Gospel Hope for Gen Z Ministry

Um, hello and welcome. My name is Derek Um, hello and welcome. My name is Derek Rashmaui. I am the campus minister with Rashmaui. I am the campus minister with Rashmaui. I am the campus minister with RUF at UC Irvine and I am the I guess RUF at UC Irvine and I am the I guess RUF at UC Irvine and I am the I guess the host of this panel that we titled the host of this panel that we titled the host of this panel that we titled hope for Gen Z ministry. Is that that's hope for Gen Z ministry. Is that that's hope for Gen Z ministry. Is that that's what I'm told? Help for ministry to Gen what I'm told? Help for ministry to Gen what I'm told? Help for ministry to Gen Z. Okay, I had the grammar wrong. Uh, at Z. Okay, I had the grammar wrong. Uh, at Z. Okay, I had the grammar wrong. Uh, at the Gospel Coalition. So, really glad to the Gospel Coalition. So, really glad to the Gospel Coalition. So, really glad to have you here. Um, I have my my fellow have you here. Um, I have my my fellow have you here. Um, I have my my fellow panelists. Uh, why don't you guys just panelists. Uh, why don't you guys just panelists. Uh, why don't you guys just introduce your names really quick? We'll introduce your names really quick? We'll introduce your names really quick? We'll go through it. Alex, Alex Harris, Corey go through it. Alex, Alex Harris, Corey go through it. Alex, Alex Harris, Corey Porter, I'm Rachel Gilson. Um, they're Porter, I'm Rachel Gilson. Um, they're Porter, I'm Rachel Gilson. Um, they're going to introduce themselves again in a going to introduce themselves again in a going to introduce themselves again in a second and just kind of tell you what second and just kind of tell you what second and just kind of tell you what they do related to Gen Z and uh kind of they do related to Gen Z and uh kind of they do related to Gen Z and uh kind of walk through essentially points that walk through essentially points that walk through essentially points that we're hopeful about when it comes to we're hopeful about when it comes to we're hopeful about when it comes to this generation ministry, things that we this generation ministry, things that we this generation ministry, things that we have ministry and trends and things that have ministry and trends and things that have ministry and trends and things that we have seen that encourage us. But I we have seen that encourage us. But I we have seen that encourage us. But I did want to just on the front end did want to just on the front end did want to just on the front end uh make something clear. Uh when it uh make something clear. Uh when it uh make something clear. Uh when it comes to talking about hope for Gen Z comes to talking about hope for Gen Z comes to talking about hope for Gen Z ministry, I don't think any of us is ministry, I don't think any of us is ministry, I don't think any of us is here uh looking to present uh some new here uh looking to present uh some new here uh looking to present uh some new tactic, some new formula, some new uh tactic, some new formula, some new uh tactic, some new formula, some new uh method that is our surefire way of method that is our surefire way of method that is our surefire way of getting Jenz through the door and and getting Jenz through the door and and getting Jenz through the door and and converting them uh like with 90% uh converting them uh like with 90% uh converting them uh like with 90% uh accuracy or something like that. Our accuracy or something like that. Our accuracy or something like that. Our hope for Gen Z is the same hope that hope for Gen Z is the same hope that hope for Gen Z is the same hope that we've had uh for every generation, for we've had uh for every generation, for we've had uh for every generation, for millennials, for uh Gen X, I didn't millennials, for uh Gen X, I didn't millennials, for uh Gen X, I didn't forget you, boomers, and and everybody forget you, boomers, and and everybody forget you, boomers, and and everybody else is simply the gospel of Jesus else is simply the gospel of Jesus else is simply the gospel of Jesus Christ, right? It's the same gospel.

Christ, right? It's the same gospel. Christ, right? It's the same gospel. It's the same power to save. It's the It's the same power to save. It's the It's the same power to save. It's the same Holy Spirit who has been converting same Holy Spirit who has been converting same Holy Spirit who has been converting people down through the centuries as the people down through the centuries as the people down through the centuries as the word is preached, as the bread's broken, word is preached, as the bread's broken, word is preached, as the bread's broken, a all these things. And so, we just a all these things. And so, we just a all these things. And so, we just really want to be very clear. The hope really want to be very clear. The hope really want to be very clear. The hope for Gen Z is the gospel of Jesus Christ. for Gen Z is the gospel of Jesus Christ. for Gen Z is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now on the ground, it's the same gospel, Now on the ground, it's the same gospel, Now on the ground, it's the same gospel, but the gospel does go out to unique but the gospel does go out to unique but the gospel does go out to unique times and places and cultures. And Gen Z times and places and cultures. And Gen Z times and places and cultures. And Gen Z is a unique culture and and in a unique is a unique culture and and in a unique is a unique culture and and in a unique time and place. And so that's kind of time and place. And so that's kind of time and place. And so that's kind of what we want to talk about is is how what we want to talk about is is how what we want to talk about is is how we've seen that that same universal hope we've seen that that same universal hope we've seen that that same universal hope uh get into the hearts and lives of this uh get into the hearts and lives of this uh get into the hearts and lives of this particular generation. And so I wanted particular generation. And so I wanted particular generation. And so I wanted to start by just pitching it to Alex to start by just pitching it to Alex to start by just pitching it to Alex first and we're just kind of go down the first and we're just kind of go down the first and we're just kind of go down the line. What have you been seeing that has line. What have you been seeing that has line. What have you been seeing that has like what's your context, your like what's your context, your like what's your context, your experience with Gen Z and it's kind of experience with Gen Z and it's kind of experience with Gen Z and it's kind of given you hope uh about this generation given you hope uh about this generation given you hope uh about this generation which I'm feeling pretty bullish on. I I which I'm feeling pretty bullish on. I I which I'm feeling pretty bullish on. I I like Gen Z. I I'm I'm excited about like Gen Z. I I'm I'm excited about like Gen Z. I I'm I'm excited about them. So why don't you start out? Yeah.

them. So why don't you start out? Yeah. them. So why don't you start out? Yeah. So hey everybody uh I'm an attorney by So hey everybody uh I'm an attorney by So hey everybody uh I'm an attorney by trade. Uh, I have a ministry to teens trade. Uh, I have a ministry to teens trade. Uh, I have a ministry to teens background, you know, dating back now background, you know, dating back now background, you know, dating back now quite a long time ago. When I was 16 quite a long time ago. When I was 16 quite a long time ago. When I was 16 years old, so literally 20 years ago, my years old, so literally 20 years ago, my years old, so literally 20 years ago, my twin brother and I started a nonprofit twin brother and I started a nonprofit twin brother and I started a nonprofit organization, went around uh writing organization, went around uh writing organization, went around uh writing articles and speaking at conferences, articles and speaking at conferences, articles and speaking at conferences, two teens as two teenagers. We called it two teens as two teenagers. We called it two teens as two teenagers. We called it the Revolution, which is just the kind the Revolution, which is just the kind the Revolution, which is just the kind of name that two 16-year-old guys come of name that two 16-year-old guys come of name that two 16-year-old guys come up with for their website and up with for their website and up with for their website and organization. And we defined it as a organization. And we defined it as a organization. And we defined it as a teenage rebellion against low teenage rebellion against low teenage rebellion against low expectations. And we went around talking expectations. And we went around talking expectations. And we went around talking about uh how society has low about uh how society has low about uh how society has low expectations for teens. The way that we expectations for teens. The way that we expectations for teens. The way that we as young people needed to rebel against as young people needed to rebel against as young people needed to rebel against those low expectations and do hard those low expectations and do hard those low expectations and do hard things for the glory of God. We wrote a things for the glory of God. We wrote a things for the glory of God. We wrote a book called Do Hard Things and and book called Do Hard Things and and book called Do Hard Things and and traveled all around ministering to uh traveled all around ministering to uh traveled all around ministering to uh kind of the the beginning of Gen Z and kind of the the beginning of Gen Z and kind of the the beginning of Gen Z and then you know quite a lot of of then you know quite a lot of of then you know quite a lot of of millennials which which my millennials which which my millennials which which my generation that was big conferences that generation that was big conferences that generation that was big conferences that was standing on a stage talking to a was standing on a stage talking to a was standing on a stage talking to a bunch of young people interacting online bunch of young people interacting online bunch of young people interacting online and it was an exciting time and and God and it was an exciting time and and God and it was an exciting time and and God did some some really cool things there.

did some some really cool things there. did some some really cool things there. Fast forward 20 years and now I'm a dad. Fast forward 20 years and now I'm a dad. Fast forward 20 years and now I'm a dad. I have a 13-year-old daughter. She is a I have a 13-year-old daughter. She is a I have a 13-year-old daughter. She is a member of Gen Z, kind of uh at the the member of Gen Z, kind of uh at the the member of Gen Z, kind of uh at the the tail end, and she is a member of our tail end, and she is a member of our tail end, and she is a member of our church's student ministry. And I'm church's student ministry. And I'm church's student ministry. And I'm because she is a member uh now a because she is a member uh now a because she is a member uh now a volunteer in our student ministry. I volunteer in our student ministry. I volunteer in our student ministry. I work with the middle school boys. She work with the middle school boys. She work with the middle school boys. She hangs out with the middle school girls, hangs out with the middle school girls, hangs out with the middle school girls, but I just kind of keep an eye on things but I just kind of keep an eye on things but I just kind of keep an eye on things and just and just and just around and and there's something very around and and there's something very around and and there's something very refreshing and and very powerful to me refreshing and and very powerful to me refreshing and and very powerful to me in that experience of working with young in that experience of working with young in that experience of working with young people, not as a speaker on a stage or people, not as a speaker on a stage or people, not as a speaker on a stage or as an author on a page, but just doing as an author on a page, but just doing as an author on a page, but just doing daily weekly life with young people. And daily weekly life with young people. And daily weekly life with young people. And so I'm seeing these kids over the years so I'm seeing these kids over the years so I'm seeing these kids over the years as they grow up. I knew them before they as they grow up. I knew them before they as they grow up. I knew them before they entered our student ministry. Now I'm entered our student ministry. Now I'm entered our student ministry. Now I'm one of their leaders, opening the Bible one of their leaders, opening the Bible one of their leaders, opening the Bible with them, talking to them, hearing with them, talking to them, hearing with them, talking to them, hearing about their lives, their school, their about their lives, their school, their about their lives, their school, their hopes and dreams, the latest memes on hopes and dreams, the latest memes on hopes and dreams, the latest memes on TikTok, all of that. And and it's it's TikTok, all of that. And and it's it's TikTok, all of that. And and it's it's been incredible to to see the power of been incredible to to see the power of been incredible to to see the power of just faithful presence in the life of just faithful presence in the life of just faithful presence in the life of young people in a way that I hadn't young people in a way that I hadn't young people in a way that I hadn't experienced despite, you know, some very experienced despite, you know, some very experienced despite, you know, some very high-profile teen ministry uh in my high-profile teen ministry uh in my high-profile teen ministry uh in my past. So, that's that's kind of my past. So, that's that's kind of my past. So, that's that's kind of my context. Uh, another part of my context, context. Uh, another part of my context, context. Uh, another part of my context, I mentioned I'm an attorney. One of the I mentioned I'm an attorney. One of the I mentioned I'm an attorney. One of the lawsuits that I'm involved in is lawsuits that I'm involved in is lawsuits that I'm involved in is representing the state of Nebraska in representing the state of Nebraska in representing the state of Nebraska in their lawsuit against Tik Tok for

their lawsuit against Tik Tok for their lawsuit against Tik Tok for misrepresenting the safety of their misrepresenting the safety of their misrepresenting the safety of their platform for minor users. So, that's uh platform for minor users. So, that's uh platform for minor users. So, that's uh another aspect that I kind of think another aspect that I kind of think another aspect that I kind of think about when we think about this topic of about when we think about this topic of about when we think about this topic of of Gen Gen Z hopes and and challenges. of Gen Gen Z hopes and and challenges. of Gen Gen Z hopes and and challenges. I think the biggest takeaway I have, the I think the biggest takeaway I have, the I think the biggest takeaway I have, the biggest thing that gives me hope is just biggest thing that gives me hope is just biggest thing that gives me hope is just seeing the fact that so many members of seeing the fact that so many members of seeing the fact that so many members of Gen Gen Gen Z, they they value relationship and and Z, they they value relationship and and Z, they they value relationship and and that faithful presence I mentioned. A that faithful presence I mentioned. A that faithful presence I mentioned. A buzz word that's used a lot, but I think buzz word that's used a lot, but I think buzz word that's used a lot, but I think is actually really important in this is actually really important in this is actually really important in this topic and and with Gen Z is topic and and with Gen Z is topic and and with Gen Z is authenticity. authenticity. authenticity. um big conferences with a band and we um big conferences with a band and we um big conferences with a band and we shot foam rockets off into the crowd to shot foam rockets off into the crowd to shot foam rockets off into the crowd to give away copies of you know theo the give away copies of you know theo the give away copies of you know theo the theology books and all of that like that theology books and all of that like that theology books and all of that like that doesn't connect as well I think with Gen doesn't connect as well I think with Gen doesn't connect as well I think with Gen Z as it maybe did with with my Z as it maybe did with with my Z as it maybe did with with my generation for them a lot of that seems generation for them a lot of that seems generation for them a lot of that seems very fake um and and just being present very fake um and and just being present very fake um and and just being present can be incredibly powerful so that's can be incredibly powerful so that's can be incredibly powerful so that's that's something I've seen work uh in that's something I've seen work uh in that's something I've seen work uh in the faithfulness of of other leaders in the faithfulness of of other leaders in the faithfulness of of other leaders in our just local church. Um, and it's also our just local church. Um, and it's also our just local church. Um, and it's also something I've seen is that there's a something I've seen is that there's a something I've seen is that there's a whole host of Gen Z members who actually whole host of Gen Z members who actually whole host of Gen Z members who actually don't have a lot of baggage when it don't have a lot of baggage when it don't have a lot of baggage when it comes to Christianity. And in in part comes to Christianity. And in in part comes to Christianity. And in in part because they just don't know much of because they just don't know much of because they just don't know much of anything about it. And that is a anything about it. And that is a anything about it. And that is a challenge in some ways. It's also an challenge in some ways. It's also an challenge in some ways. It's also an incredible opportunity in others.

incredible opportunity in others. incredible opportunity in others. Because in the past, ministry and Because in the past, ministry and Because in the past, ministry and evangelism to young people often just evangelism to young people often just evangelism to young people often just ran into the fact that they already were ran into the fact that they already were ran into the fact that they already were familiar. They already knew the stuff familiar. They already knew the stuff familiar. They already knew the stuff and and they were skeptical because and and they were skeptical because and and they were skeptical because they'd seen the abuses. They'd seen the they'd seen the abuses. They'd seen the they'd seen the abuses. They'd seen the warts. They'd been in the church. I've warts. They'd been in the church. I've warts. They'd been in the church. I've recently been able to help uh disciple recently been able to help uh disciple recently been able to help uh disciple and do a Bible study with a couple of and do a Bible study with a couple of and do a Bible study with a couple of 20somes who just came to Christ just in 20somes who just came to Christ just in 20somes who just came to Christ just in the last few months. Um, and they know the last few months. Um, and they know the last few months. Um, and they know nothing. They were shocked to find out nothing. They were shocked to find out nothing. They were shocked to find out that Jesus was once a baby, that he that Jesus was once a baby, that he that Jesus was once a baby, that he didn't just appear uh as a 30-some and didn't just appear uh as a 30-some and didn't just appear uh as a 30-some and start his ministry. They just had no start his ministry. They just had no start his ministry. They just had no idea. Um, but they just have this hunger idea. Um, but they just have this hunger idea. Um, but they just have this hunger to learn and to study God's word and to to learn and to study God's word and to to learn and to study God's word and to understand what it means to follow understand what it means to follow understand what it means to follow Jesus. And that is so exciting. That Jesus. And that is so exciting. That Jesus. And that is so exciting. That gives me incredible hope. And I think gives me incredible hope. And I think gives me incredible hope. And I think that's not just an anecdote. I think that's not just an anecdote. I think that's not just an anecdote. I think that is true of a lot of members of this that is true of a lot of members of this that is true of a lot of members of this generation. generation. generation. Yeah, that's absolutely something I've Yeah, that's absolutely something I've Yeah, that's absolutely something I've seen. I'm sure we're going to hear that seen. I'm sure we're going to hear that seen. I'm sure we're going to hear that comment tracking along a lot of comment tracking along a lot of comment tracking along a lot of different ways, but wanted to hear right different ways, but wanted to hear right different ways, but wanted to hear right now from Corey. Why don't you go ahead now from Corey. Why don't you go ahead now from Corey. Why don't you go ahead and share a little bit about what you're and share a little bit about what you're and share a little bit about what you're up to? Yeah, I had a lot prepared, but up to? Yeah, I had a lot prepared, but up to? Yeah, I had a lot prepared, but Dererick told me to be brief, so I was I Dererick told me to be brief, so I was I Dererick told me to be brief, so I was I was and but he wasn't. So, I'm just was and but he wasn't. So, I'm just was and but he wasn't. So, I'm just going to share my going to share my going to share my story. Okay. Um, I came to faith story. Okay. Um, I came to faith story. Okay. Um, I came to faith actually in college. So, I believe actually in college. So, I believe actually in college. So, I believe that's why college ministry is so that's why college ministry is so that's why college ministry is so important to me. Um, I was a high school important to me. Um, I was a high school important to me. Um, I was a high school dropout. I was on drugs. I was every dropout. I was on drugs. I was every dropout. I was on drugs. I was every statistic I was told I was going to be statistic I was told I was going to be statistic I was told I was going to be by the age of 18. Uh, two campus by the age of 18. Uh, two campus by the age of 18. Uh, two campus ministers invited me to a Bible study

ministers invited me to a Bible study ministers invited me to a Bible study and they shared the good news of the and they shared the good news of the and they shared the good news of the gospel and it forever changed my life. gospel and it forever changed my life. gospel and it forever changed my life. Um, so as a freshman um, coming to the Um, so as a freshman um, coming to the Um, so as a freshman um, coming to the University of uh, Mississippi, Old Miss University of uh, Mississippi, Old Miss University of uh, Mississippi, Old Miss Hi Totty. Um, I was able to be a part of Hi Totty. Um, I was able to be a part of Hi Totty. Um, I was able to be a part of a campus ministry who loved Christ and a campus ministry who loved Christ and a campus ministry who loved Christ and shared scripture with me. And it totally shared scripture with me. And it totally shared scripture with me. And it totally not only uh redeemed my mind, my heart, not only uh redeemed my mind, my heart, not only uh redeemed my mind, my heart, my soul, but it forever changed the my soul, but it forever changed the my soul, but it forever changed the trajectory of my life. And so I started trajectory of my life. And so I started trajectory of my life. And so I started to because the Bible tells us to care to because the Bible tells us to care to because the Bible tells us to care for the poor. I started leading Bible for the poor. I started leading Bible for the poor. I started leading Bible studies and started to go into inner studies and started to go into inner studies and started to go into inner city uh mission trips because the Bible city uh mission trips because the Bible city uh mission trips because the Bible tells us to care for those who are tells us to care for those who are tells us to care for those who are orphaned or widow. Um, I was like, "Oh orphaned or widow. Um, I was like, "Oh orphaned or widow. Um, I was like, "Oh my gosh, what does it look like to my gosh, what does it look like to my gosh, what does it look like to spread the gospel amongst nations that spread the gospel amongst nations that spread the gospel amongst nations that have never heard the gospel before?" And have never heard the gospel before?" And have never heard the gospel before?" And so I took my senior year off um um my so I took my senior year off um um my so I took my senior year off um um my senior year off and I went to Cambodia senior year off and I went to Cambodia senior year off and I went to Cambodia to share the good news for four months. to share the good news for four months. to share the good news for four months. And in that experience, I was like, And in that experience, I was like, And in that experience, I was like, "Wow, God works. He is so powerful. He's "Wow, God works. He is so powerful. He's "Wow, God works. He is so powerful. He's amongst all the generations but also amongst all the generations but also amongst all the generations but also amongst all the world." And so that amongst all the world." And so that amongst all the world." And so that totally changed my mindset also my world totally changed my mindset also my world totally changed my mindset also my world view which helped me to understand what view which helped me to understand what view which helped me to understand what does it look like to be a person who does it look like to be a person who does it look like to be a person who loves God and loves people and is really loves God and loves people and is really loves God and loves people and is really intentional about spreading God's good intentional about spreading God's good intentional about spreading God's good news but also being in proximity to news but also being in proximity to news but also being in proximity to people. My natural personality is an people. My natural personality is an people. My natural personality is an introvert. So I much rather just share introvert. So I much rather just share introvert. So I much rather just share the good news and go about my life. Um the good news and go about my life. Um the good news and go about my life. Um but that's not the way God calls us to.

but that's not the way God calls us to. but that's not the way God calls us to. Um very quickly I I noticed in the Um very quickly I I noticed in the Um very quickly I I noticed in the scriptures um early on um it's in uh scriptures um early on um it's in uh scriptures um early on um it's in uh first second Thessalonians he said not first second Thessalonians he said not first second Thessalonians he said not only did I share the gospel with you but only did I share the gospel with you but only did I share the gospel with you but I share my very life and that's the type I share my very life and that's the type I share my very life and that's the type of disciplehip that I had. I had men and of disciplehip that I had. I had men and of disciplehip that I had. I had men and women who saw me for where I was and did women who saw me for where I was and did women who saw me for where I was and did not leave me there but cared enough for not leave me there but cared enough for not leave me there but cared enough for me to be able to disciple me in God's me to be able to disciple me in God's me to be able to disciple me in God's word be able to call me out when I was word be able to call me out when I was word be able to call me out when I was out of pocket and be able to love me out of pocket and be able to love me out of pocket and be able to love me through things in which I was going through things in which I was going through things in which I was going through. And again, for somebody who was through. And again, for somebody who was through. And again, for somebody who was on drugs, high school dropout, you can on drugs, high school dropout, you can on drugs, high school dropout, you can only imagine how much craziness I only imagine how much craziness I only imagine how much craziness I brought to the table during those years. brought to the table during those years. brought to the table during those years. And so, um, God was gracious and And so, um, God was gracious and And so, um, God was gracious and faithful to me. Um, I was 21, um, and faithful to me. Um, I was 21, um, and faithful to me. Um, I was 21, um, and getting ready to go into the world, and getting ready to go into the world, and getting ready to go into the world, and I wanted to be a lawyer, but I wanted to I wanted to be a lawyer, but I wanted to I wanted to be a lawyer, but I wanted to be a Christian lawyer, whatever that be a Christian lawyer, whatever that be a Christian lawyer, whatever that meant. Um, and so I had a decision meant. Um, and so I had a decision meant. Um, and so I had a decision between going to DTS, which is Dallas between going to DTS, which is Dallas between going to DTS, which is Dallas Theological, or RTS. Um, the people who Theological, or RTS. Um, the people who Theological, or RTS. Um, the people who were discipled me were Presbyterians, so were discipled me were Presbyterians, so were discipled me were Presbyterians, so you already know I went to RTS. Um, they you already know I went to RTS. Um, they you already know I went to RTS. Um, they made it very clear. Uh, okay. They made made it very clear. Uh, okay. They made made it very clear. Uh, okay. They made it very clear. Um, and while there I met it very clear. Um, and while there I met it very clear. Um, and while there I met up with a guy named Kevin D. Young. He up with a guy named Kevin D. Young. He up with a guy named Kevin D. Young. He was great. He was funny because he could was great. He was funny because he could was great. He was funny because he could impersonate John Piper. Um, and so he impersonate John Piper. Um, and so he impersonate John Piper. Um, and so he just did these crazy cool talks. And so just did these crazy cool talks. And so just did these crazy cool talks. And so we hit it off. He invited me to be an we hit it off. He invited me to be an we hit it off. He invited me to be an associate director of his campus associate director of his campus associate director of his campus ministry. So I helped develop women ministry. So I helped develop women ministry. So I helped develop women there. And then John Nelson, which is there. And then John Nelson, which is there. And then John Nelson, which is Kathleen Nielson's um, son, was a campus Kathleen Nielson's um, son, was a campus Kathleen Nielson's um, son, was a campus minister at Princeton University. and so minister at Princeton University. and so minister at Princeton University. and so transferred, graduated from Princeton transferred, graduated from Princeton transferred, graduated from Princeton univers Princeton theological university univers Princeton theological university univers Princeton theological university um uh with theology and society as my um uh with theology and society as my um uh with theology and society as my degree but focused with the college

degree but focused with the college degree but focused with the college students on on Princeton's campus as students on on Princeton's campus as students on on Princeton's campus as well. And so campus ministry in and of well. And so campus ministry in and of well. And so campus ministry in and of itself I understand that not only again itself I understand that not only again itself I understand that not only again does it take people and help them to does it take people and help them to does it take people and help them to understand a a relationship with God and understand a a relationship with God and understand a a relationship with God and intimacy with God and can never change intimacy with God and can never change intimacy with God and can never change their life but it also changes the world their life but it also changes the world their life but it also changes the world around them. Um, and lastly, the work I around them. Um, and lastly, the work I around them. Um, and lastly, the work I do now. Um, when I graduated from do now. Um, when I graduated from do now. Um, when I graduated from Princeton Theological, I was able to go Princeton Theological, I was able to go Princeton Theological, I was able to go and to do that great work that I thought and to do that great work that I thought and to do that great work that I thought I wanted to do, which was I was the CEO I wanted to do, which was I was the CEO I wanted to do, which was I was the CEO of an advocacy organization that of an advocacy organization that of an advocacy organization that advocated for Christians and others advocated for Christians and others advocated for Christians and others around the world. Um, and we advocated around the world. Um, and we advocated around the world. Um, and we advocated before the UN, before State Department. before the UN, before State Department. before the UN, before State Department. And I thought that was all great, but And I thought that was all great, but And I thought that was all great, but the bureaucracy can sometimes get in the the bureaucracy can sometimes get in the the bureaucracy can sometimes get in the way of the gospel work of peacemaking. way of the gospel work of peacemaking. way of the gospel work of peacemaking. And so I started a nonprofit that And so I started a nonprofit that And so I started a nonprofit that focuses on college campuses. Um, we go focuses on college campuses. Um, we go focuses on college campuses. Um, we go from the elites of Harvard, we go to Kin from the elites of Harvard, we go to Kin from the elites of Harvard, we go to Kin State, the bluecollar, and we go to State, the bluecollar, and we go to State, the bluecollar, and we go to Ghana to international to say, can the Ghana to international to say, can the Ghana to international to say, can the good news of the gospel, which is one of good news of the gospel, which is one of good news of the gospel, which is one of Christ, but is also one of peacemaking Christ, but is also one of peacemaking Christ, but is also one of peacemaking in the world that is so sincerely in the world that is so sincerely in the world that is so sincerely polarized and isolated, can it work on polarized and isolated, can it work on polarized and isolated, can it work on college campuses? And we've seen amazing college campuses? And we've seen amazing college campuses? And we've seen amazing results of students wanting to sign up results of students wanting to sign up results of students wanting to sign up for one-on-one Bible studies or for one-on-one Bible studies or for one-on-one Bible studies or conversations about the gospel. And so, conversations about the gospel. And so, conversations about the gospel. And so, it's a new way in um to evangelizing and it's a new way in um to evangelizing and it's a new way in um to evangelizing and to having a Christian conversations to having a Christian conversations to having a Christian conversations through hospitality. So, that's the work through hospitality. So, that's the work through hospitality. So, that's the work we do. That's really helpful. Thank you.

we do. That's really helpful. Thank you. we do. That's really helpful. Thank you. We'll come back around to all of that. We'll come back around to all of that. We'll come back around to all of that. Let uh Rachel jump in and introduce Let uh Rachel jump in and introduce Let uh Rachel jump in and introduce herself and all that she does um and uh herself and all that she does um and uh herself and all that she does um and uh and what she's hopeful about. and what she's hopeful about. and what she's hopeful about. Yeah. So, I um I work for Crew, formerly Yeah. So, I um I work for Crew, formerly Yeah. So, I um I work for Crew, formerly known as Campus Crusade for known as Campus Crusade for known as Campus Crusade for Christ, another campus ministry. I'm Christ, another campus ministry. I'm Christ, another campus ministry. I'm just like so much campus ministry just like so much campus ministry just like so much campus ministry happening here. So, like Corey, I became happening here. So, like Corey, I became happening here. So, like Corey, I became a Christian in college. a Christian in college. a Christian in college. So I went from knowing like nothing at So I went from knowing like nothing at So I went from knowing like nothing at all to like oh I I need to know some all to like oh I I need to know some all to like oh I I need to know some stuff. So experience firsthand being 18, stuff. So experience firsthand being 18, stuff. So experience firsthand being 18, 19, 20 like figuring out what all of 19, 20 like figuring out what all of 19, 20 like figuring out what all of this is. this is. this is. So I've been doing campus ministry So I've been doing campus ministry So I've been doing campus ministry professionally since professionally since professionally since 2011. At that point I was still dealing 2011. At that point I was still dealing 2011. At that point I was still dealing with younger millennials and now it's with younger millennials and now it's with younger millennials and now it's transitioned more towards Gen Z transitioned more towards Gen Z transitioned more towards Gen Z students. So now I work I'm no longer on students. So now I work I'm no longer on students. So now I work I'm no longer on campus with crew. I work for our campus with crew. I work for our campus with crew. I work for our theological team which means I resource theological team which means I resource theological team which means I resource every one of our divisions. I'm talking every one of our divisions. I'm talking every one of our divisions. I'm talking to a lot of people on the field who are to a lot of people on the field who are to a lot of people on the field who are working with Gen Z. And personally I working with Gen Z. And personally I working with Gen Z. And personally I lead just a little disciplehip group of lead just a little disciplehip group of lead just a little disciplehip group of some ladies every Monday morning in some ladies every Monday morning in some ladies every Monday morning in Harvard Square uh Harvard Square uh Harvard Square uh Jenzers who um keep me young. I remember Jenzers who um keep me young. I remember Jenzers who um keep me young. I remember I'll be 40 this summer and there was I'll be 40 this summer and there was I'll be 40 this summer and there was this sweet girl. She asked me to like this sweet girl. She asked me to like this sweet girl. She asked me to like she's like I need to talk. So, we were she's like I need to talk. So, we were she's like I need to talk. So, we were walking all around Harvard Yard and walking all around Harvard Yard and walking all around Harvard Yard and we're talking and just different things.

we're talking and just different things. we're talking and just different things. And at the end, she's like, "It's just And at the end, she's like, "It's just And at the end, she's like, "It's just so nice to have someone older to talk so nice to have someone older to talk so nice to have someone older to talk to." And I was like, "Oh, oh, okay. Well, that's nice." Uh, "Oh, oh, okay. Well, that's nice." Uh, and then I realized, yeah, actually, and then I realized, yeah, actually, and then I realized, yeah, actually, these girls are closer in age to my these girls are closer in age to my these girls are closer in age to my 11-year-old than they are to me, just 11-year-old than they are to me, just 11-year-old than they are to me, just slightly. I was like, oh, well, that slightly. I was like, oh, well, that slightly. I was like, oh, well, that does seal it. Although, technically my does seal it. Although, technically my does seal it. Although, technically my daughter's Gen Alpha. It's weird. It daughter's Gen Alpha. It's weird. It daughter's Gen Alpha. It's weird. It like just made the like just made the like just made the just made the cut off. Yeah. And all just made the cut off. Yeah. And all just made the cut off. Yeah. And all those alpha kids are making fun of the those alpha kids are making fun of the those alpha kids are making fun of the beta babies. They're like, "Oh, beta." beta babies. They're like, "Oh, beta." beta babies. They're like, "Oh, beta." Anyway, so I feel really hopeful about ministry to I feel really hopeful about ministry to Gen Z because I think a lot of Gen Z because I think a lot of Gen Z because I think a lot of these folks are getting to these folks are getting to these folks are getting to like they're scraping the bottom of the like they're scraping the bottom of the like they're scraping the bottom of the barrel of what secularism has to offer. barrel of what secularism has to offer. barrel of what secularism has to offer. They're like, "Oh, is this it? This kind They're like, "Oh, is this it? This kind They're like, "Oh, is this it? This kind of groy. of groy. of groy. And so they're really spiritually open. And so they're really spiritually open. And so they're really spiritually open. We um even a in a very progressive place We um even a in a very progressive place We um even a in a very progressive place like Boston, which is where I now live, like Boston, which is where I now live, like Boston, which is where I now live, some of our crew movements, we have so some of our crew movements, we have so some of our crew movements, we have so many people coming to faith. We don't many people coming to faith. We don't many people coming to faith. We don't have the staff to care for them. It's an have the staff to care for them. It's an have the staff to care for them. It's an excellent problem to have. And it's not excellent problem to have. And it's not excellent problem to have. And it's not just happening in Boston. There's a real just happening in Boston. There's a real just happening in Boston. There's a real gospel gospel gospel openness. It's really It's very hopeful.

openness. It's really It's very hopeful. openness. It's really It's very hopeful. The challenge is that there The challenge is that there The challenge is that there are and I think you've seen this as are and I think you've seen this as are and I think you've seen this as well. There are more coming to faith well. There are more coming to faith well. There are more coming to faith with less of a with less of a with less of a background in the Bible or background in the Bible or background in the Bible or theology. The crew uh started in 1951 theology. The crew uh started in 1951 theology. The crew uh started in 1951 and a lot of the very early ministry. and a lot of the very early ministry. and a lot of the very early ministry. It's like ministering to people who knew It's like ministering to people who knew It's like ministering to people who knew a lot of Bible and knew sort of a lot of Bible and knew sort of a lot of Bible and knew sort of Christianity and just needed to actually Christianity and just needed to actually Christianity and just needed to actually personally respond to Christ. personally respond to Christ. personally respond to Christ. Now we're people are coming to Christ Now we're people are coming to Christ Now we're people are coming to Christ and they're like, "Oh, is the Bible and they're like, "Oh, is the Bible and they're like, "Oh, is the Bible alphabetical?" You know, they just don't alphabetical?" You know, they just don't alphabetical?" You know, they just don't I was just recently on a a service trip I was just recently on a a service trip I was just recently on a a service trip with um group of college students from with um group of college students from with um group of college students from Michigan, University of Michigan and Michigan, University of Michigan and Michigan, University of Michigan and Michigan State was hanging out with Michigan State was hanging out with Michigan State was hanging out with these kids all week. They were excited these kids all week. They were excited these kids all week. They were excited to be doing evangelism, to be doing to be doing evangelism, to be doing to be doing evangelism, to be doing service. They were a lot of zeal for the service. They were a lot of zeal for the service. They were a lot of zeal for the Lord. And then the last night, I was Lord. And then the last night, I was Lord. And then the last night, I was talking to this younger brother of mine. talking to this younger brother of mine. talking to this younger brother of mine. I think he's probably 20. And I realized I think he's probably 20. And I realized I think he's probably 20. And I realized over the course of our conversation, he over the course of our conversation, he over the course of our conversation, he didn't think Jesus was still didn't think Jesus was still didn't think Jesus was still alive. I don't know. I was like trying alive. I don't know. I was like trying alive. I don't know. I was like trying to figure out, "What do you think to figure out, "What do you think to figure out, "What do you think happened after the resurrection?" And he happened after the resurrection?" And he happened after the resurrection?" And he was like, "Well, because Jesus is dead."

was like, "Well, because Jesus is dead." was like, "Well, because Jesus is dead." I'm like, "No, he's seated at the right I'm like, "No, he's seated at the right I'm like, "No, he's seated at the right hand of God the Father." He's like, "No, hand of God the Father." He's like, "No, hand of God the Father." He's like, "No, he's alive in our hearts." And I was he's alive in our hearts." And I was he's alive in our hearts." And I was like, like, like, "Okay." So, was his name Marcus Borg? "Okay." So, was his name Marcus Borg? "Okay." So, was his name Marcus Borg? Um, yeah. So, there was some real I'm Um, yeah. So, there was some real I'm Um, yeah. So, there was some real I'm like, "Someone needs to give you the like, "Someone needs to give you the like, "Someone needs to give you the Apostles Creed." Um, so there's just a Apostles Creed." Um, so there's just a Apostles Creed." Um, so there's just a lot lot lot of I wouldn't have guessed like this of I wouldn't have guessed like this of I wouldn't have guessed like this giant gaping hole, right? And so you'll giant gaping hole, right? And so you'll giant gaping hole, right? And so you'll suddenly hit these things, you're like, suddenly hit these things, you're like, suddenly hit these things, you're like, "Oh, we need some catechism." Yeah. "Oh, we need some catechism." Yeah. "Oh, we need some catechism." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, that's great. I I wanted to ask you No, that's great. I I wanted to ask you No, that's great. I I wanted to ask you guys um thinking about this, I I'm Well, guys um thinking about this, I I'm Well, guys um thinking about this, I I'm Well, I guess I'll share a little bit more. I I guess I'll share a little bit more. I I guess I'll share a little bit more. I forgot my You didn't You didn't do you. forgot my You didn't You didn't do you. forgot my You didn't You didn't do you. I didn't do me. Okay. Yeah. Okay. It's I didn't do me. Okay. Yeah. Okay. It's I didn't do me. Okay. Yeah. Okay. It's my turn. Okay. Uh so my experience with my turn. Okay. Uh so my experience with my turn. Okay. Uh so my experience with campus ministry is uh one I'm I'm campus ministry is uh one I'm I'm campus ministry is uh one I'm I'm currently a campus minister with RUF on currently a campus minister with RUF on currently a campus minister with RUF on campus at UC Irvine but um C again campus at UC Irvine but um C again campus at UC Irvine but um C again college was a significant time for me uh college was a significant time for me uh college was a significant time for me uh getting uh basically called to ministry getting uh basically called to ministry getting uh basically called to ministry a revitalization of my my own walk with a revitalization of my my own walk with a revitalization of my my own walk with Jesus and then essentially the earliest Jesus and then essentially the earliest Jesus and then essentially the earliest ministry I ever had was uh having my ministry I ever had was uh having my ministry I ever had was uh having my former small group of high school dudes former small group of high school dudes former small group of high school dudes who were all about to scatter to the who were all about to scatter to the who were all about to scatter to the winds over to my parents uh living room winds over to my parents uh living room winds over to my parents uh living room dining table every Saturday morning to dining table every Saturday morning to dining table every Saturday morning to read through the chap through a chapter read through the chap through a chapter read through the chap through a chapter of the reason for God and eat some of the reason for God and eat some of the reason for God and eat some Costco muffins and uh and and really Costco muffins and uh and and really Costco muffins and uh and and really coming to realize like college is the coming to realize like college is the coming to realize like college is the time when people are asking all the best time when people are asking all the best time when people are asking all the best questions and all the biggest questions and all the biggest questions and all the biggest transitions and so I've been kind of transitions and so I've been kind of transitions and so I've been kind of doing some form of college ministry ever doing some form of college ministry ever doing some form of college ministry ever since then. I think I was 21 right then,

since then. I think I was 21 right then, since then. I think I was 21 right then, but couple different places like that. but couple different places like that. but couple different places like that. But, um, I'm currently, you know, campus But, um, I'm currently, you know, campus But, um, I'm currently, you know, campus minister at UC Irvine, and I I will say minister at UC Irvine, and I I will say minister at UC Irvine, and I I will say I I've loved all of my students all the I I've loved all of my students all the I I've loved all of my students all the years. Uh, but there has been something years. Uh, but there has been something years. Uh, but there has been something pretty fun about the last few with Gen pretty fun about the last few with Gen pretty fun about the last few with Gen Z. And I I do think there's a lot going Z. And I I do think there's a lot going Z. And I I do think there's a lot going into that. But one of it is one of the into that. But one of it is one of the into that. But one of it is one of the things is it was really just the thing things is it was really just the thing things is it was really just the thing that y'all named with the openness to that y'all named with the openness to that y'all named with the openness to the gospel that's there. And this is I the gospel that's there. And this is I the gospel that's there. And this is I think something that tracks with a lot think something that tracks with a lot think something that tracks with a lot of the data that's coming out is you of the data that's coming out is you of the data that's coming out is you know Gen Z. There was some there was know Gen Z. There was some there was know Gen Z. There was some there was some thing that came out of the what was some thing that came out of the what was some thing that came out of the what was the study that just came out? was the the study that just came out? was the the study that just came out? was the quiet revival in the UK. There was some quiet revival in the UK. There was some quiet revival in the UK. There was some stat I think 6 years ago 3 to 4% of all stat I think 6 years ago 3 to 4% of all stat I think 6 years ago 3 to 4% of all Gen Z males were churchgoing and like in Gen Z males were churchgoing and like in Gen Z males were churchgoing and like in the last 60 years that bumped to what 20 the last 60 years that bumped to what 20 the last 60 years that bumped to what 20 20% 21 21% in six years right um one of 20% 21 21% in six years right um one of 20% 21 21% in six years right um one of my favorite stories is just uh I I I'm my favorite stories is just uh I I I'm my favorite stories is just uh I I I'm an alumni at UC Irvine and so I get an alumni at UC Irvine and so I get an alumni at UC Irvine and so I get access to workout at the at the gym access to workout at the at the gym access to workout at the at the gym there. So, I work out at the gym there there. So, I work out at the gym there there. So, I work out at the gym there and I run into students and it's just an and I run into students and it's just an and I run into students and it's just an easy like, "Hey, bro, you got that easy like, "Hey, bro, you got that easy like, "Hey, bro, you got that weight, blah, blah, blah. You can just weight, blah, blah, blah. You can just weight, blah, blah, blah. You can just talk to people." Um, and I ran into some talk to people." Um, and I ran into some talk to people." Um, and I ran into some guy. He's this freshman kid. And the guy. He's this freshman kid. And the guy. He's this freshman kid. And the great thing is, two great things. One, great thing is, two great things. One, great thing is, two great things. One, this generation is so open and they have this generation is so open and they have this generation is so open and they have so little of the baggage that we used so little of the baggage that we used so little of the baggage that we used that like I think my peers had that it's that like I think my peers had that it's that like I think my peers had that it's not weird or awkward when they ask,

not weird or awkward when they ask, not weird or awkward when they ask, "Hey, well, what do you do? What are you "Hey, well, what do you do? What are you "Hey, well, what do you do? What are you doing?" "Well, I'm a pastor." "Oh, doing?" "Well, I'm a pastor." "Oh, doing?" "Well, I'm a pastor." "Oh, cool." And they're not just being ironic cool." And they're not just being ironic cool." And they're not just being ironic like, "Oh, cool. Uh, let me go over like, "Oh, cool. Uh, let me go over like, "Oh, cool. Uh, let me go over here. Uh, they're open to it. But I I here. Uh, they're open to it. But I I here. Uh, they're open to it. But I I talked to this one kid who says, "Oh, talked to this one kid who says, "Oh, talked to this one kid who says, "Oh, that's awesome. I'm a believer." Oh, that's awesome. I'm a believer." Oh, that's awesome. I'm a believer." Oh, really? Where'd he go to church? He's really? Where'd he go to church? He's really? Where'd he go to church? He's like, "Oh, I've never been to church." like, "Oh, I've never been to church." like, "Oh, I've never been to church." "Oh, interesting. How did that happen?" "Oh, interesting. How did that happen?" "Oh, interesting. How did that happen?" And in the course of things, it just And in the course of things, it just And in the course of things, it just turns out his senior year, his friends turns out his senior year, his friends turns out his senior year, his friends just started talking to him about Jesus. just started talking to him about Jesus. just started talking to him about Jesus. And then, I don't know, he watched some And then, I don't know, he watched some And then, I don't know, he watched some YouTube videos or something, and he just YouTube videos or something, and he just YouTube videos or something, and he just found himself believing that, yeah, it found himself believing that, yeah, it found himself believing that, yeah, it just makes sense. uh like the the just makes sense. uh like the the just makes sense. uh like the the universe is beautiful and it seems universe is beautiful and it seems universe is beautiful and it seems orderly and that's just beauty and and orderly and that's just beauty and and orderly and that's just beauty and and and causes and and it just makes more and causes and and it just makes more and causes and and it just makes more sense that there's a God and you know sense that there's a God and you know sense that there's a God and you know I've come to believe in Jesus and his I've come to believe in Jesus and his I've come to believe in Jesus and his teachings and and uh and he's come to teachings and and uh and he's come to teachings and and uh and he's come to believe the gospel and so I met this kid believe the gospel and so I met this kid believe the gospel and so I met this kid in the wild he's already a believer and in the wild he's already a believer and in the wild he's already a believer and then my job from there was okay well then my job from there was okay well then my job from there was okay well let's just start talking about Jesus let's just start talking about Jesus let's just start talking about Jesus let's get you your first Bible let's get let's get you your first Bible let's get let's get you your first Bible let's get you to your first church let's talk you to your first church let's talk you to your first church let's talk about basic doctrine that you are just about basic doctrine that you are just about basic doctrine that you are just accepting from me accepting from me accepting from me uh without a lot of fight. You're just uh without a lot of fight. You're just uh without a lot of fight. You're just asking questions about the parts that asking questions about the parts that asking questions about the parts that don't make sense. But in all my don't make sense. But in all my don't make sense. But in all my experiences, like I think you you're experiences, like I think you you're experiences, like I think you you're filled with the Holy Spirit. You filled with the Holy Spirit. You filled with the Holy Spirit. You regenerate. You love Jesus. And you just regenerate. You love Jesus. And you just regenerate. You love Jesus. And you just this just happened. And and I meet with this just happened. And and I meet with this just happened. And and I meet with him on campus and uh his friend from the him on campus and uh his friend from the him on campus and uh his friend from the frat walks by uh he's a frat kid and he frat walks by uh he's a frat kid and he frat walks by uh he's a frat kid and he says, "Oh, hey, come over here. This is says, "Oh, hey, come over here. This is says, "Oh, hey, come over here. This is my this is my friend Derek. He's a

my this is my friend Derek. He's a my this is my friend Derek. He's a pastor. We're talking about the gospel pastor. We're talking about the gospel pastor. We're talking about the gospel just way more octaves higher, way more just way more octaves higher, way more just way more octaves higher, way more decibb higher than most of my other decibb higher than most of my other decibb higher than most of my other students in the past would have said out students in the past would have said out students in the past would have said out loud on campus. We're just out there at loud on campus. We're just out there at loud on campus. We're just out there at a Starbucks or something. He's like, a Starbucks or something. He's like, a Starbucks or something. He's like, "Oh, yeah, we're talking about the "Oh, yeah, we're talking about the "Oh, yeah, we're talking about the gospel and things." He's like, "Oh, very gospel and things." He's like, "Oh, very gospel and things." He's like, "Oh, very cool. That is interesting. What is cool. That is interesting. What is cool. That is interesting. What is what's happening here?" Right. And so what's happening here?" Right. And so what's happening here?" Right. And so there there just is an openness there um there there just is an openness there um there there just is an openness there um among all all the the whole cohort. Uh, among all all the the whole cohort. Uh, among all all the the whole cohort. Uh, I do think that the stats do bear out. I do think that the stats do bear out. I do think that the stats do bear out. This is especially the case This is especially the case This is especially the case increasingly, I think, among young men, increasingly, I think, among young men, increasingly, I think, among young men, but we see it amongst our young women as but we see it amongst our young women as but we see it amongst our young women as well. And so, I'll just say it's it's well. And so, I'll just say it's it's well. And so, I'll just say it's it's been a pretty fun season in terms of been a pretty fun season in terms of been a pretty fun season in terms of openness and feeling like the the sense openness and feeling like the the sense openness and feeling like the the sense of liability or the drag or the weight, of liability or the drag or the weight, of liability or the drag or the weight, the baggage is just not quite there as the baggage is just not quite there as the baggage is just not quite there as it was 5 years ago. Quick question for it was 5 years ago. Quick question for it was 5 years ago. Quick question for clarification. Do and maybe to you too, clarification. Do and maybe to you too, clarification. Do and maybe to you too, Rachel. Do you feel that the openness is Rachel. Do you feel that the openness is Rachel. Do you feel that the openness is there, but the relationship with the there, but the relationship with the there, but the relationship with the church is that a different conversation?

church is that a different conversation? church is that a different conversation? That is an awesome followup. And I want That is an awesome followup. And I want That is an awesome followup. And I want to hear from you guys on this, too, to hear from you guys on this, too, to hear from you guys on this, too, because that I think is one of the because that I think is one of the because that I think is one of the biggest gaps right now is students who biggest gaps right now is students who biggest gaps right now is students who are willing to talk about the gospel. are willing to talk about the gospel. are willing to talk about the gospel. They're willing to meet with you, talk They're willing to meet with you, talk They're willing to meet with you, talk about Jesus. But the ecclesial about Jesus. But the ecclesial about Jesus. But the ecclesial relationship, the connect the dots relationship, the connect the dots relationship, the connect the dots between yeah, Jesus, religion, God, all between yeah, Jesus, religion, God, all between yeah, Jesus, religion, God, all the stuff I'm seeing on the YouTube the stuff I'm seeing on the YouTube the stuff I'm seeing on the YouTube channel, etc., etc., and then me channel, etc., etc., and then me channel, etc., etc., and then me actually showing up at a church, actually showing up at a church, actually showing up at a church, becoming a member, sticking around. I I becoming a member, sticking around. I I becoming a member, sticking around. I I I Brian Burge just tweeted out some I Brian Burge just tweeted out some I Brian Burge just tweeted out some statistic about the way Gen Z, even the statistic about the way Gen Z, even the statistic about the way Gen Z, even the ones who show up to church, they leave ones who show up to church, they leave ones who show up to church, they leave almost immediately in comparison to almost immediately in comparison to almost immediately in comparison to millennials and Xers, like the time they millennials and Xers, like the time they millennials and Xers, like the time they spend actually after service. So that is spend actually after service. So that is spend actually after service. So that is one of the challenges that we're one of the challenges that we're one of the challenges that we're finding. I don't know if your your finding. I don't know if your your finding. I don't know if your your experience is the same, Rachel, Alex, experience is the same, Rachel, Alex, experience is the same, Rachel, Alex, anything you are you see that my anything you are you see that my anything you are you see that my experience and I didn't know if there experience and I didn't know if there experience and I didn't know if there was any solutions that you guys had was any solutions that you guys had was any solutions that you guys had because they're open to the because they're open to the because they're open to the conversations. They're open to conversations. They're open to conversations. They're open to one-on-one disciplehip, but the one-on-one disciplehip, but the one-on-one disciplehip, but the formation that's found in a local formation that's found in a local formation that's found in a local church. I don't know how to replicate church. I don't know how to replicate church. I don't know how to replicate that without the church and the that without the church and the that without the church and the overseers of pastors and um deacons and overseers of pastors and um deacons and overseers of pastors and um deacons and you know family outings with people and you know family outings with people and you know family outings with people and seeing gospel and family life. So when I seeing gospel and family life. So when I seeing gospel and family life. So when I was at D Young, what was so helpful was was at D Young, what was so helpful was was at D Young, what was so helpful was the campus ministry I was a part of was the campus ministry I was a part of was the campus ministry I was a part of was rooted in the local church and we were a rooted in the local church and we were a rooted in the local church and we were a we weren't even a parurch ministry. So we weren't even a parurch ministry. So we weren't even a parurch ministry. So we were able to bring people to church we were able to bring people to church we were able to bring people to church and they got real formation. And so I and they got real formation. And so I and they got real formation. And so I just felt that they were a little bit um just felt that they were a little bit um just felt that they were a little bit um maybe more knowledgeable and stronger in maybe more knowledgeable and stronger in maybe more knowledgeable and stronger in some of the ways in which they were able some of the ways in which they were able some of the ways in which they were able to decipher um certain uh narratives out to decipher um certain uh narratives out to decipher um certain uh narratives out in culture versus with the students that

in culture versus with the students that in culture versus with the students that I had at Princeton because I was in a I had at Princeton because I was in a I had at Princeton because I was in a parurch setting. Not many of them went parurch setting. Not many of them went parurch setting. Not many of them went to church on Sunday. They had a certain to church on Sunday. They had a certain to church on Sunday. They had a certain angst against the church for various angst against the church for various angst against the church for various social reasons. And so I found it I social reasons. And so I found it I social reasons. And so I found it I found it that it's not that their faith found it that it's not that their faith found it that it's not that their faith wasn't true. Um I felt like they had wasn't true. Um I felt like they had wasn't true. Um I felt like they had more resistant uh resilience because more resistant uh resilience because more resistant uh resilience because they were true believers during a they were true believers during a they were true believers during a pandemic when they didn't have to be at pandemic when they didn't have to be at pandemic when they didn't have to be at a very liberal school. Yet I I did find a very liberal school. Yet I I did find a very liberal school. Yet I I did find that it made it it left me wanting for that it made it it left me wanting for that it made it it left me wanting for them in their richness and their them in their richness and their them in their richness and their relationship with Christ. Yeah. I have relationship with Christ. Yeah. I have relationship with Christ. Yeah. I have thoughts of it. Alex should Yeah, I I do thoughts of it. Alex should Yeah, I I do thoughts of it. Alex should Yeah, I I do think that is a challenge and it's think that is a challenge and it's think that is a challenge and it's something with the the two young guys something with the the two young guys something with the the two young guys that I've been meeting with. They are that I've been meeting with. They are that I've been meeting with. They are just thrilled to be doing weekly Bible just thrilled to be doing weekly Bible just thrilled to be doing weekly Bible study with me and a couple other strong study with me and a couple other strong study with me and a couple other strong believers. They're not sure about going believers. They're not sure about going believers. They're not sure about going to church. And so, it's just kind of to church. And so, it's just kind of to church. And so, it's just kind of trying to build that theology of the trying to build that theology of the trying to build that theology of the local church for them because they're so local church for them because they're so local church for them because they're so open. They want to they want to follow open. They want to they want to follow open. They want to they want to follow God. They want to do what the Bible God. They want to do what the Bible God. They want to do what the Bible teaches. they just don't know like they teaches. they just don't know like they teaches. they just don't know like they don't know any of the passages that talk don't know any of the passages that talk don't know any of the passages that talk about uh the importance of gathering about uh the importance of gathering about uh the importance of gathering with God's people and and they don't with God's people and and they don't with God's people and and they don't have any context or or understanding of have any context or or understanding of have any context or or understanding of what it looks like to be in a in a local what it looks like to be in a in a local what it looks like to be in a in a local church church church community. But at the same time, you community. But at the same time, you community. But at the same time, you know, again, this is anecdotal, but our know, again, this is anecdotal, but our know, again, this is anecdotal, but our church, my church in Denver, we are down church, my church in Denver, we are down church, my church in Denver, we are down the street, not like right down the the street, not like right down the the street, not like right down the street, but pretty close to uh street, but pretty close to uh street, but pretty close to uh University of Denver DU. And for many University of Denver DU. And for many University of Denver DU. And for many years, our church had staff members or years, our church had staff members or years, our church had staff members or people involved with crew and other

people involved with crew and other people involved with crew and other other campus ministries who were on other campus ministries who were on other campus ministries who were on staff or supported by the church trying staff or supported by the church trying staff or supported by the church trying to do campus ministry there. And and to do campus ministry there. And and to do campus ministry there. And and just the distance and the fact that a just the distance and the fact that a just the distance and the fact that a lot of students didn't have lot of students didn't have lot of students didn't have cars. They they just never really cars. They they just never really cars. They they just never really engaged. They never showed up at church. engaged. They never showed up at church. engaged. They never showed up at church. Maybe they would go to, you know, campus Maybe they would go to, you know, campus Maybe they would go to, you know, campus Bible studies, but that was it. In the Bible studies, but that was it. In the Bible studies, but that was it. In the last couple years, we've just suddenly last couple years, we've just suddenly last couple years, we've just suddenly seen this steady trickle and growing seen this steady trickle and growing seen this steady trickle and growing trickle of students, some of them very trickle of students, some of them very trickle of students, some of them very new believers at DU who found us because new believers at DU who found us because new believers at DU who found us because we're somewhat close to the campus and we're somewhat close to the campus and we're somewhat close to the campus and just started showing up and they've just started showing up and they've just started showing up and they've stayed and they've shown up every week stayed and they've shown up every week stayed and they've shown up every week and they've joined what we call and they've joined what we call and they've joined what we call fellowship groups or small groups and fellowship groups or small groups and fellowship groups or small groups and really built community. Um, and that was really built community. Um, and that was really built community. Um, and that was entirely after all of our like focused entirely after all of our like focused entirely after all of our like focused campus ministry efforts had ceased that campus ministry efforts had ceased that campus ministry efforts had ceased that they just started showing up. So, I they just started showing up. So, I they just started showing up. So, I think, you know, what explains that is think, you know, what explains that is think, you know, what explains that is just, you know, the Holy Spirit at work just, you know, the Holy Spirit at work just, you know, the Holy Spirit at work in the heart of a of a believer. But in the heart of a of a believer. But in the heart of a of a believer. But also, I do think that these students also, I do think that these students also, I do think that these students once they did show up were plugged into once they did show up were plugged into once they did show up were plugged into community. Um and and that sometimes community. Um and and that sometimes community. Um and and that sometimes takes very intentional steps to say takes very intentional steps to say takes very intentional steps to say like, "Hey, do you want to come and like like, "Hey, do you want to come and like like, "Hey, do you want to come and like hang out with a group of us um during hang out with a group of us um during hang out with a group of us um during the week to build some of that the week to build some of that the week to build some of that relational richness that that sticks?"

relational richness that that sticks?" relational richness that that sticks?" Um whereas if they just show up and it's Um whereas if they just show up and it's Um whereas if they just show up and it's just a traditional church service and just a traditional church service and just a traditional church service and that's this foreign thing to them and that's this foreign thing to them and that's this foreign thing to them and their attention spans maybe are not their attention spans maybe are not their attention spans maybe are not primed for an hour and a half long primed for an hour and a half long primed for an hour and a half long worship service that can be tricky and worship service that can be tricky and worship service that can be tricky and they may be like you know what do I feel they may be like you know what do I feel they may be like you know what do I feel like doing that every week? No. But if like doing that every week? No. But if like doing that every week? No. But if they have relationships once they're in they have relationships once they're in they have relationships once they're in community I think that's that's such an community I think that's that's such an community I think that's that's such an important aspect of keeping them um in important aspect of keeping them um in important aspect of keeping them um in the local church as they grow that the local church as they grow that the local church as they grow that theology of the church. Yeah. I think theology of the church. Yeah. I think theology of the church. Yeah. I think ironically this is one of those places ironically this is one of those places ironically this is one of those places where I again I'm bullish on Jenzi. I where I again I'm bullish on Jenzi. I where I again I'm bullish on Jenzi. I love them. They're great. I do think love them. They're great. I do think love them. They're great. I do think this is a this is a their relational this is a this is a their relational this is a this is a their relational capacities and their risk aversion and capacities and their risk aversion and capacities and their risk aversion and there's a lot of fear to be honest there's a lot of fear to be honest there's a lot of fear to be honest comparatively in this generation in a comparatively in this generation in a comparatively in this generation in a lot of relational areas. This is why lot of relational areas. This is why lot of relational areas. This is why we're seeing them date less um have less we're seeing them date less um have less we're seeing them date less um have less sex which is like youth youth pastors sex which is like youth youth pastors sex which is like youth youth pastors are like yay. Also, no, they're not are like yay. Also, no, they're not are like yay. Also, no, they're not dating or anything. There there's just dating or anything. There there's just dating or anything. There there's just there's like there's trade-offs here, there's like there's trade-offs here, there's like there's trade-offs here, right? Um where some of their deepest right? Um where some of their deepest right? Um where some of their deepest needs are deeper connection, getting needs are deeper connection, getting needs are deeper connection, getting out, touching grass, like being in out, touching grass, like being in out, touching grass, like being in community. Did we have our our our camps community. Did we have our our our camps community. Did we have our our our camps ministry has something we called it ministry has something we called it ministry has something we called it touch grass Thursdays for a while touch grass Thursdays for a while touch grass Thursdays for a while because we go to the park and we just because we go to the park and we just because we go to the park and we just get them out just get out in just get get them out just get out in just get get them out just get out in just get out in the uh just get out in in public out in the uh just get out in in public out in the uh just get out in in public because you need to get out from behind because you need to get out from behind because you need to get out from behind the computer and just be in nature. But the computer and just be in nature. But the computer and just be in nature. But the but the relational dynamic the but the relational dynamic the but the relational dynamic um they are more I think relationally

um they are more I think relationally um they are more I think relationally starved starved starved um um um and and yet at the same time one of like and and yet at the same time one of like and and yet at the same time one of like so one of the biggest obstacles is their so one of the biggest obstacles is their so one of the biggest obstacles is their relational fear but one of the biggest relational fear but one of the biggest relational fear but one of the biggest draws I think of the gospel and the draws I think of the gospel and the draws I think of the gospel and the church is the opportunity to overcome church is the opportunity to overcome church is the opportunity to overcome that. So weirdly, it's this thing where that. So weirdly, it's this thing where that. So weirdly, it's this thing where it's a big challenge to get them to show it's a big challenge to get them to show it's a big challenge to get them to show up. But when you do and and when you do, up. But when you do and and when you do, up. But when you do and and when you do, when they do, if they show up in your when they do, if they show up in your when they do, if they show up in your churches and you see like a youngster churches and you see like a youngster churches and you see like a youngster and they see, oh, I don't know if they and they see, oh, I don't know if they and they see, oh, I don't know if they want to talk to, you go to them. This is want to talk to, you go to them. This is want to talk to, you go to them. This is this is one of the p the practical type this is one of the p the practical type this is one of the p the practical type I'm say is if you are in the older I'm say is if you are in the older I'm say is if you are in the older cohort, you actually have to cohort, you actually have to cohort, you actually have to initiate. You have to initiate. You initiate. You have to initiate. You initiate. You have to initiate. You can't think, well, they're adults kind can't think, well, they're adults kind can't think, well, they're adults kind of that. Yes. of that. Yes. of that. Yes. But in this area, in this But in this area, in this But in this area, in this area, a lot of, you know, demographic area, a lot of, you know, demographic area, a lot of, you know, demographic issues when it comes to COVID and issues when it comes to COVID and issues when it comes to COVID and lockdowns and screens have delayed lockdowns and screens have delayed lockdowns and screens have delayed certain things that you actually have to certain things that you actually have to certain things that you actually have to you you have to be prepared as a church you you have to be prepared as a church you you have to be prepared as a church to take the initiative and bring them to take the initiative and bring them to take the initiative and bring them in. And when you do, things happen.

in. And when you do, things happen. in. And when you do, things happen. Homes open up. Uh when you open up Homes open up. Uh when you open up Homes open up. Uh when you open up homes, people start bringing people to homes, people start bringing people to homes, people start bringing people to them like that. There's there's a hunger them like that. There's there's a hunger them like that. There's there's a hunger there that once you light the fire, it there that once you light the fire, it there that once you light the fire, it gets things going. But you have to be gets things going. But you have to be gets things going. But you have to be prepared to exert more efforts in these prepared to exert more efforts in these prepared to exert more efforts in these areas in the relational areas. It's not areas in the relational areas. It's not areas in the relational areas. It's not as natural as it might have been in as natural as it might have been in as natural as it might have been in prior generations. That's my that's what prior generations. That's my that's what prior generations. That's my that's what I'm seeing. I don't know about Corey, I'm seeing. I don't know about Corey, I'm seeing. I don't know about Corey, you've had some experience with talking you've had some experience with talking you've had some experience with talking about um thinking speaking to the about um thinking speaking to the about um thinking speaking to the isolation of of uh of this group. I want isolation of of uh of this group. I want isolation of of uh of this group. I want to talk about your your group's efforts. to talk about your your group's efforts. to talk about your your group's efforts. Yeah. Uh, and I know we're going to open Yeah. Uh, and I know we're going to open Yeah. Uh, and I know we're going to open it up for questions um in a second. But it up for questions um in a second. But it up for questions um in a second. But I just want to give you guys two books I just want to give you guys two books I just want to give you guys two books if you haven't already read it. Um, The if you haven't already read it. Um, The if you haven't already read it. Um, The Anxious Generation, you guys have heard Anxious Generation, you guys have heard Anxious Generation, you guys have heard of that book? It's pretty popular. It's of that book? It's pretty popular. It's of that book? It's pretty popular. It's an amazing understanding of generation an amazing understanding of generation an amazing understanding of generation Z. So that anxious generation, how the Z. So that anxious generation, how the Z. So that anxious generation, how the great rewiring of childhood is it great rewiring of childhood is it great rewiring of childhood is it causing an epidemic of mental health. causing an epidemic of mental health. causing an epidemic of mental health. Um, and then the second one around along Um, and then the second one around along Um, and then the second one around along the lines of isolation is bowling alone. the lines of isolation is bowling alone. the lines of isolation is bowling alone. Uh, the collapse of of the revival of Uh, the collapse of of the revival of Uh, the collapse of of the revival of American community. And that one's by American community. And that one's by American community. And that one's by Robert uh Putman. So those are just two Robert uh Putman. So those are just two Robert uh Putman. So those are just two books that really help you to understand books that really help you to understand books that really help you to understand the sociological impacts of what's the sociological impacts of what's the sociological impacts of what's happening from generation to generation happening from generation to generation happening from generation to generation but also helping you to understand but also helping you to understand but also helping you to understand particularly what the digital devices particularly what the digital devices particularly what the digital devices are doing to the students minds. So you are doing to the students minds. So you are doing to the students minds. So you think you're engaging with a person that think you're engaging with a person that think you're engaging with a person that Yeah. Anyway, um what my campus what my Yeah. Anyway, um what my campus what my Yeah. Anyway, um what my campus what my organization does on college campus is organization does on college campus is organization does on college campus is we've identified three things that stop we've identified three things that stop we've identified three things that stop students from engaging in community. And students from engaging in community. And students from engaging in community. And so one is isolation, the second one is so one is isolation, the second one is so one is isolation, the second one is polarization. And then the third is just polarization. And then the third is just polarization. And then the third is just a sense of hopelessness or just a sense a sense of hopelessness or just a sense a sense of hopelessness or just a sense of loss. And so particularly on the

of loss. And so particularly on the of loss. And so particularly on the isolation part, what we seem to be isolation part, what we seem to be isolation part, what we seem to be really helpful on college campuses, really helpful on college campuses, really helpful on college campuses, again, it doesn't matter if you're at again, it doesn't matter if you're at again, it doesn't matter if you're at Harvard, it doesn't matter you're Kent Harvard, it doesn't matter you're Kent Harvard, it doesn't matter you're Kent State, doesn't matter if you're in State, doesn't matter if you're in State, doesn't matter if you're in Ghana, is we give them free food. Okay? Ghana, is we give them free food. Okay? Ghana, is we give them free food. Okay? So we come with free Chick-fil-A, we So we come with free Chick-fil-A, we So we come with free Chick-fil-A, we come with free Chipotle, we partner with come with free Chipotle, we partner with come with free Chipotle, we partner with different campus ministries or different different campus ministries or different different campus ministries or different diversity um efforts on campus. And diversity um efforts on campus. And diversity um efforts on campus. And through partnership serving the through partnership serving the through partnership serving the students, allowing them to have free students, allowing them to have free students, allowing them to have free food, we also sit down and have food, we also sit down and have food, we also sit down and have community organized events. And so that community organized events. And so that community organized events. And so that may be painting, that may be sitting may be painting, that may be sitting may be painting, that may be sitting down and problem solving something down and problem solving something down and problem solving something together. But what you end up seeing is together. But what you end up seeing is together. But what you end up seeing is not only diversity of people from not only diversity of people from not only diversity of people from different backgrounds, different different backgrounds, different different backgrounds, different religions coming to this Christian religions coming to this Christian religions coming to this Christian hosted event and Christians are now hosted event and Christians are now hosted event and Christians are now normalized. Christians are now something normalized. Christians are now something normalized. Christians are now something that's accessible. Christians are that's accessible. Christians are that's accessible. Christians are something that people can see themselves something that people can see themselves something that people can see themselves in. So the proximity dispels the in. So the proximity dispels the in. So the proximity dispels the anxiety, right? So proximity is so anxiety, right? So proximity is so anxiety, right? So proximity is so important to allowing people to be able important to allowing people to be able important to allowing people to be able to come together to have a a ear lend to to come together to have a a ear lend to to come together to have a a ear lend to the gospel. The results of that last min the gospel. The results of that last min the gospel. The results of that last min um hosting we just did was at the um hosting we just did was at the um hosting we just did was at the University of Mississippi um we had University of Mississippi um we had University of Mississippi um we had around 350 kids come through um 12 to around 350 kids come through um 12 to around 350 kids come through um 12 to 1:00 um and of those 300 of those 350 1:00 um and of those 300 of those 350 1:00 um and of those 300 of those 350 kids um uh hundred of them asked to sit kids um uh hundred of them asked to sit kids um uh hundred of them asked to sit down with a campus minister and hear the down with a campus minister and hear the down with a campus minister and hear the story of the gospel. 101's kids. I mean, story of the gospel. 101's kids. I mean, story of the gospel. 101's kids. I mean, that was amazing for us, right? And so, that was amazing for us, right? And so, that was amazing for us, right? And so, just seeing the hospitality aspect and just seeing the hospitality aspect and just seeing the hospitality aspect and like you just said, the opportunity that like you just said, the opportunity that like you just said, the opportunity that the gospel gives is that it gives us the gospel gives is that it gives us the gospel gives is that it gives us community. I mean, there's so many community. I mean, there's so many community. I mean, there's so many verses against us not being able to join verses against us not being able to join verses against us not being able to join together on Sunday. But it's just one of together on Sunday. But it's just one of together on Sunday. But it's just one of those things of as John 17 says, how do

those things of as John 17 says, how do those things of as John 17 says, how do you know that you love me, you follow you know that you love me, you follow you know that you love me, you follow me, is because of the love that we share me, is because of the love that we share me, is because of the love that we share amongst each other in our community. And amongst each other in our community. And amongst each other in our community. And that is an invitation for a broken and that is an invitation for a broken and that is an invitation for a broken and dying world that feels starved of dying world that feels starved of dying world that feels starved of connection and community to say, "What's connection and community to say, "What's connection and community to say, "What's going on over there in the church? going on over there in the church? going on over there in the church? What's going on over there over there What's going on over there over there What's going on over there over there with Christians?" So, with Christians?" So, with Christians?" So, um, I'd love to keep going here, but um, I'd love to keep going here, but um, I'd love to keep going here, but actually we have found over the years actually we have found over the years actually we have found over the years that your questions are often better that your questions are often better that your questions are often better than whatever we prepared. So, I wanted than whatever we prepared. So, I wanted than whatever we prepared. So, I wanted to actually open it up to the floor. If to actually open it up to the floor. If to actually open it up to the floor. If you all you all you all had if you personally had a question you had if you personally had a question you had if you personally had a question you want to ask for some of the panel, uh, want to ask for some of the panel, uh, want to ask for some of the panel, uh, we just wanted to do that. if you Yeah. we just wanted to do that. if you Yeah. we just wanted to do that. if you Yeah. Just pop up and and yell first. Do you first. Do you see the church? And then the other part of it is church? And then the other part of it is on a flip side, are are you also seeing on a flip side, are are you also seeing on a flip side, are are you also seeing an increase in So to to repeat you, you said are you So to to repeat you, you said are you guys seeing the church gap closed and guys seeing the church gap closed and guys seeing the church gap closed and I'm guessing the church gap in terms of I'm guessing the church gap in terms of I'm guessing the church gap in terms of people coming to church with young people coming to church with young people coming to church with young married so once they get married coming married so once they get married coming married so once they get married coming to community and then two um do you see to community and then two um do you see to community and then two um do you see a lot of like a big spike in mental a lot of like a big spike in mental a lot of like a big spike in mental health issues with Gen Z? Um, I'll speak

health issues with Gen Z? Um, I'll speak health issues with Gen Z? Um, I'll speak to the latter. Yes. Uh, a lot. And yes, to the latter. Yes. Uh, a lot. And yes, to the latter. Yes. Uh, a lot. And yes, a lot. Um, yeah. Massive amounts of a lot. Um, yeah. Massive amounts of a lot. Um, yeah. Massive amounts of anxiety and other things. Uh, I think it anxiety and other things. Uh, I think it anxiety and other things. Uh, I think it doesn't help that there's like whole doesn't help that there's like whole doesn't help that there's like whole sections of TikTok and YouTube that are sections of TikTok and YouTube that are sections of TikTok and YouTube that are like, you should self diagnose as like, you should self diagnose as like, you should self diagnose as anxious. Yes. Oh my gosh. You need to anxious. Yes. Oh my gosh. You need to anxious. Yes. Oh my gosh. You need to sue them faster. sue them faster. sue them faster. Um, I I I already did. Keep going. Um, okay. Uh, as for the Keep going. Um, okay. Uh, as for the young marriage gap, I don't know, you young marriage gap, I don't know, you young marriage gap, I don't know, you guys have seen I I we've had young guys have seen I I we've had young guys have seen I I we've had young marriage show up in our church, but marriage show up in our church, but marriage show up in our church, but um we also have a ton of babies. Uh, um we also have a ton of babies. Uh, um we also have a ton of babies. Uh, it's a boom right now, but I don't know it's a boom right now, but I don't know it's a boom right now, but I don't know that we're indicative of a lot. I I that we're indicative of a lot. I I that we're indicative of a lot. I I don't I don't know. Um, the the the don't I don't know. Um, the the the don't I don't know. Um, the the the challenge there challenge there challenge there is I feel like there's less young is I feel like there's less young is I feel like there's less young marrieds. Like statistically, the part marrieds. Like statistically, the part marrieds. Like statistically, the part of the problem with Gen Z right now is of the problem with Gen Z right now is of the problem with Gen Z right now is that they're not dating. They're not that they're not dating. They're not that they're not dating. They're not hooking up with each other in several hooking up with each other in several hooking up with each other in several different ways. Um, and and that is a We different ways. Um, and and that is a We different ways. Um, and and that is a We just need to be clear, right? You are just need to be clear, right? You are just need to be clear, right? You are against premarital sex. Yes. Okay. Yeah, against premarital sex. Yes. Okay. Yeah, against premarital sex. Yes. Okay. Yeah, that's right. Just want to be clear. No that's right. Just want to be clear. No that's right. Just want to be clear. No one on the stage is for premarital sex.

one on the stage is for premarital sex. one on the stage is for premarital sex. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I give that talk. I I And yes, thank I give that talk. I I And yes, thank I give that talk. I I And yes, thank you. Um, yes. No, no prem. What I'm you. Um, yes. No, no prem. What I'm you. Um, yes. No, no prem. What I'm saying is that they're not starting to saying is that they're not starting to saying is that they're not starting to date. they're not that which is the date. they're not that which is the date. they're not that which is the precursor to the hooking up of fe precursor to the hooking up of fe precursor to the hooking up of fe engagement and then marriage. So um engagement and then marriage. So um engagement and then marriage. So um uh yeah we got to use another another uh yeah we got to use another another uh yeah we got to use another another term. Okay. So term. Okay. So term. Okay. So um but I I do think that there's there's um but I I do think that there's there's um but I I do think that there's there's actually the relational averseness is actually the relational averseness is actually the relational averseness is leading to a lot of just actually fear leading to a lot of just actually fear leading to a lot of just actually fear between the sexes and between risk I between the sexes and between risk I between the sexes and between risk I even risking friendships. I was talking even risking friendships. I was talking even risking friendships. I was talking to one young woman the other day. She to one young woman the other day. She to one young woman the other day. She was like yeah she was telling me about was like yeah she was telling me about was like yeah she was telling me about being interested in a young man. She's being interested in a young man. She's being interested in a young man. She's like, "But I think it would make the like, "But I think it would make the like, "But I think it would make the friend group awkward." And I just looked friend group awkward." And I just looked friend group awkward." And I just looked at her. I said, "You do realize your at her. I said, "You do realize your at her. I said, "You do realize your friend group is not going to be forever, friend group is not going to be forever, friend group is not going to be forever, but potentially a spouse is like for a but potentially a spouse is like for a but potentially a spouse is like for a really long time. Risk the friend group. really long time. Risk the friend group. really long time. Risk the friend group. Just try." She it it didn't go over as Just try." She it it didn't go over as Just try." She it it didn't go over as as as well as I thought. But like but as as well as I thought. But like but as as well as I thought. But like but there like that whole consider No, no, there like that whole consider No, no, there like that whole consider No, no, she didn't she didn't try to date yet.

she didn't she didn't try to date yet. she didn't she didn't try to date yet. Um, but but the idea that like I'm not Um, but but the idea that like I'm not Um, but but the idea that like I'm not going to make my sentiments known going to make my sentiments known going to make my sentiments known because it might make things potentially because it might make things potentially because it might make things potentially kind of a little awkward. I've I've kind of a little awkward. I've I've kind of a little awkward. I've I've never seen this level of that with than never seen this level of that with than never seen this level of that with than with this generation. I don't know. What with this generation. I don't know. What with this generation. I don't know. What are you guys experiencing? I don't know. are you guys experiencing? I don't know. are you guys experiencing? I don't know. In my church, we've still got a more In my church, we've still got a more In my church, we've still got a more typical problem where there's like a lot typical problem where there's like a lot typical problem where there's like a lot of women and fewer men. So, I could use of women and fewer men. So, I could use of women and fewer men. So, I could use some of this quiet revival at my local some of this quiet revival at my local some of this quiet revival at my local church. church. church. Yeah. I mean, I I I've had so I don't I Yeah. I mean, I I I've had so I don't I Yeah. I mean, I I I've had so I don't I don't know that I've last four years we don't know that I've last four years we don't know that I've last four years we had to work to get our our college group had to work to get our our college group had to work to get our our college group to go from like 80% male to like I don't to go from like 80% male to like I don't to go from like 80% male to like I don't know 60 or 55 or something like that. So know 60 or 55 or something like that. So know 60 or 55 or something like that. So I don't know I don't know I don't know what is different. what is different. what is different. This is this is just a guess. Boston is This is this is just a guess. Boston is This is this is just a guess. Boston is a is a very has a ton of colleges and a is a very has a ton of colleges and a is a very has a ton of colleges and universities. Colleges and universities universities. Colleges and universities universities. Colleges and universities increasingly are more young women than increasingly are more young women than increasingly are more young women than young men. And so that's that's probably young men. And so that's that's probably young men. And so that's that's probably a big part of it. Um college context but a big part of it. Um college context but a big part of it. Um college context but high school middle school context. Still high school middle school context. Still high school middle school context. Still true. Okay. I don't know. I don't hang true. Okay. I don't know. I don't hang true. Okay. I don't know. I don't hang out with the high schoolers. Yeah, we we out with the high schoolers. Yeah, we we out with the high schoolers. Yeah, we we we do have way more middle school boys we do have way more middle school boys we do have way more middle school boys than girls in in my in my student than girls in in my in my student than girls in in my in my student fellowship ministry, but that's like fellowship ministry, but that's like fellowship ministry, but that's like purely just that's the babies that the purely just that's the babies that the purely just that's the babies that the parents had. It's not a It's not like parents had. It's not a It's not like parents had. It's not a It's not like the girls just won't come to student the girls just won't come to student the girls just won't come to student fellowship. It's just like that's fellowship. It's just like that's fellowship. It's just like that's somehow in high school. They're the

somehow in high school. They're the somehow in high school. They're the one or other people the guys are coming. one or other people the guys are coming. one or other people the guys are coming. What's the difference? What's the difference? What's the difference? Well, yeah, that's super weird. I don't Well, yeah, that's super weird. I don't Well, yeah, that's super weird. I don't know. Why are there girl heavy groups know. Why are there girl heavy groups know. Why are there girl heavy groups and why are there guy heavy groups? I and why are there guy heavy groups? I and why are there guy heavy groups? I have no idea. Why do we all date? I I if have no idea. Why do we all date? I I if have no idea. Why do we all date? I I if we could set up a a a dating community we could set up a a a dating community we could set up a a a dating community app there for the for the kids. Um no, app there for the for the kids. Um no, app there for the for the kids. Um no, we have a question over there. I see a we have a question over there. I see a we have a question over there. I see a hand. We have a question. Yes, you sir. hand. We have a question. Yes, you sir. hand. We have a question. Yes, you sir. Yell. Yeah. Uh so Yell. Yeah. Uh so Yell. Yeah. Uh so if averar isolated an if averar isolated an if averar isolated an And a problem that you're seeing And a problem that you're seeing And a problem that you're seeing is an openness to the is an openness to the is an openness to the gospel. I mean, we've got so many gospel. I mean, we've got so many gospel. I mean, we've got so many sources, sources, sources, YouTube, every social media platform YouTube, every social media platform YouTube, every social media platform that we can engage and create believers, that we can engage and create believers, that we can engage and create believers, yet we're missing this disciplehip yet we're missing this disciplehip yet we're missing this disciplehip piece, this catechiz piece of teaching piece, this catechiz piece of teaching piece, this catechiz piece of teaching them, educating them, these big holes um them, educating them, these big holes um them, educating them, these big holes um in their world view of the gospel.

in their world view of the gospel. in their world view of the gospel. How do you invite How do you invite How do you invite them in a way that them in a way that them in a way that that in a way that targets those areas that in a way that targets those areas that in a way that targets those areas of fear, anxiety, of fear, anxiety, of fear, anxiety, isolation? Yeah. How do you how do you isolation? Yeah. How do you how do you isolation? Yeah. How do you how do you do what? All right. I've been told I haven't said All right. I've been told I haven't said anything for a while, so I'll I'll give anything for a while, so I'll I'll give anything for a while, so I'll I'll give it a shot. So Derek mentioned the quiet it a shot. So Derek mentioned the quiet it a shot. So Derek mentioned the quiet revival study that just came out in the revival study that just came out in the revival study that just came out in the UK. So they looked at uh I think 19,000 UK. So they looked at uh I think 19,000 UK. So they looked at uh I think 19,000 young people uh in UK uh in England and young people uh in UK uh in England and young people uh in UK uh in England and Wales and track them from 2018 to 2024. Wales and track them from 2018 to 2024. Wales and track them from 2018 to 2024. And that's where you have these And that's where you have these And that's where you have these incredible statistics where the the incredible statistics where the the incredible statistics where the the percentage of young people age 18 to 24 percentage of young people age 18 to 24 percentage of young people age 18 to 24 who have attended church at least once who have attended church at least once who have attended church at least once in the past month has just skyrocketed in the past month has just skyrocketed in the past month has just skyrocketed in just six years. and you know they've in just six years. and you know they've in just six years. and you know they've looked at the role of immigration and looked at the role of immigration and looked at the role of immigration and and other issues and it it doesn't and other issues and it it doesn't and other issues and it it doesn't explain this increase. It seems like an explain this increase. It seems like an explain this increase. It seems like an actual very real uh increase in in actual very real uh increase in in actual very real uh increase in in receptivity and in practice. And when we receptivity and in practice. And when we receptivity and in practice. And when we talked about the fact that so many talked about the fact that so many talked about the fact that so many members of Gen Z may actually, you know, members of Gen Z may actually, you know, members of Gen Z may actually, you know, come to Christ and and never go to come to Christ and and never go to come to Christ and and never go to church, you know, those numbers are church, you know, those numbers are church, you know, those numbers are probably underounting the actual, you probably underounting the actual, you probably underounting the actual, you know, quiet revival as that report is know, quiet revival as that report is know, quiet revival as that report is titled. But one of the things it titled. But one of the things it titled. But one of the things it mentioned was that of the young people mentioned was that of the young people mentioned was that of the young people who do go to church, rates of depression

who do go to church, rates of depression who do go to church, rates of depression and anxiety and other mental health and anxiety and other mental health and anxiety and other mental health challenges are lower, which is which is challenges are lower, which is which is challenges are lower, which is which is incredible and and also what you'd incredible and and also what you'd incredible and and also what you'd expect because so much of that is driven expect because so much of that is driven expect because so much of that is driven by the isolation and it's driven by by the isolation and it's driven by by the isolation and it's driven by social media and and getting out of that social media and and getting out of that social media and and getting out of that and into community with other people is and into community with other people is and into community with other people is is so powerful. And so to your question, is so powerful. And so to your question, is so powerful. And so to your question, I mean, I I mean, I I mean, I think yes, there there's a definitely a think yes, there there's a definitely a think yes, there there's a definitely a huge role for meeting them where they huge role for meeting them where they huge role for meeting them where they are, which is on YouTube and and on are, which is on YouTube and and on are, which is on YouTube and and on social media. And and we can be social media. And and we can be social media. And and we can be thoughtful as as a church on how to do thoughtful as as a church on how to do thoughtful as as a church on how to do that. But ultimately, like what you win that. But ultimately, like what you win that. But ultimately, like what you win them with, you win them too. And so much them with, you win them too. And so much them with, you win them too. And so much of the problem is the fact that that's of the problem is the fact that that's of the problem is the fact that that's where they're getting their information, where they're getting their information, where they're getting their information, that's where they're getting their that's where they're getting their that's where they're getting their theology, that's where they're getting theology, that's where they're getting theology, that's where they're getting their teaching. And what we really want their teaching. And what we really want their teaching. And what we really want to do is to bring them into community. to do is to bring them into community. to do is to bring them into community. So, it's not there's not some novel So, it's not there's not some novel So, it's not there's not some novel solution. It's just we need to get them solution. It's just we need to get them solution. It's just we need to get them into local churches. And the question into local churches. And the question into local churches. And the question is, how do we do that? We've talked is, how do we do that? We've talked is, how do we do that? We've talked about some of that. You know, free food about some of that. You know, free food about some of that. You know, free food is a great way. But just inviting them, is a great way. But just inviting them, is a great way. But just inviting them, inviting them and then following up and inviting them and then following up and inviting them and then following up and not taking them, not responding as, oh, not taking them, not responding as, oh, not taking them, not responding as, oh, well, they must just not be interested, well, they must just not be interested, well, they must just not be interested, so I won't ask them again. Just so I won't ask them again. Just so I won't ask them again. Just continuing to show up, invite them. And continuing to show up, invite them. And continuing to show up, invite them. And then what I think is going to happen and then what I think is going to happen and then what I think is going to happen and and I what I think has been most and I what I think has been most and I what I think has been most effective is when Gen Z brings Gen Z uh effective is when Gen Z brings Gen Z uh effective is when Gen Z brings Gen Z uh to church. And that's going to be the to church. And that's going to be the to church. And that's going to be the most effective. And so if as a church we most effective. And so if as a church we most effective. And so if as a church we can be ready to welcome them in and to can be ready to welcome them in and to can be ready to welcome them in and to greet them and to invite them into greet them and to invite them into greet them and to invite them into community and to stay involved and to community and to stay involved and to community and to stay involved and to stay present in their lives. Gen Z stay present in their lives. Gen Z stay present in their lives. Gen Z itself will start evangelizing each

itself will start evangelizing each itself will start evangelizing each other and saying, "Hey, this is so fun. other and saying, "Hey, this is so fun. other and saying, "Hey, this is so fun. Do you want to come? There's free pizza, Do you want to come? There's free pizza, Do you want to come? There's free pizza, too." And then more people are going to too." And then more people are going to too." And then more people are going to show up. So that's that's what I think show up. So that's that's what I think show up. So that's that's what I think we can do. And we just have to be ready. we can do. And we just have to be ready. we can do. And we just have to be ready. Like these are going to be maybe some Like these are going to be maybe some Like these are going to be maybe some kids who don't have any catechism, don't kids who don't have any catechism, don't kids who don't have any catechism, don't have any theological background. We need have any theological background. We need have any theological background. We need to as a church be ready to disciple. to as a church be ready to disciple. to as a church be ready to disciple. Yeah. This summer I think focusing on Yeah. This summer I think focusing on Yeah. This summer I think focusing on the genzers you have on when it comes to the genzers you have on when it comes to the genzers you have on when it comes to the outreach. They're going to do it. the outreach. They're going to do it. the outreach. They're going to do it. They're going to do the best job for They're going to do the best job for They're going to do the best job for you. They're the people who bring people you. They're the people who bring people you. They're the people who bring people in. Um and then preparing to disciple in. Um and then preparing to disciple in. Um and then preparing to disciple that I saw two hands. I'm going to go that I saw two hands. I'm going to go that I saw two hands. I'm going to go right here up front. Hi. So I'm a new right here up front. Hi. So I'm a new right here up front. Hi. So I'm a new pastor and something I really love to be a love to be a church a few times is that these kids church a few times is that these kids church a few times is that these kids like Jesus and like Jesus and like Jesus and young needs these kids like needs these kids like genuinely do love Jesus.

Yeah. I mean, well, you can repeat. Yeah. I mean, well, you can repeat. Yeah. Yeah. So his question is so he's Yeah. Yeah. So his question is so he's Yeah. Yeah. So his question is so he's he's been partnering with a with a young he's been partnering with a with a young he's been partnering with a with a young life ministry as a youth pastor and you life ministry as a youth pastor and you life ministry as a youth pastor and you see kids who have a real experience of see kids who have a real experience of see kids who have a real experience of Jesus but for them functionally the Jesus but for them functionally the Jesus but for them functionally the parurch becomes the church and so they parurch becomes the church and so they parurch becomes the church and so they don't see any need to go to church don't see any need to go to church don't see any need to go to church because they go to the young life because they go to the young life because they go to the young life meeting or and so on so forth. Am I am I meeting or and so on so forth. Am I am I meeting or and so on so forth. Am I am I catching that? So how do we communicate catching that? So how do we communicate catching that? So how do we communicate how do we communicate a need for church? how do we communicate a need for church? how do we communicate a need for church? Um I'm extremely sympathetic to that. Uh Um I'm extremely sympathetic to that. Uh Um I'm extremely sympathetic to that. Uh you know I'm well I you know I ministry you know I'm well I you know I ministry you know I'm well I you know I ministry plug I'm an RF campus minister. Um, one plug I'm an RF campus minister. Um, one plug I'm an RF campus minister. Um, one of the things I I like about our model, of the things I I like about our model, of the things I I like about our model, and I know other other campus ministries and I know other other campus ministries and I know other other campus ministries do frontload this, is when I tell the do frontload this, is when I tell the do frontload this, is when I tell the students, we're not a replacement for students, we're not a replacement for students, we're not a replacement for church. You just have to tell them up church. You just have to tell them up church. You just have to tell them up front, I'm not going to baptize you on front, I'm not going to baptize you on front, I'm not going to baptize you on campus. I'm not going to give you the campus. I'm not going to give you the campus. I'm not going to give you the Lord's supper. Um, I can't give you old Lord's supper. Um, I can't give you old Lord's supper. Um, I can't give you old people. Old people are a gift. Uh, I people. Old people are a gift. Uh, I people. Old people are a gift. Uh, I can't I I don't bring babies to campus. can't I I don't bring babies to campus. can't I I don't bring babies to campus. Yes. I don't You are I don't bring Yes. I don't You are I don't bring Yes. I don't You are I don't bring babies to campus either. You need babies babies to campus either. You need babies babies to campus either. You need babies screaming in the middle of the sermon screaming in the middle of the sermon screaming in the middle of the sermon for you to understand what church is. for you to understand what church is. for you to understand what church is. you actually you but there's no other you actually you but there's no other you actually you but there's no other way than just telling them, hey, we're way than just telling them, hey, we're way than just telling them, hey, we're doing something cool here and also this doing something cool here and also this doing something cool here and also this is like one small slice of the pie and is like one small slice of the pie and is like one small slice of the pie and you're missing out on so much because you're missing out on so much because you're missing out on so much because old people and babies and the whole body old people and babies and the whole body old people and babies and the whole body of Christ and the supper and that like of Christ and the supper and that like of Christ and the supper and that like you actually have to have an incarnate you actually have to have an incarnate you actually have to have an incarnate incarnated gospel. You actually need you incarnated gospel. You actually need you incarnated gospel. You actually need you you need to teach about the sacraments you need to teach about the sacraments you need to teach about the sacraments in a place where you don't administer in a place where you don't administer in a place where you don't administer the sacraments. She's like, "Hey, here's the sacraments. She's like, "Hey, here's the sacraments. She's like, "Hey, here's something really essential to your life something really essential to your life something really essential to your life that I'm not going to give you here. You that I'm not going to give you here. You that I'm not going to give you here. You got to go to church to go get." Right?

got to go to church to go get." Right? got to go to church to go get." Right? That is a big front end thing. And you That is a big front end thing. And you That is a big front end thing. And you honestly when it comes to the campus honestly when it comes to the campus honestly when it comes to the campus when the campus ministries that you when the campus ministries that you when the campus ministries that you partner with, um, like I'm I'm ordained. partner with, um, like I'm I'm ordained. partner with, um, like I'm I'm ordained. I'm sent from my campus to like, but I'm sent from my campus to like, but I'm sent from my campus to like, but there's there's other campus ministries there's there's other campus ministries there's there's other campus ministries that also have an ecclesial that also have an ecclesial that also have an ecclesial consciousness. They know they're not the consciousness. They know they're not the consciousness. They know they're not the church and they want their kids to go to church and they want their kids to go to church and they want their kids to go to the church. The question is talking to the church. The question is talking to the church. The question is talking to them and saying actually just talking them and saying actually just talking them and saying actually just talking with those parurches you're teaming up with those parurches you're teaming up with those parurches you're teaming up with like asking them do you have that with like asking them do you have that with like asking them do you have that in mind? Do you talk to these students in mind? Do you talk to these students in mind? Do you talk to these students about it? And if they're trying to reach about it? And if they're trying to reach about it? And if they're trying to reach students for Jesus, they'll probably students for Jesus, they'll probably students for Jesus, they'll probably think, "Oh gosh, I hadn't thought of it think, "Oh gosh, I hadn't thought of it think, "Oh gosh, I hadn't thought of it that way." Yeah, I'm going to try and that way." Yeah, I'm going to try and that way." Yeah, I'm going to try and So, I mean, I would just talk to the to So, I mean, I would just talk to the to So, I mean, I would just talk to the to the Young Life folks to get them to the Young Life folks to get them to the Young Life folks to get them to encourage that. Young life super on encourage that. Young life super on encourage that. Young life super on board. I want to be board. I want to be board. I want to be clear that's why they brought me on. clear that's why they brought me on. clear that's why they brought me on. Hey, fix this. Yeah. See, that's great. Hey, fix this. Yeah. See, that's great. Hey, fix this. Yeah. See, that's great. So, they're they're trying that. That's So, they're they're trying that. That's So, they're they're trying that. That's wonderful. I don't know. We're out of wonderful. I don't know. We're out of wonderful. I don't know. We're out of time. Oh, we're out of time. Okay. Um, time. Oh, we're out of time. Okay. Um, time. Oh, we're out of time. Okay. Um, okay. So, on that note, uh, if you have okay. So, on that note, uh, if you have okay. So, on that note, uh, if you have more questions, our panelists will be more questions, our panelists will be more questions, our panelists will be off to the side and so forth, but thank off to the side and so forth, but thank off to the side and so forth, but thank you so much for coming. It's been great you so much for coming. It's been great you so much for coming. It's been great uh to talk Hope and Gen Z.

uh to talk Hope and Gen Z. uh to talk Hope and Gen Z. [Music]