Reaching Generation Z 

   While young people in Ukraine, ages 13-25, are fighting for their lives, or running for their lives, the same generation in America seeks answers to life. 

   Josh Packard, Ph.D., has helpful insights. 

   Pastors and others wishing to help youngsters with their faith don't necessarily know how to reach them. It's not like prior years.

   Weakening family ties and many distractions have replaced the habits common in the 1950s.

   Our particular church has a strong senior membership, and an active pre-teen group of about a dozen children. But, don't expect to see more than a handful of Gen Z youth, if that.

   Packard says many youth claim to be religious and/or spiritual. But, don't try to help them unless you are trusted, and vulnerable. Times are uncertain, and many find support within their social networks - friends and family members, not church. 

   Authentic relationships are possible, he writes. "Leaders can build trust by listening, caring, and demonstrating integrity, transparency and expertise." 

   Credentials, titles and professional status are not enough. Youth need to believe that a person cares for them, listens to them and believes in them. Big programs and catchy sermon titles don't impress. 

   Due to the location of our home, Mrs. Donut and I were asked to take a teenager to Sunday School and Church each Sunday. Otherwise someone would need to go out of the way, or she wouldn't get there at all.

   So we take her, when she hasn't been grounded. We now understand why she would rather talk on her cell phone than chat with us. Thankfully, she confides in a couple leaders, and feels safer in church than at home.

   Our country and the church needs Generation Z, and they need us, if we're available.

Mr. Packard is executive director of 

Springtide Research Institute in Greeley, Colorado.