Learning Alongside

I’m Back!

Today, I have some statistics and some general ideas that I have gathered in my love of history and longings for my generation and the generations to come. I’m not one to dwell on the past or look to far into the future, I tend to focus on the present or near future, simply because life has dealt me experiences to remember this is all we are guaranteed. That’s a fact and a discipline that doesn’t come naturally to my body or brain. However, I do love seeing where we have come from and the hope of where we can go and the impact we can have.

Disclaimer: I am about to make a ton of generalizations – none of these truly define a person or generation of people. They are simply the circumstances, behaviors, and popular trends.

BABY BOOMERS: 1946-1964; Post war; idealism; revolutionary; collectivist; vinyl; movies; reforms in education; social and civil movements; TV; cassettes; transistor radio; 8 tracks;

Gen X: X standing for “desire not to be known.” 1965-1981; 0Political transition; capitalism; materialist; competitive; individualistic; status; brands; cars; luxury articles; often referred to as the “latchkey” generation because many returned home from school to an empty house- were responsible to have a house key to get inside. This would also be the introduction to what is now, “free-ranged parenting.” MTV generation; VCR; Walkman; IBM PC.

Millennials/Gen Y: 1981-1996; Globalization; economic stability; emergence of the internet; globalist; questioning; oriented in self; experiences; festivals and travel; flagships; “global generation”; internet; mobil devices; technology; Email; SMS; DVD; Playstation; XBOX; iPod; MAC opting to live together and postponing marriage; less religious more “spiritual.”

GenZ/Zoomers (“Zoom the Internet”): 1997-2012; mobility and multi realities; social networks; digital natives; MacBook; iPad; Google; Facebook; Twitter; Wii; PS3; Android; iPhone; “undefined ID”-don’t define yourself in only one way; “Communaholic” -Radically inclusive; “Dialoguer” -fewer conversations, more dialogue; uniqueness; unlimited; ethical; “social generation”; portable tech; lower rates of teen pregnancies and alcohol consumption.

Gen Alpha: 2013-2024. Electronic tech; social networks; streaming. (not too many generalizations out there yet – seem to be riding on the tech and social media progression of Gen Z)

Now for some statistics about Gen Z and Christianity (I will link the sermon I got these from at the end of this post!)

70% of kids who grow up in the church will walk away from the church and their faith before their freshman year in college/first year out of high school.

Only 4% of Gen Z have what we call a “Biblical worldview,” meaning they are viewing and making life choices using the Bible as their primary source. (10% Baby Boomers, 7% Gen X, 6% Millennials)

43% believe that happiness is determined by how much money one makes.

Gen Z is the first generation raised by parents who have an iPhone.

57% of Gen Z are on their screen, especially on social media, for four or more hours per day.

6% see their parents as the primary role models in their life, but only 33% list “family” as core to their identity.

14% when asked about religious affiliation, say none.

13% say they are atheists.

Of those who do attend church regularly:

49% say the church seems to reject what science tells us about the world.

38% says the church is overprotective of teenagers.

36% say the people of the church are hypocritical.

25% say faith and teachings encountered in the church seem rather shallow.

27% say church is not a safe place to express doubts.

17% say the church seems too much like an exclusive club.

I am apart of the church. I am not perfect, in fact I am very flawed. I come to you knowing that it’s not just Gen Z that’s hurting. I have hurt others. I have been hurt. Sinners will sin, whether we mean it for good or bad. Sin is sin.

In the past 12-ish years, I have struggled the most with some of the teaching, misinformation, mishandling of serious circumstances, the people who are loud and seen who claim they love Jesus and belong to the church, and the wandering from the Bible being taught and the affirmations of faith being repeated. I struggle with church being an experience rather than sinners that know very well they are saved by grace gathering to praise, share, and dig deeper into His Word.

As a 90s kid, I would say that I didn’t feel uneasy like I do now- I didn’t have to question too many things. Now, the Left Behind movies and books, of which my parents DID NOT push or even encourage me to read or see. They knew me and my imagination would go too far. But the movies were shown at assembly at my school- still healing and recovering from those- hard to unsee and study Revelations with Kirk Cameron in the back of your mind. I will say Billy Graham was a vital part of my growing years, as well as all the musicians that traveled with him. Hymns, gospel songs, CCM these are forever locked in memory. My rebellion came out when it came to youth group, middle school Sunday school, youth conferences, and especially the whole “I kissed dating goodbye,” although I never seriously dated. I skipped my age group Sunday School for my Mom’s Sunday school. In there were all ages, there was always a book of the Bible being taught, and almost every week a hymn would be sung, either out of the blue or by my mom’s request. I went to a few conferences, mostly rolled my eyes or giggled the whole time. I was too tired to go back to youth group on Sunday nights, so I opted for a good dinner. I loved children’s choir and I loved GAs (Girls in Action) when I was little.

In my blood, I have Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Church of God, Non-denominational, but when it comes down to it, it’s only JESUS, His Word, His praises that I long for. I want this for myself, my family, my friends, and everyone. How can I make this happen?

Well, I just read an article on Christianity today’s website (link at bottom of post). So here are a few of the quotes: (interview with Gen Z student)

Gen Z feels “judged by generation norms.” Past “generations need to balance love and truth in how they respond to sin struggles of Gen Z” Immerse, get to know try to understand the culture of Gen Z.

“Desire for authentic relationships stems from struggles with skepticism and hypocrisy in leadership.”

“This age group is most skeptical of brands, the government, and other big institutions.”

“Preferred to hang out with the women at her church to the structured discussion of campus ministry meetings, which felt like completing a checklist.”

“Learning alongside.”

I find these statements intriguing! Here is why: I kept a lot of kids who are of this generation. They were excellent at asking questions, some were almost too good! 😂 Very rarely did I come upon a child who would hesitate to ask me anything. I have said for years, “there is something about this age group- they are going to change things!” And I still believe this with all my heart! Some have gone into ministry as a career, some spread the Good news within their careers, no matter how they are sharing and showing the world Jesus, they are living, breathing witnesses!!

My niece and little cousins would be considered on the tail end of Gen Z and my nephew Gen Alpha, and I see wonderful life changing work being done amongst them too! I am forever telling them, “There is no silly question. You can’t know if you don’t ask!” There is a huge difference in respectfully asking questions or questioning a thought or belief for clarity without judgement, and undermining someone’s intelligence by questioning, this would be called gaslighting.

So will we buy into the generalizations about generations? Or will we seek to immerse ourselves in getting to know and understand the culture of each generation? Will we come alongside each other, open the Bible together, grapple with the questions, dig, and grow together?

Generation to Generation, we all need each other.

Life Books of the Week: Jesus Storybook Bible – LOVE! Curriculum is available too! I love this for all ages, especially when getting back to focusing on His Word.

Two books this week! Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, by Rosaria Butterfield – This is a weighty read. And I will give my disclaimer that comes with all my recommendations: the ONLY Book I agree 100% with is the Bible!!!

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2023/march/gen-z-christian-faith-pastors-church-generation-authentic.html