7 WAYS TO ENGAGE GEN Z IN YOUTH MINISTRY

As you probably know, Gen Z (ages 13-28) have a renewed interest in God. So, here are 7 ways to engage Gen Z in youth ministry.

According to Barna: Two-thirds of Gen Z describe themselves as spiritually open (moderately to highly). Among teens (13–17), 77% want to keep learning about Jesus as they grow. 21% of Gen Zers increased their Bible use over the past year.

How can you, as a youth ministry leader, help flame the fire?

Here are some ideas:

Show up consistently. Gen Z values presence. More than cool games or big events, they want to know caring adults will be there. Recruit leaders to show show up every week and encourage them to connect with students outside of youth group.

The Barna Take: Only 34% of Christian Gen Z say they feel deeply cared for by adults at church. But those who do feel known and invested in by leaders are more than 3x as likely to have lasting faith.

Belonging often comes before belief. Students crave connection. When youth group becomes a place where they’re known, accepted, prayed for, and encouraged — they’re much more open to following Jesus. Belonging opens the doorway to truth.

Create safe spaces to question. Let them ask the hard stuff — “Is God real?”, “Why do Christians sometimes hurt people?” — without fear of judgment.

Empower them to lead. Give them ownership — not just setting up chairs, but teaching, leading worship, creating art, and shaping outreach ideas.

Let them lead conversations. Have students kick off small groups with open-ended prompts like: “What does ‘faith’ even mean to you right now?” “Where do you feel God showing up — or not showing up — in your life?”

Connect Jesus to Their World. Don’t chase trends. Instead, help them interpret TikTok, AI, anxiety, social media, etc. through a Biblical lens.

Prayer Walls or Stations — let them experience God, not just talk about Him.

Of course, this is not a complete list. Just a few ideas to help you point students to Jesus!

Nick Diliberto

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