Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, presents the church with new challenges and opportunities. Gen Z is wrestling with the same basic questions as earlier generations: Who am I? Where do I belong? What difference can I make? The gospel offers answers to these questions, but parents, mentors and the church itself need to change their approach to make them relevant to Gen Z.

For Gen Z, the digital world is an essential part of life. On average, they spend 37 hours a week in front of screens, and smartphones often serve as a substitute for in-person encounters. Influencers and digital creators have a big influence on teenagers, and the flow of information is immense. This flood of information can be overwhelming, but Gen Z also has a great thirst for knowledge and an interest in people of different generations.

Issues facing Generation Z

Some of the main issues Gen Z is dealing with:

  • Mental health: overload from digital influences, pressure to perform, depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Global issues: climate change, natural disasters, wars and more; they take in these issues unfiltered through social media
  • Gender questions: the question of gender identity
  • Sexuality: access to pornography and the variety of sexual orientations and forms of relationships portrayed in the media

What does this mean for the church of tomorrow?

These issues present the church of tomorrow with new challenges. To stay relevant, it has to be present both offline and online. The church has the opportunity to create authentic, in-person encounters where different generations come together. It can connect global issues with the Bible and offer perspective and hope. At the same time, the church has to be digitally fit and able to have an influence in the digital world.

The future of the church lies in its ability to adapt to Gen Z’s needs while holding on to its central message of love, community and hope. The church has to be present in both physical and digital spaces to show these young people that they are loved, that they belong to the community of Christians, and that they can take part in God’s story and help shape it.

More inspiration and resources

A good starting point for churches that want to open up to Gen Z is to work with Christian influencers and organizations on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. There are also books on Gen Z and digital media, as well as apps that make it easier to access the Bible and prayer.

A Christian voice on Instagram and YouTube on Gen Z and digital media:

Practical tips for reading the Bible with Gen Z:

Book tip on Generation Z

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Dr. Anna Lembke (Dutton)

English version: October 2026