S3 Ep 17: #57 - Why Is Gen Z Walking Away from the Church?
Craig welcomes special guest Brandon Bonner as he returns to discuss the evolving challenges and dynamics within the church and the spiritual battles faced by today's youth, particularly Generation Z. Starting with a light-hearted reminiscence of Brandon's journey from student ambassador to now, they delve into serious and pressing issues, including the alarming trend of young people leaving the church, the impact of COVID-19 on social experiences, and the clash between virtual and in-person interactions. They also explore the top reasons why Gen Z is drifting away from Christianity, such as struggles with the existence of evil, perceived hypocrisy, and negative historical connotations.
01:02 Life Updates and Personal Milestones
03:23 Marriage Reflections and Challenges
04:01 Generation Z and the Church
09:21 Impact of COVID-19 on Social Dynamics
12:25 Technology and Social Media Influence
15:43 Addressing Concerns and Hypocrisy in Christianity
21:00 The Challenge of Authenticity in Modern Christianity
21:16 The Impact of Technology on Faith and Community
21:45 Addressing Cynicism and Legalism in the Church
23:02 Navigating Political and Social Issues as Christians
23:39 The Importance of Genuine Relationships and Deep Answers
24:04 Generational Differences in Approaching Faith
25:15 The Role of Authenticity in Engaging Generation Z
27:59 Building Trust and Overcoming Social Barriers
31:19 Addressing Historical Injustices and Difficult Questions
33:11 The Importance of Consistent Church Involvement
38:42 The Power of Relational Connectivity in the Church
40:36 Final Thoughts and Future Plans