One generation can’t rely upon the faith of the generation before. I can learn from the faith of my parents or grandparents, but their faith couldn’t save me. Therefore, every generation must discover the eternal God for themselves.
The truth and Word of God is sure and unchangeable. At the same time, culture and language change, and Christians must find a way to express the immutable Good News to a new generation.
The past thirty years have seen revolutionary changes from the internet to the smartphone and all the good and bad these innovations have brought. Gen Z and Millennials grew up during these changes or even after the culture had transformed due to them. Because of these changes, Gen Z and Millennials have their own perspectives and experiences. The traditions or models relevant to Boomers or Gen X don’t have the same impact. Many have prayed for Gen Z and Millennials, often seeking ways to communicate and reach these individuals.
Thankfully, God isn’t limited to one style of communication. The Gospel transcends all languages, cultures, and generations, and if we listen and try, we can express eternal truth to these generations. Through this humble seeking, these groups may teach us more about Jesus, too.
To help with this, here are 4 truths about the way Gen Z feels about Jesus and 4 truths about the way millennials feel about Jesus.
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1. Millenials Value a Personal Relationship with Jesus Over Religion
Millennials prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus over formal religious structures. This preference stems from a desire for authenticity and genuine connection rather than adhering to traditional rituals and institutions. Millennials seek a faith that is intimate and transformative, emphasizing a direct and personal engagement with Jesus that deeply influences their lives.
This generation often finds traditional religious practices and institutions insufficient for fostering a meaningful spiritual connection, especially since more within this generation had church experiences. Instead, they prefer to explore their faith through personal study, prayer, and community involvement that feels real and impactful. Millennials value experiences that allow them to encounter Jesus in a personal way, such as small group discussions, contemporary worship settings, and service projects that align with their passions. We see this emphasis on personal relationship in Jesus’s interactions with individuals in the Bible. In John 15:15, Jesus says,
“I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Jesus viewed his disciples as friends rather than mere followers, fostering a deep, personal connection. By seeking a personal relationship with Jesus, Millennials mirror this biblical model of intimacy and friendship with the divine. They desire a faith that goes beyond the constraints of organized religion, focusing instead on a transformative and relational experience with Jesus.
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2. Millenials Ask Questions and Remain Open-minded
Millennials approach Jesus with a spirit of questioning and open-mindedness. They are not content with accepting teachings at face value; instead, they seek to understand and explore their faith deeply. This generation values critical thinking and is willing to ask difficult questions about theology, doctrine, and the role of faith in contemporary issues. Their open-mindedness leads them to explore diverse perspectives and integrate different viewpoints into their spiritual understanding. This resonates with Jesus’s own interactions in the Bible, where he encouraged questioning and deeper exploration of faith. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says,
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
This invitation to ask questions and seek understanding underscores the importance of an inquisitive and open-minded approach to faith. Jesus did not shy away from questions; rather, he welcomed them and used them as opportunities to teach profound truths. By embracing questioning and open-mindedness, Millennials mirror Jesus’s encouragement to seek deeper understanding. This approach fosters a dynamic and evolving faith that is responsive to new insights and experiences. This spirit of inquiry and openness positions them to contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to their communities and the broader world.
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3. Authenticity Is Important to Millenials
Millennials place a high value on authenticity in their relationship with Jesus. They seek a faith that is genuine, transparent, and free from pretense. This desire for authenticity leads them to pursue a deeply personal and real relationship, rejecting superficial expressions of faith. Millennials are drawn to communities and leaders who exemplify this authenticity, living out their beliefs with integrity and honesty. This pursuit of authenticity mirrors Jesus’s own approach. Christ consistently demonstrated authenticity in his interactions and teachings. In John 4:24, Jesus says,
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
This emphasis on Spirit truth underscores the importance of a sincere and authentic relationship with God. Jesus’s life exemplified this principle, as he lived and taught with a genuine spirit, engaging with people from all walks of life in a deeply personal and honest manner.
Millennials value transparency and vulnerability in worship, conversations, and community activities. This approach allows them to express their faith in ways that feel true to their experiences and convictions, fostering a more profound and impactful spiritual journey. By valuing authenticity, Millennials connect with Jesus in a way that is honest and transformative. They strive to live out their faith with integrity, reflecting the genuine nature of Jesus’s ministry. This commitment to authenticity helps them build a faith that is resilient and relatable, providing a strong foundation for their spiritual lives.
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4. Millenials See Jesus as a Champion for Social Justice
Millennials feel strongly about Jesus’s alignment with social justice, viewing him as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed. They are passionate about issues such as racial equality, gender rights, environmental justice, and economic fairness. Millennials resonate deeply with the teachings of Jesus that emphasize compassion, equity, and advocacy for the least privileged, inspiring them to take action in their communities and beyond.
This commitment to social justice is evident in their active involvement in movements and causes that aim to bring about systemic change. Millennials often participate in protests, volunteer work, and social media campaigns to address injustices, seeing these actions as integral to their faith. They seek to live out the principles of love and justice that Jesus exemplified in his ministry. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming,
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
This passage highlights Jesus’s mission to address social inequalities and bring liberation to those who are suffering. By embracing social justice, Millennials reflect Jesus’s call to serve and advocate for the marginalized. Their dedication to these causes demonstrates a faith that is active and engaged, striving to create a world that mirrors the inclusive and compassionate kingdom of God.
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1. Gen Z Prioritizes Experimental Faith
Generation Z places a high value on experiential faith, seeking personal and direct experiences of Jesus rather than relying solely on traditional doctrines and rituals. This approach reflects a desire for a tangible and relatable connection with their faith, making Jesus’s presence real and impactful in their daily lives.
Gen Z’s emphasis on experiential faith often leads them to engage in practices that foster a personal encounter with God. This can include contemporary worship services, where music and communal experiences create an atmosphere for feeling God’s presence or participating in mission trips and community service, where they see Jesus’s teachings in action. These experiences make their faith dynamic and alive rather than abstract or distant.
A way we can see this emphasis on experiential faith in the Bible is through the encounters people had with Jesus. For instance, in John 4, Jesus’s interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrates a deeply personal and transformative encounter. Jesus speaks directly to her life circumstances, leading her to a profound recognition of Him as the Messiah. This story illustrates how personal experiences with Jesus can lead to a deeper understanding and connection to faith.
By focusing on experiential faith, Gen Z cultivates a relationship with Jesus that is personal, relevant, and transformative. This approach reflects a broader trend of seeking authenticity and depth in their spiritual journeys, making Jesus a central and living part of their everyday existence.
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2. Gen Z Is Diverse and Inclusive
Generation Z views Jesus as inclusive of different kinds of people, embracing his teachings that emphasize love, acceptance, and equality for all people. This perspective resonates with their broader cultural values of inclusivity and social justice. Gen Z seeks a Jesus who welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, race, gender, or sexual orientation, reflecting a commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting unity.
This inclusive view of Jesus is evident in their approach to worship and community. Gen Z often prefers churches and religious groups that are open and affirming, where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals feel valued and accepted. They are drawn to faith communities that actively work towards social justice, equality, and the eradication of discrimination.
A way we can see this inclusive nature of Jesus in the Bible is through his interaction with Zacchaeus. In Luke 19, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus's house, a tax collector despised by society. By dining with Zacchaeus, Jesus demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace. These stories highlight Jesus’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, welcoming all into his fold.
Gen Z seeks to embody Jesus’ inclusive example in their lives, advocating for justice and ensuring that their religious communities are welcoming to all. This approach not only enriches their spiritual experience but also fosters a more compassionate and united world, reflecting the true essence of Jesus’s teachings.
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3. Gen Z Is Skeptical Towards Religious Institutions
Generation Z often exhibits skepticism toward institutional religion, favoring a personal and authentic relationship with Jesus over traditional religious structures. This skepticism stems from perceived inconsistencies, historical wrongdoings, and a desire for genuine faith experiences that resonate with their lives. Gen Z seeks a faith that is transparent, inclusive, and actively engaged in addressing contemporary social issues.
This skepticism drives Gen Z to explore their faith outside conventional church settings. They frequently engage with online religious communities, attend non-traditional worship services, and participate in social justice initiatives. Their focus is on living out Jesus’s teachings through actions rather than adhering to rigid institutional doctrines.
A way we can see this aspect of Jesus in the Bible is through his critique of the religious leaders of his time. In Matthew 23, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and teachers of the law, pointing out spiritual consequences for neglecting the justice and mercy of God while highlighting their own traditions.
Gen Z strives to create a faith experience true to the core teachings of love, mercy, and justice, often finding that traditional institutions fall short in these areas. This approach leads them to build communities and practices that align more closely with the example set by Jesus, emphasizing a direct, personal connection with the divine and a commitment to living out their faith in tangible, impactful ways.
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4. Gen Z Seeks Faith Relevant to Their Lives
Generation Z believes that faith needs to be relevant to their lives, seeking a connection with Jesus that speaks directly to their everyday experiences and contemporary issues. They are drawn to a faith that addresses their questions, struggles, and aspirations, making the teachings of Jesus applicable to the world they navigate daily. This desire for relevance drives them to integrate faith with practical action, ensuring that their beliefs are not just theoretical but actively influence their choices and interactions.
Gen Z’s emphasis on relevance often leads them to churches and communities that tackle current social and personal issues head-on. They value sermons and discussions that relate to mental health, social justice, environmental stewardship, and personal growth. By seeing how Jesus’s teachings apply to these areas, they find a faith that feels alive and impactful. We can see this aspect of Jesus in the Bible through his interactions with people from all walks of life, addressing their immediate needs and concerns. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
By seeking a relevant faith, Gen Z reflects Jesus’s approach to ministry: meeting people where they are and addressing their real-life challenges.
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Originally published Thursday, 11 July 2024.