Comparing Generation Z and Generation X: The Struggles of Teens Following in the Faith of Their Parents

Abstract

Roughly every two to three decades, a new generation comes on the scene. The newest generation, Generation Z, is the largest on record. Spanning approximately from 1995-2015, this generation accounts for 32 percent of the global population. For a group so large, it seems only natural that numbers in the Christian Church should be going up too. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In each generation from “The Depression Era” to “Generation Z,” the number of those attending church is shrinking rapidly. The fastest growing group in the world is the “Nones.” This group of people do not affiliate with any religion at all. They simply do not believe in any religion. Gen Z is known to be the most unchurched generation in recent history, but it could not have started with them. What is the cause of this? Who influenced them? How, if at all, can we change it? This paper will focus on Gen Z and their relationship to their parents, Gen X. Growing up under the shadow of their parent’s faith, Gen Z is continuing to be the most unchurched and post-Christian generation we have ever seen. This thesis will show what struggles they have following in the faith of their parents and suggestions on how we can best reach them with the gospel.