers who will address the needs of their congregants (Hebrews 10:25).
- Aggressive and assertive: Gen Z will confront matters of concern to them without mincing words. While the millennials tend to be more careful and diplomatic in expressing their views, especially with the elders, Gen Z will speak out rather than suffer in silence. Here is another challenge to the youth ministry workers: engaging this generation while modelling a Christ-like lifestyle by identifying with them instead of being aloof, as some preachers tend to be. They should follow Paul’s example, who could come to the level of everyone he needed to minister to (1 Corinthians 9:22).
- Internet savvy: While the millennials were the first of the newer generations to live in the Internet age and can remember life before social media very well, Gen Z are the first fully digitally literate lot. They basically grew with smartphones and social media. Most of them generate income from online engagements since they live in an era where the internet is highly commercialized. Some of them showcase their hobbies through the internet as they express their views on what is happening in society. The Church ought to open its doors to these young people and give them a platform to utilize their talents and skills for the progress of the Kingdom of God through online content.
- Challenge economic and political narratives: Gen Z were born during the first El Nino and the bomb blast in 1997 and 1998 respectively; difficult times those were. Different governments have come and gone, with many unfulfilled promises and dashed hopes. As Proverbs 13:12 says, hope deferred makes the heart sick. The recent protests among Gen Z in Kenya did not start with the financial bill. They were due to pressure accumulated over time. The bill was the last straw that broke the camel’s back. The challenges have heightened making people even more bitter. The prosperity gospel has made many lose property to rogue pastors in churches. Such atrocities have caused many Gen Zs to lose faith in the Church. There is a need for the Church to focus on the only true Gospel, especially while ministering to Gen Z. They can bear the hard truths that come with it; falsehood would be repulsive to the authentic people most of the Gen Zs are.
- The problem of fatherhood: Most Gen Zs have sadly grown up in families with an absent father. Because of this, many of them don’t have regard for authority. In light of this, there is a great need for the Church to strengthen the family unit and encourage people to pursue godly marriages. Most Gen Zs are also known to fear marriage. It should be clarified that marriage is a beautiful thing instituted by God (Genesis 2:18-24), meant to work God’s way and within his boundaries.
- Sexuality struggles: Talks, such as Ben 10, Mama Wa Harrier, sponsors, LGBTQ, etc., have featured a lot among the Gen Zs. Most will entertain such inappropriate relationships to attain financial security and portray a flamboyant lifestyle for social media approval. Many will do anything to get money and show off their glamorous lives.
Churches can consider the facts given above to understand where the Gen Zs are and offer them much-needed help even as they reach out to the young people.
Preaching to the Gen Z
The truth is that Gen Zs are in search of authentic connections. In a world full of fakes, may the Church be a beacon of truth to the Gen Zs. To be this, the Church would do well to point them to the only authentic Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Gen Zs are walking away from churches in droves because they are beyond programmes and concerts meant to psych them up. For a long time, seeker-sensitive churches have shot themselves in the foot by applying pragmatism instead of abiding by the dependable word of God. The only way to attract and sustain Gen Zs in the Church is by presenting them with nothing but the bare Gospel. Only when the Church stands firm in the unshakeable word of God will the Holy Spirit do what he does best in the hearts of Gen Zs (Ezekiel 36:26).
