In our last couple of classes, we’ve spent some time discussing our generation (Generation Z). Since we are the oldest of this new generation, it can be difficult to understand what exactly makes us different. What are our likes and dislikes? Why don’t we feel the need to go to church? How can Christians best share the gospel with Generation Z?
According to statistics that we looked at in class, Generation Z members believe themselves to be independent. They don’t need Jesus or the church because they are self-reliant, maybe even autonomous. But Christians need to help this generation understand that they are not independent but dependent. In reality, Generation Z is an addicted generation. We are not addicted to drugs, or alcohol, or sexual temptations. Yes, we like them, but these things are actually outworkings of our unquenchable desire for distraction.
In my Christianity and Civilization class, we recently talked about how the most concerning thing for mankind is its own mortality. Throughout history, the closest person to a king was not his advisor, nor his general, it was his court jester–the person who distracted him from his main worry, what would happen when he died. Now, in 2019, we have our own “jesters”, but we call them celebrities. These are the people that distract us through movies, singing, sports events, etc. Generation Z is addicted to the distractions that these people provide. We depend on them to distract us from topics that frighten us, like pain and suffering or the reality that we will not live forever.
So how can Christians tap into this addiction and use it to bring members of Gen Z into the church? One particularly effective way that my group in class was discussing is a short video series composed of 2-3 minute clips. The videos would be films of well-known Christian athletes, singers, and actors speaking about their faith and how Christianity answers the questions that Gen Z is seeking to push out of their minds. How neat would it be if the very medium through which people are seeking to distract themselves is actually used to steer them towards Christ?
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