Generation Z is hungry for Christ — especially in our nation. Barna reports, “Teens in the U.S. are far more intrigued (about Jesus) than their global peers, with 77% being at least somewhat motivated to keep learning about Jesus throughout their lives.” And overall, 71% of Americans view Jesus positively.

However, only about 3 out of 10 Gen Z teens attend a religious service on a weekly basis according to a PRRI report. Why is that?

Barna asked people of “no faith” what caused them to doubt Christianity. An alarming 42% answered that the top reason was “the hypocrisy of religious people.” When asked how they would describe modern-day Christianity, they chose phrases like “judgmental,” “too involved in politics,” and “out of touch with reality.”

The world believes there is a difference in who Jesus is and how Christians act — and that gap can keep Gen Z out of our churches. How can we bridge the divide and reach those who are hungry for Christ?

Live What We Say

In Barna’s survey, nonbelievers reported that their No. 1 reason for doubting Christianity was hypocrisy. To reach Gen Z, we must start by practicing what we preach.

First John 2:3,5–6 says, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

We need to have a relationship with Christ, and because of that relationship, do what He commands and live as He did.

If we claim to follow a loving, merciful, and just God, but are not demonstrating those attributes in our lives, are we really following Him? We need to follow Christ’s commandments, and in doing so, we’ll point others to Christ.

Verse 9 goes on to say, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” As Christians desiring to demonstrate Christ, we need to love those who disagree with us — and that starts by not judging others.

Don’t Judge Others

Nonbelievers surveyed by Barna believed that Christians are judgmental. Does this mean we should not hold to our convictions or speak the truth? Absolutely not. However, it does mean we need to follow Christ’s example.

By living as Jesus calls us to and being authentic with those around us, we’ll be able to meet Gen Z members where they are and share Christ with those needing Him most.

In John 3:17, Christ says, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

If Jesus himself didn’t come to condemn others, then as Christians, we shouldn’t judge those around us. Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:1–2, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

We must remember that Christ didn’t judge the lost — He showed mercy and loved them. Jesus showed kindness, compassion, and love to those who the religious people wouldn’t associate with (like lepers, Samaritans, tax collectors, and the demon-possessed).

Christ showed grace to those He had every right to condemn. If we want to live like Jesus, we must show the same love to those around us, regardless of their political affiliation or religious views. He spoke the truth in love, without compromising. But how can we do the same?

Be Authentic and Open

Barna’s survey also revealed that Christians are seen as being out of touch with reality. If we want to reach Gen Z, young people need to know they can ask hard questions and share their challenges with us, and we will respond with grace, love and truth.

First Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

In Luke 12:11–12, Christ tells us to “not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Christ needs to be evident in everything we say and do. We need to be ready and willing to talk about Him and the difference He has made in our lives with those around us. However, we need to do so with respect, trusting Christ to give us the words to speak.

By being open about the challenges we’ve faced and willing to talk about the difficulties in the world, we’ll be able to show Gen Z Christ in a real and tangible way.

Deuteronomy 6:5–6 tells us, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”

God wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives, not just on Sunday mornings. He invites us to talk about His laws with our children and to talk about them at home and on the road; morning and night (Deuteronomy 6:7). He even says to tie them on our foreheads and write them above the door frames of our houses (Deuteronomy 6:8–9).

Why? So that we, and everyone else, can see God.

Only by inviting God into our everyday lives will we be able to meet Gen Z where they are. We will be able to set an example of godly living and peaceful minds despite everything that’s happening, prompting young people to ask how we can live so differently.

It is our responsibility to represent Christ and His Church to those around us. By living as Jesus calls us to and being authentic with those around us, we’ll be able to meet Gen Z members where they are and share Christ with those needing Him most.