Who Else Is Surprised by Barna’s Latest Gen Z Faith Report?

Who Else Is Surprised by Barna’s Latest Gen Z Faith Report? | Beyond The Youth Room • Ep. 55

Ellen Hembree • October 29, 2024

Who Else Is Surprised by Barna’s Latest Gen Z Faith Report? | Beyond The Youth Room • Ep. 55

Engaging Gen Z in Faith Conversations: A Youth Pastor's Guide

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As a youth pastor reaching Gen Z, understanding this generation's evolving beliefs and values is crucial for impactful ministry. Recent statistics on Gen Z's spiritual and social perspectives reveal surprising trends that challenge traditional outreach approaches. This post dives into insights from Barna’s Gen Z Volume 3 report to help youth pastors more effectively connect with and disciple today's teens and young adults.

1. Spiritual Openness Amid Church Aversion

Gen Z is more spiritually curious than in previous years, with 60% saying they’re more open to God post-pandemic. Many experienced a spiritual awakening, especially as the pandemic disrupted their lives, leaving them to reconsider where they place their hope and security. However, this openness hasn’t translated into church attendance—47% of Gen Z haven’t attended church in the past six months.

This generation's relationship with faith isn’t rooted in traditional church settings. Rather than focusing on “come and see” church services, youth ministries should prioritize a “go and tell” approach. They crave honest, relational conversations about faith, but not necessarily within the walls of a church. By fostering spaces for spiritual dialogue outside formal church settings, we can meet Gen Z where they are and engage them in ways that feel genuine and accessible.

2. Navigating Conversations on Gender and Sexuality

When it comes to gender and sexuality, Gen Z stands apart from previous generations. Over 20% identify as LGBTQ, and nearly half (45%) personally know someone who identifies as transgender. This cultural shift means that gender and sexuality questions are often central to their worldviews and interactions.

Interestingly, while the percentage of Gen Z identifying as LGBTQ has grown, their views on gender fluidity haven’t changed as much since 2016. In fact, 39% now believe gender is fixed at birth, up slightly from 37%. This polarization indicates that Gen Z is less confused and more divided on this issue than in previous years.

What’s clear is that they want guidance. Over half (51%) of Gen Z wish their church would offer clearer perspectives on gender, both biblically and practically. This presents a unique opportunity for youth pastors to provide compassionate, biblically grounded insights on gender and sexuality and to equip young believers to navigate these conversations thoughtfully and lovingly.

3. Building Bridges Across Differing Beliefs

Gen Z is notably open to conversations with people who think differently from them—74% are willing to discuss faith with those holding different beliefs. This willingness is crucial for youth ministry, especially in an era where over a third of Gen Z feel distant from organized religion.

To connect with this generation, youth pastors must emphasize respectful, compassionate dialogue. Training students to speak the truth in love, particularly with peers of different faiths or identities, is essential. Instead of trying to win arguments, we can help Gen Z see evangelism as an opportunity to build relationships and share personal stories of faith.

4. Providing Hope and Stability

One of the greatest needs for this generation is stability amid societal upheaval. The pandemic disrupted Gen Z’s foundations, and many felt alone and uncertain during that time. Despite increased access to information and diverse worldviews, they’re longing for a solid foundation.

Youth ministries can meet this need by emphasizing the reliability and compassion of God’s Word and helping students build strong, healthy relationships with both peers and mentors. By fostering a supportive, trustworthy community, churches can be a stabilizing force in their lives, offering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Approach to Youth Ministry

The Gen Z Volume 3 report reminds us that reaching Gen Z requires empathy, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. They’re seeking authenticity, depth, and real conversations about faith. As youth pastors, we’re called to meet this generation’s questions with grace and truth, knowing that our role is to guide, support, and prepare them to live out their faith in a world of increasing complexity. Engaging them with patience and understanding will ensure that we’re not only relevant but transformative in their journey.

Understanding Gen Z's Spiritual Landscape: Key Insights for Youth Ministry

As youth pastors and leaders, we know the importance of staying connected to the spiritual needs of each new generation. Gen Z, known for its tech-savviness and unique social consciousness, is particularly distinct in their views and practices around faith. New research from Barna has uncovered insights into Gen Z’s religious trends, attitudes, and struggles—offering essential takeaways for youth ministries. Here are some highlights that can help guide how we engage and support today’s youth.

1. Moving Beyond "Come and See" to "Go and Tell"

In past generations, the "come and see" model of ministry worked well; teens would invite their friends to youth groups and events. However, Gen Z operates differently. Leaders need to shift to a "go and tell" approach, equipping students to share the gospel within their own circles. Teaching students to build relationships and have gospel-centered conversations is essential. By focusing on personal evangelism, youth ministries can better connect with students who may never set foot in a church otherwise.

2. Addressing LGBTQ Conversations with Care

Youth leaders frequently encounter teens navigating questions about identity, including those related to gender and sexuality. Barna’s research shows that Gen Z holds a wide range of views on gender identity and the LGBTQ+ community. In response, many leaders are choosing to balance Biblical teaching with relational ministry. A loving approach that seeks to maintain connections without compromising convictions is critical for impactful, gospel-centered discussions. Engaging in honest, grace-filled conversations can open doors for meaningful dialogue and growth.

3. Reaching Teen Girls: A Growing Challenge

One surprising trend among Gen Z is that, for the first time, young men are outpacing young women in church attendance. Traditionally, teen girls have been easier to reach and more likely to be involved in church, but that has shifted. Many young women feel conflicted by societal pressures to be "authentic" and "accepting," which can sometimes lead them away from the church. Additionally, young women experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts than their male peers, challenges that have been exacerbated by social isolation and pandemic-related struggles. Youth ministries need to create supportive spaces where young women feel seen, understood, and valued.

4. The Power of Prayer Among Gen Z

Perhaps the most surprising finding from Barna’s study is that prayer holds a uniquely high value for Gen Z, even among those who don’t regularly attend church or read the Bible. Sixty-four percent of Gen Z has prayed within the last week—a much higher percentage than those who read scripture or attend services. This openness to prayer presents a powerful entry point for ministry, as many teens see prayer as a genuine, personal expression of faith.

Youth leaders can leverage this interest by teaching practical prayer techniques, such as using scripture in prayer, guiding reflective conversations with God, and building personal prayer practices. Tapping into this spiritual habit can serve as a bridge to deeper faith and engagement in other spiritual disciplines, like Bible study and regular church involvement.

Embracing the Challenge and Opportunity

These findings present both challenges and opportunities for youth ministries. By staying flexible, culturally aware, and rooted in Biblical truth, we can better meet the unique needs of Gen Z. For leaders, it’s essential to model genuine faith, initiate honest conversations, and empower students with tools for their personal spiritual growth. Resources like Barna’s Gen Z Volume 3 offer valuable data to keep us informed, while community platforms for youth pastors provide support and insight as we navigate this ministry journey.

Let’s continue working together to support this generation in a way that not only reaches them where they are but also invites them into the transformative journey of following Christ.

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5 Warning Signs Your Youth Ministry Needs a Revamp

By Ellen Hembree • July 8, 2025

Is Your Youth Ministry Stuck in a Rut? Five Warning Signs It's Time for a Revamp Are you a youth pastor or leader feeling uninspired, overwhelmed, or just going through the motions? You're not alone. A recent Barna Group study revealed that only 16% of Christian teens in the U.S. have a strong understanding of their life's purpose connected to their faith. This statistic, combined with many leaders' struggles, signals a clear need for re-evaluation in youth ministry. This post will explore five warning signs that your ministry might need a revamp and offer actionable steps to turn things around. Think of these as dashboard lights for your ministry – ignoring them won't make the problems go away! 1. Your Students Don't Know the "Why" Imagine walking into your youth group and asking the average student, "Why do you meet?" What would they say? Would they talk about fun and friends, or a deeper mission? If the "why" isn't clear, students often feel like they're just "meeting until they graduate... then meeting until they die, move, or graduate." As Michael Hyatt says, "People lose their way when they lose their why." Action Steps: Set a Bold Vision: Clearly define the purpose and mission of your youth ministry. What is God calling your specific group to do? Communicate Constantly: Use visual reminders, consistent messaging, and empower students by handing them the mission. Don't just invite them; challenge them to own it. Secret Shop Your Ministry: Consider having trusted (even non-believing) individuals or teens from outside your group "secret shop" your ministry to get honest feedback on clarity and impact. 2. You're Not Excited to Go to Youth Group (and You're Not Sure Why) We all have off nights or exhausting weeks. But if you find yourself regularly dreading youth group without a clear reason, it's a red flag. This isn't about faking enthusiasm, but recognizing a deeper issue. Ryne shared a recent experience where focusing on tasks instead of connecting with students drained his excitement. Action Steps: Evaluate Your Life Holistically: Burnout often stems from imbalances. Examine your physical, emotional, relational, and financial health. Is ministry becoming an idol? Talk to a Trusted Mentor: Share your feelings with someone who can offer perspective and ask insightful questions. Schedule Vision Retreats: Take time away, even if it's just a few hours, to get alone with God, re-evaluate your calling, and plan for the next season. Resources like retreathood.com can help connect you with free retreat spaces for ministry leaders. Reflect: When was the last time you walked into youth group with passion instead of pressure? Has it become more of a job than a calling? 3. Prayer is a Last Resort, Not Your First Oswald Chambers famously said, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work." If you're constantly rushing through tasks and prayer becomes an afterthought, your ministry might be running on fumes instead of divine power. Action Steps: Study Jesus' Prayer Life: He modeled consistent, intentional prayer, even amidst intense ministry. Pray for Students by Name: Implement a system to regularly pray for individual students and specific schools or areas within your community. Make Prayer a Part of Your Ministry: Dedicate time during programs for collective prayer and teach students how to pray. Linger with the Lord: Beyond daily rhythms, seek extended times of prayer and communion with God. 4. You're Just Copying What Works Elsewhere Are you reacting to popularity or listening for purpose? While borrowing methods isn't inherently bad, exclusively copying other successful ministries without discerning God's unique call for your context can lead to an inauthentic and less impactful ministry. Ryne shared the "cutting the ends off the roast" analogy – doing things simply because they've always been done that way, or because someone else does them, can stifle true innovation and purpose. Action Steps: Ask "Why" for Every Activity: Go through your weekly activities and programs and genuinely ask why you do each one. Are they serving your unique mission? Embrace Your Ministry's Uniqueness: What is God uniquely positioning your church and youth ministry to do? Are you reaching an overlooked group or addressing a specific need in your community? Utilize Spiritual Assessments: Tools like the "four-tier assessment" can help you measure spiritual growth in your students. This helps determine if what you're doing is actually working and aligning with your goals, rather than just copying a trend. 5. You've Lowered the Bar Just to Keep Them Coming This warning sign manifests in various ways, from avoiding discipline with disruptive students to shying away from deeper biblical truths to attract more people. Lowering the bar not only alienates serious students but also communicates a lack of vision for growth. Just as you wouldn't use "baby talk" with a child forever, you shouldn't "dumb down" biblical truth. Action Steps: Define and Uphold Your Standards: Clearly articulate the behavioral and spiritual expectations for your ministry. Prioritize Growth Over Popularity: Focus on discipleship and challenging students to grow in their faith, even if it means a smaller initial attendance. Address Issues Directly: Don't avoid difficult conversations or disciplinary actions, as this can lead to a loss of respect from other students. If any of these warning signs resonate with you, it's a sign to pause, pray, and re-evaluate. Remember, God has a unique purpose for your ministry, and by addressing these areas, you can lead a more vibrant, effective, and fulfilling youth ministry. Which of these warning signs hits closest to home for you, and what's one small step you can take this week to address it?

5 Youth Ministry Myths YOU Probably Believe

By Ellen Hembree • July 1, 2025

Five Youth Ministry Myths Busted: Unpacking Hidden Assumptions for Deeper Student Growth Check out the podcast here . For years, many of us in youth ministry have held onto certain "truths" that seemed foundational. But what if these deeply ingrained beliefs are actually hindering the spiritual growth, leadership, and impact of our students? In this post, inspired by a recent discussion with Ryne , we're diving into five common youth ministry myths that might be negatively impacting your work and revealing the liberating truths behind them. Myth 1: Students are the Church of Tomorrow This is a common refrain, but it's a limiting one. While students certainly will lead the church in the future, the more critical truth is that students are the church of today . This isn't just about giving them roles; it's about recognizing the Holy Spirit's immediate work in their lives. As Ryne highlighted, there's "no junior Holy Spirit." A seven-year-old who trusts Christ has the same Spirit living within them as any adult. Think of King Josiah, who began his reign at just eight years old and became one of Israel's most faithful kings. Or consider Jesus's instruction to "let the little children come to me, for such as the kingdom of heaven." If our primary goal is to make disciples, and we know that most people make a decision for Christ during their youth, then investing heavily in kids and student ministry isn't just a good idea—it's essential for the church's health now and in the future. We need to equip them to be the church today, not just someday. Myth 2: You Need a Large Youth Group to Make a Difference Many youth pastors feel the pressure to grow their numbers, believing that a larger group equates to greater impact. However, this is a pervasive myth. The reality is that God moves through the faithful, not necessarily the large groups . The average youth group size is often cited as around 12—a number with some interesting biblical parallels! Think of the impactful stories of D.L. Moody and Billy Graham, both of whom were led to the Lord by Sunday school teachers with only a handful of students. David Livingstone, the missionary, saw only one convert in his lifetime of faithful service, yet his groundwork laid the foundation for widespread Christianity across Sub-Saharan Africa. God's increase may not always be visible in your lifetime, but faithfulness in the small things often yields exponential, unseen results. Myth 3: Students Need More Theology Before Being Used This myth suggests that students need to accumulate a vast amount of biblical knowledge or attend countless classes before they can truly live out their faith or share the Gospel. The liberating truth is: If they know enough to believe, they know enough to share. Consider the woman at the well, who immediately went to tell her town about Jesus after their conversation, or Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, whose encounter in a chariot led to the spread of the Gospel in Ethiopia. Even the slave girl who told Naaman about Elijah—she had "bad theology" in the sense that it was God, not Elijah, who could heal him, yet her simple faith led to Naaman finding God. When students are encouraged to share their faith, even with incomplete knowledge, it often deepens their dependence on the Lord and prompts them to seek answers to questions they didn't even know they had. Students, especially those in public schools, are surrounded by thousands of peers daily—a mission field far larger than most adults encounter regularly. Leveraging this time for them to share their faith can lead to incredible growth and impact. Myth 4: Youth Ministry Success Equals Church Attendance After Graduation While we certainly desire for students to remain connected to the local church after they graduate, measuring youth ministry success solely by post-graduation attendance is a false metric. The true goal is lifelong transformation and a genuine commitment to living for Christ. Studies have even suggested that a significant portion of regular churchgoers may not have a true relationship with Christ. The church isn't successful when it's full; it's successful when it's faithful. Our aim isn't to create lifelong "consumers" of church services, but to equip students to be active, growing, and serving members of the local body of Christ. Are they serving? Are they growing spiritually? These are better indicators of lifelong transformation than mere retention. Myth 5: Students Don't Want Authority In an increasingly uncertain world, it's a myth that students inherently reject authority. In reality, they crave guidance . What they reject is hypocrisy. Post-COVID studies revealed a significant decline in trust in institutions like government and healthcare, but one group that maintained high trust among teens was "elders"—those older than them. Students are looking for authentic, relational authority figures who will speak truth to them, even if it's challenging or uncomfortable. They want to know what's true, and they will flock to those who are willing to share it with love and integrity. These five myths have perhaps been unknowingly shaping our approaches to youth ministry. By shifting our perspective and embracing these truths, we can better equip and empower our students for genuine spiritual growth and impactful lives for Christ, today. What myths have you believed that have been busted in your ministry journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!