Engaging the Next Generation: Strategies for Connecting with Gen Z and Alpha (Part 1)
If you’ve spent time with a teenager, you may have gotten lost in the conversation. With slang words that are hard to keep up with, big emotions, and social drama, you may find yourself avoiding them altogether. But engaging with the next generation is precisely what Scripture calls us to do. Look at these verses in Psalm 78:
“I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
-Psalm 78:2-4
Those older and further in the faith are called to tell the next generation of God’s goodness and love for them. So, how do we do it?
Let’s first break down who the “next generation” includes, starting with Generation Z. Gen Z was born between 1997 and 2009 and is currently around 16-28 years old. Since we’re just focusing on youth, Gen Z includes the high schoolers in your church. After them is Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024, and the oldest is 15, or your middle schoolers. Research finds that Generations Z and Alpha have several defining characteristics. Remember that the generation years are social constructs, and while these characteristics are generalizations, they can be helpful as we consider some differences between our varied generations and how to connect and engage with these groups.
(The characteristics below come from various sources, including Barna, GWI, and a youth ministry training conference I attended.)
Characteristics of Generations Z & Alpha and What We Can Do About It
1. They value authenticity.
Today’s teenagers have so much fake content thrown at them for hours on end. While they scroll TikTok and Instagram, much of what they see is curated and “perfect”, especially now with the progression and prevalence of AI, which is why they value authenticity. The once-popular app “Be Real” arose from this desire - to see people’s real life in real time, rather than over-edited and filtered content.
>> So what do we do? Be authentic!
Teens are not looking for “cool” leaders who know what their slang words mean or dress on trend; they’re looking for authentic ones. They are very good at spotting fakes; Gen Z has seen the fall of many prominent pastors, and they’re not interested in someone who pretends to have no flaws. So be you and be genuine. Share your joys and struggles (within reason). Look them in the eye, listen well, and pray for them. They want to know what’s real. Help show them.
2. In their view, morality is subjective.
“Live your truth.” “You do you.” “I love that for you.” I’m sure you’ve heard these phrases from teenagers. The idea that morality is subjective and that there’s no moral objective truth has been widely endorsed and pushed on our teens to believe and accept. They’ve been told that there could be multiple avenues of faith and that what’s good for me might be different from what’s good for you.
>> So what do we do? Refocus on Apologetics, the Gospel, & being Rooted in the Word
Teens need to understand that Jesus isn’t one of many options. He’s the only way! They need to understand the Gospel and the tenets of the Christian faith enough to share about them. Don’t assume teens in your church know the Gospel, even those who grew up in the church. They may say they know it, but it’s likely they cannot articulate it clearly if asked.
Let’s teach them apologetics and theology and help them understand the foundations of our faith. Let’s teach them how to share the Gospel in simple ways so they’re ready when a friend asks them about their faith. Let’s encourage them to read and know their Bible so they are rooted in Scripture. Deconstruction is a real issue plaguing many people’s faith, and we don’t want that for our teens as they age.
So consider these questions for reflection: How is my church equipping students in apologetics and evangelism? What resources can we put in their hands so they feel better prepared to share the Gospel with their friends? How are we encouraging them to root themselves in the Word?
If your church would like resources on how to reach the next generation in these areas, don’t hesitate to contact me. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share more characteristics about Generations Z & Alpha and how we can better engage them to see God’s Kingdom advance.
Renee Ghobrial is the Youth Ministry Director for the Baptist Churches of New England.