"...We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done" - Psalm 78:4b 

WHO IS GEN Z?

Gen Z is the generation category for those born from 1999 to 2015. According to studies, this generation currently constitutes the most significant percentage of the country's population, surpassing American Baby Boomers, who held the majority for nearly 50 years. 

Gen Z is the first generation to have been exposed to innovative technology and social media from birth. According to Barna, 57% of kids and teens look at screens four or more hours per day; 26% spend eight or more hours on their devices. That's an entire workday! 

This generation only remembers the 21st Century. 9/11 is a historical event for many of them because they were not born yet. This generation hasn’t grown up with a cell phone, but rather a smartphone. They are digital natives. 

WHAT'S INFLUENCING GEN Z?

Since Gen Z grew up in tech, they have been disciplined by their smartphones, social media, YouTube, and Google. 

“Barna's research shows that this young generation – whose top priority is attaining happiness and financial success – is willing to ask difficult questions about the meaning of life. The study reports that the rise in moral relativism, or the lack of a solid ethical code, arises more from confusion about truth than an actual rejection of it.” - Kim Hurtado (BSF Research Analyst) 

So, this generation is not necessarily rejecting the God of the Bible; they just generally know little about Him. 

LET'S SHOW COMPASSION

Studies have shown that Gen Z is the most anxious generation in history. It's alarming that the #1 word college students use to describe their life is Overwhelmed! Why? Because they have been exposed to every school shooting, war, and terrorism since they were eight years old. They are bombarded with social pressure from social media. They want to fit in, yet stand out. They are exposed to instant access to pornography. Sexual pressures and issues are overwhelming, and the gender confusion and the questions they ask are happening earlier and earlier. They're receiving mixed messages from the media, schools, and the government. They're not sure what to believe! 

If we are to influence this generation for Christ, we must follow what the Lord did in Jeremiah 31:3b, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." We must embrace this generation, get close, listen to them and love them with a lot of compassion, patience, and care. We must engage, not only with our minds and theology, but also with a humble heart, free of judgment. We must be honest and willing to say, “I don’t know all the answers. But I know that I love you. Let’s search for the answer together.” 

YOU ARE NEEDED 

Here at Liquid Church, we have a multi-generational church. That means we need to intentionally raise mentors (older adults) who can successfully pass on their wisdom, influence, and experience of walking with the Lord. We also need men and women who are willing to step up to serve as mentors to the next generation. 

Recent studies show that Gen Z is the most spiritually open generation alive today. They long to be mentored by authentic believers who can handle hard questions and show them how justice, compassion, and God's love for the poor and marginalized fit into a life of faith. 

The Apostle Paul was a mentor to a young adult named Timothy. Paul (old-gen) wrote this letter to Timothy (next-gen) in the faith. In 2 Timothy 2:1, Paul writes, "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Our hearts beat with a passion for seeing a generational transfer where the baton of faith is successfully passed from one generation to the next. God has a specific purpose for each generation. 

The onus is on us to transfer faith to the next generation! Will you answer the call? Visit LiquidChurch.com/Expo to learn how you can help pass the baton of faith to the next generation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• EXPO: Are you ready to help pass the baton of faith to the next generation? Ready to take the next step, learn more and get in on what God is doing at Liquid? click here.  
• MESSAGE: For the entire message from Liquid Church's "Jesus & Gen Z," click here.
• ARTICLE: Brave: How Gen Z can change the world - To learn how every Gen Z student is just one caring adult away from God-given potential, click here.