What are Gen Zers looking for when it comes to hearing the good news proclaimed? How can we meet them where they are at when they’re faced with the gospel? How will this shape how you proclaim Christ?
A study conducted by the Barna Group between the months of December 2020 and January 2021 found that when Gen Z connected with a faith-based talk, the most important thing they were looking for was that they felt a personal connection to God. This was the top thing that GenZ was looking for, much like Millennials, but at a higher rate 48% vs. 37%. The second most essential outcome for them was that they “found it applicable to their life.” This was about the same as millennials (32% vs. 34% respectively).
GenZ’s emphasis on relationship is good news for us at Young Life; we are a highly relational ministry! That’s what we’ve always been about. On top of that we’ve always focused on the “person of Christ.” So, we are poised to speak in ways that are effective. I love how Darrell E. Hall puts it in his book, Speaking Across Generations: “Charisma does not matter as much to Zers. Being relational does. It’s possible to be a charismatic personality without being a relational person. Zers would prefer their preacher be a relational person than a charismatic personality.”
The Big Idea: According to Gen Z, What Makes a Good Talk? That it’s Highly Relational!
What does this mean for us?
- As you plan a club talk or campaigner lesson, ask yourself: Which aspect of Christ’s relational nature am I highlighting? E.g., Authenticity, Faithfulness, Safety, Inclusion, Comfort, etc.
- Are you building the relational equity necessary to be heard? In other words, are you earning the right to be heard before you give a club talk or a campaigner lesson?
- Open up to Luke 8:40-56. How many relational adjectives can you use to describe Jesus?
- Sit down with your next club talk. What is the core relational truth you are talking about?
- Listen to a club talk. Can you identify the relational theme?
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 