New report uncovers spiritual priorities for Gen Z

The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) has released a latest report into the changing nature of student ministry following the rise of the primary digital generation – Gen Z.

The research that went into the report consisted of interviews and focus groups with students, staff and leaders from eight different locations, including Britain, Hong Kong and two countries within the Islamic world.

The report suggests that growing up in a digital environment has influenced the best way Gen Z interacts with faith-based content.

Short, but authentic content is the popular medium. One student interviewed was quoted as saying, “My friends wish to see that Christianity is real, not excellent.” It was also noted that the flood of data online presents difficulties in addition to advantages.

While a teen can easily find details about Christianity and Jesus online, it might be difficult to translate this data into a private encounter with Christ with out a spiritual guide.

The research also found that the world is becoming ever smaller, with lots of Gen Z living in intercultural contexts through which there may be a necessity for everybody to have the option to bridge the cultural divides and respect difference.

This principle even becomes necessary at the person level, where Gen Z places a high value on individual identity being respected.

It was noted that Gen Z typically places a high value on self-care, wellbeing and mental health, and that those wishing to minister to them have to be able to offer assistance in these areas.

“Digital fatigue and mental health challenges were major concerns expressed in every country studied,” said the report.

“Gen Z expects the communities around them, including the church and student groups, to support their quest for wellbeing. Student ministries need to contemplate the right way to respond.”

The report also found that Gen Z view themselves as being more open to spiritual change than their parents.

The creator of the report, Peter Dray, said, “The profound shifts we’re seeing amongst Gen Z signal a potentially very exciting moment for global student ministry, presenting opportunities and challenges.

“The report offers practical frameworks for ministry adaptation and intergenerational collaboration in our rapidly evolving global student context.

“I hope and pray it’ll kickstart discussions about the right way to effectively partner with Gen Z to assist advance Christ’s kingdom on this planet’s universities.”