Trends suggest Gen Z is simultaneously experiencing revival and retreat. How can churches be the front line for reaching the next generation? Carey Nieuwhof recently released a video discussing five disruptive trends in the church , which included some sobering statistics. The first trend Nieuwhof highlights is that Gen Z is simultaneously experiencing revival and retreat. I generally agree with his assessment. An encouraging statistic from Barna shows two-thirds of Gen Z are highly or moderately spiritually open.
This level of spiritual openness should motivate us to engage more young people with the gospel. Nieuwhof correctly points out that being open does not automatically translate to an embrace of Christianity. This makes the moment even more urgent. The research also shows a drop off in spiritual openness between Gen Z teens and Gen Z adults. If we miss this window, the chance to connect with them later diminishes sharply. If the majority of people come to Christ before the age of 30, why is most of our evangelistic focus on reaching people after 30?
Youth ministry is not a junior varsity calling. College ministry is not the B team. These leaders are on the front lines of the battleground for the next generation. We need our best resources and best troops where the battle rages hottest. Satan knows the next generation is strategic. When will more churches wake up to this reality? That leads to the bad news. And according to EveryCampus.
There are far more churches in the world than college and university campuses. Most campuses have dozens of healthy churches within striking distance, yet students remain largely unengaged.
Many churches are launching local church sponsored college ministries and using a variety of effective models and methods. Coaching ministries like Elementum , Campus Multiplication Network , and Via Students can help equip local church collegiate ministries to thrive with various types of networking and training opportunities.
