Webinar: Recruiting Gen Z: What Urbana’s Latest Research Says About the Attitudes and Behaviors of this Emerging Generation

Description:

This webinar will share research gathered in January 2025 from 13 focus groups of students in both CCCUs and secular universities. Students discussed their thoughts and feelings about missions, and mission opportunities, in general. As well, they were shown marketing materials and websites from leading missions agencies and shared their reactions and responses to what they saw.  You will discover from this webinar practical guidelines for how to design communications and opportunities that resonate with Gen Z. If you are recruiting young adults to programs, projects, and ministry opportunities this is for you.

Presenters:

Mark Matlock – serves as the Executive Director of the Urbana Student Missions Conference, a role he assumed on January 2, 2024. With a lifelong dedication to connecting young people with Jesus and advancing global missions, Mark brings a wealth of experience as both a researcher and practitioner. His leadership is expected to shape Urbana’s future by inspiring the next generation to embrace a global vision and engage deeply with God’s mission.

Terry Linhart – Ph.D., is a seasoned educator, author, and leadership coach with a passion for developing Christian leaders. He serves as the Associate Vice President for Adult, Graduate, and Extension Studies at Bethel University. Terry is also the founder and CEO of The Arbor Research Group, a leading research agency that supports mission-driven organizations. His expertise spans youth ministry, cultural engagement, and executive coaching, including work with C-suite and government leaders. As the author of several books, including The Self-Aware Leader, Terry is committed to helping others grow in self-awareness and leadership effectiveness. He lives near South Bend, Indiana, with his wife, Kelly, and enjoys biking, grilling, and spending time with their three adult children and five grandchildren.

Ebonie Davis – Ebonie Davis is a founding member of the Arbor Research Group and a seasoned expert in qualitative research and program evaluation. She holds a Master’s degree in Student Leadership from Huntington University and is a graduate of the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, where she specialized in Urban Youth Ministry. With over 15 years of experience as the Associate Pastor of Youth at Trinity Baptist Church in Waldorf, Maryland, Ebonie has dedicated her career to nurturing faith among young people. She is the co-author of Disrupting Teens with Joy: Helping Teens Discover Jesus-Focused Gritty Faith and a contributor to various publications related to youth ministry. Ebonie is also an international conference speaker and has collaborated on significant research projects addressing youth discipleship and the impact of COVID-19 on churches. She resides in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, Clay, and they have two adult children.

*If you’d like to be an Urbana Mobilization Partner you can reach out to Maria.Finkbiner@intervarsity.org 

Missio Nexus encourages interaction on diverse and difficult topics. Be aware that the information shared in this event may not reflect the views of the Missio Nexus staff, board, or other community members.