Addressing the Loneliness of Generation Z

Despite being one of the most digitally connected generations, Generation Z is also one of the loneliest. In a 2018 Cigna Healthcare study, Generation Z adults ages 18-22 reported the highest levels of loneliness, more than any other generation. A 2020 Barna survey of 15,000 adults ages 18 to 35 found that only 1 in 3 (33%) felt deeply cared for by those around them. Overall, those Gen Z young adults surveyed conveyed a sense of loneliness and disconnection.

Fortunately, community and interconnectivity are areas where the Church can step in and uniquely position themselves to address the loneliness of Generation Z.

Community First, Evangelism Second.

While the historical aim of the church is to “preach the gospel,” for Generation Z, they are primarily looking for community first and foremost. While those in Generation Z are open to matters of religion and faith, if they feel you are only in the friendship to convert them, they will quickly opt out. Instead, your connections with Generation Z should always be about true relationships and genuine care, not about an evangelistic goal or hitting a conversion milestone.

Go Beyond Social Media.

While social media may get initial clicks onto your website, you need to quickly move Generation Z to real connection. Make sure your social pages and website contact forms are managed by real people and follow up comments or questions with personal messages in a timely fashion. Generation Z may live on social media, but they are seeking a real, transformational community in addition to digital connection.

Open Up Your Church Building.

Many church buildings are steadily used on Sundays (or were before the Covid-19 Pandemic, and likely will be again) and perhaps one or two other weeknight evenings but remain empty mostly during the week. To help counter Gen Z loneliness and utilize church space, consider inviting young adults into your church facilities at other times during the week. Could you provide co-working space for Gen Z freelancers or those who work from home? Or put out some coffee and pastries first thing in the morning and invite members of Generation Z on their way to work or school to stop in for coffee instead of their local coffee shop or café. Get creative about ways you could create community space for a generation that is used to living in small apartments, college dorms, or with their parents.

Consider your Care Ministry.

While pastoral care is certainly about performing baptisms, conducting funerals, and visiting the hospitalized, it is also about caring for the daily needs of those of all ages and stages. When pastors think of lonely parishioners, they probably imagine elderly shut-ins in nursing homes, and not necessarily single young adults. In your ministry of congregational care, don’t forget to broaden your scope to include those dealing with mental health concerns, depression, and other everyday crises. You may consider adding counseling referrals for those in Generation Z who don’t know how to seek out professional services on their own.

Keep Reaching Out.

Don’t expect Generation Z to start the conversation; most of the time it’ll be on you to initiate communication. Then, don’t get discouraged if they ignore your first ten text messages, it may be the eleventh one that actually makes a connection. So, don’t give up, and keep reaching out in your attempts to form community with Gen Z.