Have you read Do the Shore this summer? Many of the writers for that affiliated publication belong to Generation Z, and I was happily quite impressed with their talents after reading their creative stories on fun and informative subjects. I love the English language and learned much about the skill of writing from the Attorneys Curran, and so I also enjoy reading the well-written word. These articles were superb.
But other than that they are good writers, what do I know about Generation Z? I am acquainted with a group of GenZs, most of whom were raised in our church, and find them to be a wonderful and joyous group to be around, not to mention hardworking. That encourages me because what I have been reading tells me that many in this generation are actively seeking to follow Jesus.
Like the rest of the world, they may not know it yet, but that vague desire to understand the reason they are here on Earth is why many in that age range (13-28 years old) desire something greater than themselves – something more concrete – a reason for their very being. As many of us have found during our lifetimes, that reason for our being is to know who we are in Jesus and to honor Him as our Lord.
The numerous spiritual awakenings, revivals and extraordinary number of baptisms happening in and around college campuses tell the story. If you haven’t heard or seen the news of this amazing movement of God over the past two years, check out CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network) online and search “Revivals.” You will not be disappointed.
UniteUS at Auburn University appears to have been at the forefront of this movement and brought awareness to the national level. Ongoing countrywide worship and praise events are being held by Let Us Worship and other groups with similar results. Young people want God.
There have been so many of these amazing Christian awakenings in GenZ within the United States that a documentary entitled “The Revival Generation” was produced by CBN and premiered at The Kennedy Center in Washington last month.
I am excited! Young, thoughtful people, not all raised in the church, are turning toward Jesus because they want Him. They are not being towed to church by their parents (and probably never were), they have decided on their own to discover Jesus and then to follow Him as their Redeemer and Creator, and I say Hallelujah!
My cousin’s son, working for Youth With a Mission in Salem, Oregon, wrote recently and told me, “This past week I was out doing evangelism with one of our students . . . we ended up speaking to a young 20-year-old guy who had just arrived in Salem to attend a local university here. To our amazement, this young man had NEVER heard the gospel message before, and was eager for us to share it with him.”
Tim followed with, “This is becoming more common these days, meeting people who have never heard the message of Jesus. I’m not sure why I am always shocked when I meet someone like that, but it is becoming the norm in many ways.”
We have young people all around us every day who have not heard about Jesus. They have never attended a church service, and some have no idea that church is about Jesus. This is a part of Generation Z. They are young people with amazing minds, they want to learn and work and be part of the fabric of this country, yet many have never heard the Good News of Jesus in a nation that was founded upon the faith of Christian men praying that God would lead this new republic.
I can be sad that these young people have not had a chance to learn about Jesus or I can get out there and make sure that I am part of the solution. I want my life to reflect all that my Savior has done for me, including saving me from my darkest sins and bringing me into His Holy Light. What could be more motivating for me than to know that God is already working in the hearts of this generation and I can jump right in and do whatever task He gives me.
During a class I taught to a youth group we used Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God.” In those lessons Rev. Blackaby pushed us to work where we see God is already working.
“Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.” Jesus’ words tell me I am to get moving and help with the harvest and discipling of those ready souls in GenZ. I pray you will join us.
Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.
