Five Insights From Barna’s GenZ volume 3
Barna has published the third volume in their eight-year study of Generation Z. As a minister to Generation Z, I found much to be encouraged about; there are some trends in this generation that could guide us in evangelism and discipleship. In previous volumes, Barna called Generation Z, “the Open Generation.” They are open to God, spiritual conversations, working towards the resolution of persistent social justice issues, and the study of Scripture. However, even though they are open, they don’t know where to begin.
This is where an opportunity for youth leaders arises. We have a chance to intentionally disciple Gen Z by equipping them through strong study of God’s Word. Relational adults who love and care about them, who will also invest in their parents and grandparents, are more important than ever.
But before we jump into discipleship strategies, we need to know more about who Gen Z is, since who we are discipling impacts how we approach the discipleship process. What are Gen Z’s core convictions and drives? What are they craving? How might we step into their lives in a meaningful way?
Here are five key takeaways about Gen Z from the Barna Report:
External Validations Shape Gen Z’s Identity
Generation Z finds their value and identity in external validations. The things Gen Z does shapes who they are. Over 70% of respondents aged 13-17 said that family, hobbies, educational achievement, and sexuality are somewhat or very important to their sense of self. Generation Z's identity is deeply intertwined with external factors, making their core identity vulnerable to societal pressures and cultural norms. As their sense of self is shaped by what they do and how others perceive them, they may struggle to develop a biblical foundation of self-worth and dignity.
“Externally pressured people are those who always or usually feel ‘judged by older generations’ and ‘pressured by my parent’s expectations.’ There is a significant difference between male and female Gen Z, with female Gen Z being more likely than their male peers to report feeling judged by older generations, pressured by their parents’ or guardians’ expectations, and pressured to act or look a certain way (19% male Gen Z vs. 25% female Gen Z).” (28)
Recognizing this trend is necessary, as it allows us to focus the majority of our conversations, group time, and discipleship practices on an identity that rests in what Jesus Christ says about them, not other people or groups. In an age where young people are anxiously seeking their sense of self from other places, let’s work as youth leaders to remind them that what they do isn’t who they are.
Gen Z Avoids “Hard Lines” in Conversations about Gender and Sexuality
This may seem discouraging, but I want to encourage you with the positives as well. Barna found that Generation Z is willing to engage in conversations about gender and sexuality, and are often willing to develop biblical opinions on them. However, the challenge is that 1 in 5 adult members of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+. This means most Gen Z young adults and teenagers likely have close friends or family members who identify as LGBTQ+, making them one of the first generations that sees this as both a personal and regular part of their everyday life. They are often unsure of what lines to draw, since, “Knowing someone who is LGBTQ significantly influences Gen Z’s opinions on gender and sexuality.” (32)
“There is a window of opportunity for pastors and parents alike to be influential conversation partners on this topic with Gen Z—which may feel equal parts encouraging and daunting to these adults.” (35) While they may struggle to draw hard lines, they are willing to have the conversation. This means, however daunting the task may seem, leaders should not shy away from these important discussions. We should be prepared to address biblical understandings of gender and sexuality with care, patience, and dignity, affirming the worth of the people we disagree with, and challenging them to rethink the cultural approach to identity as sexuality.
Success is about Happiness, Health, and Financial Security
The “moralistic therapeutic deism” of earlier generations seems to have influenced Generation Z significantly, as they often define success through happiness, health, and financial security. Interestingly enough, it’s about financial security, not “getting rich.”
“The top three things Gen Z want in their career are to have enough money to support themselves and their loved ones (47%) to have a good work-life balance (40%) and to have enough money to pursue their dreams and passions (35%).” (49)
As others have noticed, Generation Z is disrupting the idea that the workplace is their primary identity marker. This generation is not willing to sacrifice their “happiness and health” for a better job. Work ethic and desire look very different with this generation, but not for many of the reasons usually attributed to younger generations. It’s not always because they are lazy or disinterested in working, but because their understanding of the point of work has been redefined. When priorities change, so do the actions that reflect those priorities. Since the main priorities have shifted for Gen Z, recognizing what they value matters greatly for us as we teach and train them well.
Technology Fosters Some Connection, but Gen Z Wants More
We’ve raised Generation Z in a technology-centered world with no limits and they’ve noticed. “A majority of Gen Z (85%) agree their generation spends too much time online.” (65) While this generation will not want to write off technology entirely, they see its use as merely a relational starting line.
Generation Z, in general, believes that relationships can be boosted by digital work, but not built on it. “84% believe that in-person relationships are more valuable than digital relationships.” (70) They may connect for the first time and communicate more digitally than other generations, but they far prefer non-digital relationships. This generation is craving deep, meaningful relationships that don’t just skim the surface, even though “70% agree that online experiences have helped foster greater in-person connection & community.” (71)
This is both an opportunity and a warning for us as youth leaders. We may use technology for first connections or surface level interactions with Gen Z, but we must be intentional about developing our community spaces where deeper relationships can thrive. There is a balance that needs to be struck between trying to chase the next social media trends and ignoring the use of all technology.
Gen Z is Willing to Talk about Hard Things
The time for copy and paste discussions with little depth has passed. Generation Z is struggling with challenging things in their life and they want to talk about it. We need to be willing and able to have those deeper conversations with them in order to help them develop a Christian worldview. “Gen Z say they are comfortable talking about their beliefs with people who believe different things than they do (74% agree somewhat or strongly).” (78) Let’s be intentional about preparing places where Generation Z can talk about difficult issues.
Safe relationships are the place where these conversations are welcomed.
“Barna's research of Gen Z through the years reveals that teens who have a confidant of any kind stand out from their peers who do not have such a relationship. They are significantly more likely to embrace frequent prayer, to be committed to Jesus, and to say they are willing to hear others out, even if they disagree. They are more comfortable talking about their beliefs with people who believe different things than they do.” (88)
Although each one of us can’t be that for every student, we can surround our youth with leaders who are prepared to engage Gen Z. This will make a very real difference.
A Final Note
Generation Z is also a praying generation, with “97 percent of practicing Christians say that they prayed to God in the past seven days.” (87) This is an opportunity for youth leaders to disciple through prayer; fostering a generation who will talk about hard things among their peers and with God.
Generation Z does not want to run from the world, they are ready to engage with it. As youth leaders, our role is to get in the trenches of those challenging yet rewarding conversations as we seek to help them navigate their world. By building deep relationships and pointing them to the timeless truth of God’s Word, we can help Gen Z find their identity in Christ rather than in the world around them.
Let us be encouraged by these characteristics of Gen Z and work to disciple them into maturing, lifelong believers who make a difference for Christ. I want to close with a quote in the report I found helpful. Barna’s President, David Kinnaman wrote,
“Learning to play the piano is not efficiently or effectively done by simply hearing someone play; one has to actually place fingers on the keyboard and begin to make music. Gen Z are asking to sit down next to us on the bench, to learn to play their part in the great symphony of following Jesus.” (39)