Next Gen Vibes & Church Glow-up

In recent years, a remarkable shift has been observed within church communities: the rise of Gen Z among churchgoers. This generation is bringing a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the Church. 

For those of you who might be wondering what the title of this article means…please allow me to translate from Gen Z vernacular: “Trends & approaches related to the Church and its engagement with the next generation”.

Recently, I was part of a gathering of Church Mission Leaders from North America and as I spoke with one particular pastor, he said to me, “It’s a little scary to look at a gathering of global mission leaders like this one, and only see grey hair or no hair at all“. He was referring to the apparent lack of younger generation global missions workers. I assured him, “Brother, God is on the move. He is igniting the next generation for His Kingdom and Glory“.

I truly believe this to be true. As I’ve traveled across the Americas, the Caribbean and other parts of the world, I’ve seen the moving, I’ve heard the rumbling, I’ve sensed the way that God is raising an unstoppable tide (Gen Z & Gen Alpha) to preach the gospel to all creation.

Recent data agrees. According to an Eastern Illinois University Study (May, 2025), a growing number of young Americans are reversing the decades-long decline of Christianity in the United States, signaling what some researchers are calling a significant spiritual shift. A Pew Research Poll (February, 2025) also found the same trend. Bible Society Research (April, 2025) revealed that, in the U.K., the share of British people aged 18 to 24 who attend church at least monthly jumped from 4% in 2018 to 16% today, with a significant increase among young men. Clearly…God is on the move.

We, the Church, we, the previous -yet still active- generations, have a duty to come alongside these young people of God and help them fulfill God’s calling in their lives. We must strive to NOT despise their youth, but help them be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

There are challenges -like the struggle to adapt to new technologies and social media platforms. However, there are also great opportunities -like embracing digital innovation and hearing Gen Z’s ideas on ways to preach the gospel that might be different from what we are used to. As The Great Lion, Aslan, in C.S. Lewis’ Prince Caspian says, “Things never happen the same way twice.“

We at Missio Nexus are providing opportunities for local churches across North America to reach a new generation, to…”pass the story down from generation to generation.” (Joel 1:3).

Gen Z & Gen Alpha are eager, wanting, willing and they needs us to help them get ready. Take advantage of these (below) and other great opportunities provided by Missio Nexus for you, church mission leader. We are facilitating ways for you to learn, meet and engage with other church mission leaders and together be a part of this unstoppable tide, orchestrated by God, of the next generation of global mission workers and leaders.

If you are not yet a member of Missio Nexus, you can always enjoy our free content. However, check us out and see the abundance of connections, resources and opportunities membership will give you. https://missionexus.org/church/ 

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the Great Commission.re?