Gen Z’s Spiritual Hunger Gives Me Hope. Here’s What the Church Can Learn

Written by Emily Kiist, Deerfoot Campus Member & Youth Leader 

Gen Z is spiritually hungry. This hunger presents itself in a few different ways. For those who have met Jesus, this hunger seems to lead young people to ask big questions and study the scriptures with a searching and curious approach. For those who haven’t yet discovered what it means to pursue Jesus, I think spiritual hunger often presents itself as a need to fill the empty spaces in life.  

Big questions feel scary when you don’t know where to look for answers, and I think many people fill as much silence as possible in their lives, so that big questions don’t seem as loud. Even people who are walking with Jesus can often fill spiritual hunger with business, which prevents the space necessary to truly ponder big questions. 

Young people are searching for purpose, meaning, and belonging. Through social media, they have full access to the highlights of so many peoples’ lives. Consequently, young people are often desperate for their lives to be as fulfilling as what they see online. I think this constant connection influences young people to ask big questions about life and spirituality.  

Pursuing life’s biggest questions is hard enough on its own. And following Jesus doesn’t always bring instant gratification; in fact, it often leads us into places that are uncomfortable. 

In my own life, living out my faith through school and into life after graduation has taken God’s help, strong community, and steady consistency. Being involved in Bible studies with friends, Christian school clubs, my discipleship band, and the broader church has been so powerful for my faith. Having a Christian family is also incredibly helpful to living out my faith. Amid very busy university days, making individual Bible study a priority was so beneficial for me.  

My involvement in Bible studies and community kept me accountable and helped motivate me to learn specific things about God and the Bible. Surrounding myself with Christian influences helped me to keep perspective, even when days were busy or challenging. Having been graduated over a year now, I am often thankful for the time that I invested into my faith in prior seasons. 

I heard someone say once to never wait for the next season in life to make your faith a priority. I think this is so important. Even though school seemed so busy - I surprisingly found more time to spend with Jesus then, than I do now having graduated. There is never a perfect time to start making time, but I will never regret spending time with Jesus, even when life in past seasons seemed too busy to prioritize that time. 

Coming from a Christian family and upbringing, I always find it pleasantly surprising when someone opens up with questions about God. I have never experienced wondering about big life questions without a Biblical lens, so I think I take for granted the search for God-sized answers without God. I love it when people bring their big questions to me, because it reminds me of how good God is, and how full a life living with God is! 

The Church has an important, but challenging role to fill in the lives of young people. In a world that tries to claim every bit of young people’s attention, it can be challenging for the Church to claim more than a time slot in young people’s lives. However, I feel young people are really searching to be fully known. Jesus also wants people to know that He knows them personally.  

For the church to help young people understand that they are known and loved, it starts with sharing unapologetic truth about who Jesus is. Sharing truth is sustained by showing God’s love through the body of the church and each and every member has a part to play. For young people to be known within the church, it requires the people in the church to be consistent and take an active role in their lives.  

I love that youth leaders in FAC’s youth group get to stay with their age group all through junior high and high school. I’ve seen the impacts on young people from having consistent community over many years. I’ve also personally felt the effects of being known and cared for by people within the church. For the church to effectively join Jesus in the renewal of all things (and all people), it requires everyone to make an effort rooted in Jesus, for Jesus. 

In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Having spent 5 years leading with the Youth at FAC, and over 6 years involved in FAC’s Young Adults' group, I can testify that to be true! While I hope and pray that I’ve made a difference in the lives of others, I certainly know that I’ve been encouraged, uplifted, and strengthened in my faith through the hours I’ve spent serving.  

This next generation is so bold! They are used to living lives on display. I’ve seen such amazing faith and courage in the students that I have the pleasure of leading. Their boldness and passion to share about Jesus at school and in dark places continues to encourage me. I also love their desire for connection. I’m encouraged by how they continually reach out for community across churches, through conferences or events with other youth groups. It gives me hope that this generation has a desire for evangelism and unity beyond the walls of one church building. I have been so blessed by the times I’ve spent with the future generations of the church.  

If you’ve been looking for a way to know Jesus deeper - I encourage you to get involved and give back. It is something that you probably will never really have time for, and it won’t always be easy. But it is so beneficial, not only for the lives of young people, but also for you and your walk with Jesus! 

Thank you, Emily, for sharing your perspective and giving us a glimpse of the hunger for Jesus in this generation!