Gen Z: From information to encounter

Generation Z has access to more information about Christianity than any other generation.

In my experience, serving among students in México for more than 15 years, and then more widely in Latin America and beyond with IFES, I see less resistance to Christianity today than when I was in university more than 20 years ago.

But the questions students ask today are not only about understanding faith; students want to see the Christian life in action and test its connection with their desire for goodness and coherence.

So, at a time when many members of Gen Z are overloaded with digital info about Christianity – ranging from AI and TikTok to YouTube – how do we move young people from mere information (and info overload about Christianity) to godly wisdom and an encounter with Jesus? I believe there are three key elements in this journey.

1) Community

For youth to “see and taste” the Christian life, it's important that they participate in and contribute to communities that both proclaim and live out the gospel.

We live in a highly individualistic society, and we need to acknowledge the impact this can have on the Christian faith – something that is particularly true in the West, but has repercussions in the whole world.

Young people need to engage in the messiness and beauty of living communally and resist the temptations of an individualising faith that is not capable of seeing others. This basic but profound truth is most appealing to students who struggle with loneliness, mental health issues, and so much uncertainty about life.

Walking alongside youth today requires much of us, because we are reminded that we are also disciples who have questions, struggles, as well as expectations and joy. We are challenged to open our lives and let others in.

2) Encounter with others who are different

Gen Z has access to a wide array of information, but many lack personal encounters, which are what form us as human beings. Students are sometimes scared to encounter differences, and feel uncomfortable moving beyond what they know.

Here is where we can offer something unique: as the church, which is a global body with a long history, we can challenge students to learn from brothers and sisters from other places and times.

For example, we know that in the Majority World, Christians learn and live faith in very different situations. In Latin America, Christian students often face challenges that push them to seek wisdom and discernment in the face of corruption, violence and poverty, so they may continue to follow Jesus faithfully. So, a way to help students is to invite them to learn a bit about the history of people, situations, or places, which may spark new thoughts on issues.

We accompany them as they move from information to conscious listening. We expose them to other realities and invite curiosity.

If we do this, we invite a change of posture. We are not only consuming information, but we are also inviting listening, reflection, and curiosity.

3) Biblical wisdom

Developing wisdom requires time that Gen Z is not necessarily used to giving (or receiving), because digital technologies are predicated upon quickly and readily available answers. Wisdom is developed in learning and walking the ways of the Lord.

I believe that faith formation for this generation needs to explore ancient Christian practices of prayer, reading of the Scriptures, contemplation and the rediscovery of liturgies. Wisdom invites a different rhythm which acknowledges that we live before God and that that truth has direct implications on how we are to love others who are next to us or in another part of this globalised world.

The gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our wisdom, is ours to learn, share, and live by. And the pursuits of Gen Z invite us to recognise that we need to rediscover a more holistic faith; a spirituality that connects with the emotions, with the body, and the whole self, as well as with the world in all its beauty and brokenness.

For this, we need wisdom. We are invited to ask for wisdom and also to recognise that Biblical wisdom is about how we live, and about the decisions we make. As James writes: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3v13).

Community, encounter, and wisdom – these are not programmes to implement, but postures to embody throughout our diverse contexts.

We invite you to explore our new podcast and the other resources we are developing, to shape ministry with and for Gen Z, at ifesworld.org/gen-z.