Generation Z is not opposed to religion as many assume. According to recent research from Barna, nearly 8 out of 10 teenagers in the U.S. are motivated to learn about Christ, including Gen Zers who are not inherently religious or have Christian backgrounds.

As Christians, we are called to share the good news with the world. And as members of Gen Z, our students have a great opportunity to step out and share this faith with their peers and take part in the Great Commission.

Below are three ways we can encourage Gen Zers to share their faith.

Don’t Be Ashamed

Too often, it can be easy for us to give surface-level answers or be dishonest when asked how we’re doing or leave out how Christ is working in our lives to not make those around us uncomfortable.

However, our personal testimonies of what God is doing in our lives can be one of the most powerful ways to relate with and reach those around us.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes of Christ, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Start by asking your students to think of opportunities where they can share how Christ has impacted their lives. Encourage them to echo the psalmist in Psalm 94:18, who recalled, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.”

Guide students in contemplating how Christ helped them through a difficult time or when they recognized His love in their lives — and then share those experiences with their peers.

Ask for Wisdom

Oftentimes, our students can feel unsure of what to say and when to share it with their friends. Sharing the gospel can feel like it needs to be rehearsed or practiced beforehand, or that it needs to be presented a certain way.

As Christians, we are called to live in such a way that those around us notice something is different.

Before He ascended into Heaven, Jesus promised His disciples that “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

In the Psalms, God tells us, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).

Remind young people that Christ loves their friends more than they can imagine, and He wants to use them as witnesses.

Encourage students to ask for wisdom in sharing their faith. Have them take time to pray for their friends and ask God to provide opportunities for ministry. Then, encourage them to be on the lookout — and ask for the Holy Spirit to be with them when those times come!

Live What They Preach

“Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” This phrase is often credited to St. Francis of Assisi and is a powerful reminder of our mission as Christians. We are called not just to love Christ with words, but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18).

In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus says that we are the light of the world. He compares us to a lamp put on display to light up the space around it. Christ then goes on to say, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Similarly, in 1 Peter 3:15, Peter instructs us to “in your hearts revere Christ as Lord” and always be prepared to give “the reason for the hope that you have.”

As Christians, we are called to live in such a way that those around us notice something is different. And as a result, we create opportunities to share why, or who, has made a difference in our lives.

Encourage your students to take pause and evaluate their lives. Are they showing Christ’s love and living out His Truth? Remind them that how they live is one of the biggest testimonies of Christ’s work.

It’s not about being perfect or never messing up, rather, it’s about allowing Christ to work through one’s shortcomings and demonstrate His love and grace!

When it comes to sharing the gospel, it’s crucial for our students to know they aren’t alone. They are surrounded by a community of believers who can pray with, encourage, and mentor them through this process. And above all, God promises throughout His Word that He will be with them.

Let’s take this opportunity to speak Deuteronomy 31:6 over our young people and encourage them to do the same: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”