Gen Z and the Deconstruction of the Church.
-The following is based on my own observations and experiences.-
Something everyone may or may not be noticing is the relationship between Christian Gen - Z* and the Church.
Gen Z has proven, and continues to prove, that they are a completely different breed of human. One area where this is most notable is the work force. They are quick to job hop as soon as we are over our current job. This is so layered and nuanced but the job hopping became more prominent with the pandemic and became known as the Great Resignation. Life became too precious to waste time and energy where we didn’t want to be. Gen Z applies this same energy to pretty much everything else in life, including Church/religion.
Important to note is that there is substantial amount of history of spiritual abuse in the church, especially mega churches. This usually comes from an authority figure (e.g. lead pastor) who is either being put on a pedestal or putting themself on said pedestal; being exalted higher than the Church (big C) and Jesus. The authority figure can then exploit that adoration for their own gain. At an impressionable age (adolescence/young adult), you soak it all up because you don’t know any different. Generations past may not have recognized that abuse of power until much later. Gen Z, however, though still susceptible to that exploitation, are much more aware of abuse, exploitation, gaslighting, etc. and much more likely to speak out against it and/or leave.
My opinion is that Gen Z has a lot of passion and a need to have something to fight for. They have debatably the most anxiety and can’t bring themselves to ask the waiter for more ketchup but would be the first one to take tear gas to the face to support a cause.
The future may find a new kind of Church that doesn’t include pompous leaders happily exploiting for their own gain. But with this awakening Christian Gen Z is having, and this huge exit of church, Gen Z is out here without proper spiritual covering or guidance. They are deconstructing their faith by themselves and that is a dangerous place to be. There will be some whose deconstruction will lead them away from faith completely. Then there will be others whose deconstruction will lead them not to God, but to a god they created. And even still, there’s hope some people’s deconstruction will lead them to greater love and honor of the one true God.
There are still things I am unlearning as a fellow Gen Z-er myself. Maybe some of this is reflective of that because I’ve only ever known church as one way. Sifting through what is true and good, and what is toxic and human, is proving to be difficult. Humans have done a phenomenal job of twisting and omitting the Word of God until it confirms and mirrors what they want it to. The word of God should be the standard by which we measure everything else in our lives.
If you are struggling with that too, one thing we can trust to be true and good is the Bible.
Hold any belief you have against what the Bible says;
Do your best not to add your own feelings or biases to it; and
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and interpret.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.””
Isaiah 40:8 NIV
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5 NIV
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Hebrews 4: 12
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
*Generation Z or Gen - Z refers to anyone born in 1996 or after. These trends and patterns can be found however in many people as well, especially Millenials (1981-1996).
