Three Spiritual Values of Generation Z

We’ve all heard the phrase “spiritual, but not religious” to describe young adults in emerging generations within our post-Christian age. But perhaps the reason this saying is so overused is because it’s still true, especially for members of Generation Z. Although you may not find these young adults and teens involved in traditional religious institutions, they are a deeply spiritual generation that holds strong values and convictions.

Caring for the Least of These

Many in older generations have lamented the spiritual or biblical illiteracy of Generation Z, including author James Emery White in his 2017 book, Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World. He writes, “They do not know what the Bible says. They do not know the basics of Christian belief or theology. They do not know what the cross is all about. They do not know what it means to worship.” While these points may be factually true for Generation Z, it could also be time to redefine what “spiritual literacy” actual means. 

In terms of living out the gospel principles of caring for the least of these, loving your neighbor as yourself, and laying down your life for the sake of your friends, Generation Z is leading the way. They are at the forefront of Black Lives Matter protests, human rights activism, gun control reform, and environmental protection. To them, social justice and equality for all are more than mere catchphrases; they are ways of life. While they may not be able to recite the books of the Bible, they are indeed modeling Christlikeness daily.

Relationships Matter Most

While attractional or “seeker sensitive” models of church worked for past generations, Generation Z values authenticity, vulnerability, and true connection over slick marketing and overly structured programming. They won’t be drawn into churches by graphic design, lighting and set production, or even by a young, hipster pastor. Like most everyone, they will come to a church where they have been invited by friends and where there are people that look like them on stage and on staff. Moreover, doctrine and religious rules won’t mean anything to them if it excludes their friends, including those in the LGBTQ community.

Once again, this gets to the core of Jesus’ mission on earth: he too put relationships before religion and rules. He looked outside the traditional religious institutions of his day to find his disciples and followers and began with relationships instead of strict rules or a stellar PR campaign.

Prophetic Leaders

If you don’t put Generation Z in leadership positions at your church, they will find other places to lead and use their influence. They already dominate the realm of social media, their opinions are highly valued by marketers and brand consultants, and their votes are sought after in the sphere of politics. Although they are young, they are speaking out and making their voices heard. Do they have a place at the leadership table of your church or faith organization?

This too is a spiritual value, and Generation Z views it as such. God calls us to use our voices to speak out for the voiceless and the oppressed. Many of the Biblical prophets and early church leaders took great risks—even at young ages—to stand up and speak out on behalf of others and for their own people. Like true prophetic leaders, Generation Z likely won’t wait for permission to speak up and lead, so it is better to empower and equip them as leaders early on.