Generation Z is the “Prove It” generation because they’ve witnessed a series of failures and weaknesses in our world and in our nation’s institutions. They have stepped into adulthood right in the midst of unstable times. Their skepticism doesn’t simply come from a poor attitude or laziness, it comes from their experience of witnessing cracks and collapse in the systems which previous generations assumed could ensure a reliable future.
As the Church, we need to understand where this generation’s skepticism comes from and that the ways the Church ministered effectively in previous generations won’t be digested the same by this generation.
What is Real?
There’s a big difference between understanding and conviction. You can teach a young person how to understand a concept, but they may not hold a true conviction about it. Conviction is essentially being “convinced of something.” You can share truth as a concept and people will understand that concept, but that doesn’t mean they will be convinced in their heart about it.
Generation Z wants to see what’s real in order to be convinced. They value what is genuine over what’s polished because they’re not impressed by what’s polished anymore – they see fake polished content daily. When we minister the Gospel to Gen Z, they can easily detect who is putting on a polished show and who is actually speaking from their heart.
We must learn to connect with Gen Z genuinely out of the heart and avoid beating around the bush with many words. We need to get to the point and heart of the matter. I believe this is why people like Charlie Kirk reached so many young people – he was bold enough to speak the truth without decorating his words.
Leading By Example
Words only go so far, whereas leading by example is much more effective in proving to someone what you truly believe. People are not just taking your words as truth, they are examining you to see if you live what you preach.
Church, it’s time to stop living a life of faith as a concept or head knowledge, and start living it through our action. Our lives are a living witness and testimony of Jesus, not just our lips. When we live out our faith every day, moment by moment, it naturally influences those around us who are impacted by it. In the book of James, we’re instructed to live such a life of faith with works:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17
They’ve Already Seen Failures Demonstrated Enough
I talked to a minister recently who shared a story of a young Gen Z male he was counseling about getting his girlfriend pregnant. This minister brought up the idea of marriage as an option and the young man responded, “Marriage? That’s still a thing?”
Generation Z has witnessed an exhaustion of failed marriages and even failed churches. They have witnessed movements of congregants leaving churches due to spiritual abuse or others leaving Christianity through the deconstruction movement. They have seen the culture of putting on a performance on Sundays, but living a different lifestyle Monday through Saturday. They have seen news stories of adultery and sex scandals in megachurches and by well-known leaders.
What really catches their attention is to see a strong marriage or family. Or to see Christians who live their faith with a fearless boldness and conviction even in the face of adversity. To see Christians who are genuine and real in their lives through their actions. We can be a witness to Gen Z by first having a genuine faith in Christ which walks out that faith in our lives daily.
Bold Truth & Action
To reach Gen Z when need to share a Gospel of Jesus which pairs bold truth with action. It is no longer enough to give a good speech and a good sermon without the action and living example to back it up. For too long the Church has been a conceptual and philosophical ministry. I believe we’re entering into a new season where God is going to lead His ministers to sharing a Gospel in a bold way that is more real and genuine to the younger generations so that they will truly know Jesus and the reality of God’s goodness. That they will see it in action and experience it.
May the goodness of God’s love and faithfulness reach all generations through the power of the Gospel.
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.Psalm 100:5