Faith for Life
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Every generation has its ups and downs, but Gen Z is unique—there has never been a generation in America so thoroughly captured by the culture, so thoroughly enmeshed with social media, and so secular in its thinking about the world. How do we minister in a post-Christian culture? How do we develop relationships of grace that do not ignore the truth? How can we help Gen Z develop a worldview that can answer the big questions in life and prepare young adults to stand for truth?
In the past when culture shifted, wise Christians learned to adjust not to survive, but to significantly increase their reach. Today we have come to positions of influence for such a time as this. Let’s gather together and see how we can support one another in stepping forward, not backward. In engaging, not escaping.
Role Models: Relationships and Modeling Christianity for Gen Z
Speaker: Dr. Jeff Myers
Up to 70% of young adults raised in church drift away from their faith after graduation. What can we learn from the 30% who stay? Dr. Myers shares observations to show how churches—and families—can create an atmosphere, in which, the faith of Gen Z can remain vibrant and strong. The Bible often presents core doctrines in the context of tension between truth/grace, sovereignty/free-will, etc. Teaching truth to hearts and minds involves engaging—not escaping—the tension between relating to students and teaching the truth. As leaders how do we navigate the “boss” vs. “buddy” tension in a way that helps our students grow?
Click here to download Dr. Jeff’s session notes.
Identity: Helping Gen Z Understand Who They Are & What Makes Them Valuable
Speaker: Michael Sherrard
Today it seems the only person we truly know is the person we are supposed to be. Thanks, social media. This cultural paradigm shift has affected Gen Z student’s sense of identity and purpose, and the church must be equipped to respond. Effective youth ministry today, requires youth leaders to possess and pass on a biblical understanding of identity and value. This lecture will help by showing how the Christian understanding of human value sustains equality, anchors identity, instills hope, and how this message empowers the younger generations to change the world.
The Bible: How Gen Z Doesn’t Know What’s In It or Why It Should Be Trusted
Speaker: Jason Jimenez
One of the biggest reasons young people leave Christianity is because they stopped believing in the Bible and fail to see the connection it has on the culture. But how did we get here? And what can be done to reverse this trend? In session three, Jason uncovers this “out of touch” reality plaguing Gen Z students. He will offer proven tips that are sure to be effective in your ministry to young adults.
Click here to download Jason Jimenez’s session notes.
Panel Discussion
Speakers: Jason Jimenez, Michael Sherrard, Dr. Jeff Myers, and Pastor Brandon Comier.
During the panel discussion Pastor Brandon led a discussion between the event speakers on the following topics:
• How to can we communicate using digital natives?
• Where does Gen Z stand on Equality, Morality, and Sexuality?
• What the Church Must Do to Reach Gen Z Before It’s Too Late
How You Personally Can Equip the Next Generation of Culture-Shaping Leaders — Dr. Jeff Myers
Will the next generation of Christians engage the culture, stand for truth, and fight against evil and injustice? In this session, we talked about why now is one of the most critical times in history. God has provided astounding opportunities for us to be a blessing to all nations of the earth.
Interviews about Gen Z
During each break, we shared interviews with Summit faculty and students about what it is like for Gen Z to build meaningful relationships, their interaction with social media, and finding truth in a loud world.