My generation, the baby boomers, has been replaced as the largest generation in American history by Generation Z, commonly referred to as Gen Z. Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964 (I am in the middle at 1953), while Gen Z individuals were born between 1997 and 2012, according to Pew Research. There are approximately 72 million of them today.
Gen Z is driven by a desire to be unique and challenge the status quo. They are digital natives, having the skill and expertise that far surpasses previous generations. In fact, some have noted that whatever you think you know about the internet, they know more! The average age a Gen Z person got their first smartphone was around 12, while their first tablet was between 10-11. They typically shun Facebook, investing their time and energy in TikTok and Instagram instead.
Despite their superior digital skills, most of them grew up in homes where their parents provided little to no direction. Their personal identity is more important to them than any group affiliation or social bond, but they often feel lonely and alone. It is estimated that over 90 percent of them are online every day. Barna Research has pointed out that 63 percent of teens agree that their devices keep them from having real conversations.
They grew up, and are growing up, in a world after the Sept. 11 attacks on our nation. Their world has never been regarded as a safe place. In their world, terrorist attacks are normal, and they tend to be less trusting of people and more trusting of technology. This generation is ready to live and work just about anywhere in the world — even though they are afraid of the dangers, conflicts, and extremism they may face.
They are racially diverse and liberal on most of the social issues of our day. They support, for example, gay and transgender rights and embrace diversity and social equality.
Gen Z is the most skeptical of any generation about various products that are presented to them for sale. While they are less likely to own a vehicle, they are most likely to attend college. In fact, Gen Z may become the most well-educated generation yet.
What about their relationship with Jesus? Seventy-eight percent of this generation say they believe in God, or a god. One person observed, “When a Gen Z person goes all in for Jesus, the level of wholeheartedness surpasses anything I’ve seen yet.”
Every generation is different, but Gen Z may be the most radically different generation we have ever encountered to date. Their remarkable skills and intellectual abilities, once redeemed by Christ Jesus, can become something amazing when weighed on the scales of eternity. Those who are committed to Christ can make an eternal impact on this world.
The American Bible Society stated earlier in 2022 that a large percentage of Gen Z Christians do not attend church at least once a month. But, in its latest report, the ABS observed that Gen Z led all age groups in openness to sharing their faith. They estimated that 58 percent of those in the survey were “most likely to have had spiritual conversations with three or more non-church connections in the past year.” Forty-four percent of Gen Z Christians said reading the Bible “brought them closer to God.”
Gen Z is the largest generation. There is significant potential in Gen Z Christians. We need to understand this generation and be God’s tools in reaching them, discipling them, and encouraging them. Their great digital aptitudes may be the means through which the next great revival comes.