Why the Local Church Still Matters (and Why Gen Z Needs It)

In this episode of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor tackle the tension every next gen leader faces: Gen Z is showing up to church in larger numbers than their parents’ generation, yet research shows they’re less theologically formed than ever. Listen in to discover the New Testament case for local church commitment, how to walk with students carrying real church hurt, and learn practical, field-tested language for talking with unchurched or unbelieving family members. Whether you’re leading six students or 600, this episode will give you fresh words for a conversation you’re probably already having this fall. Also in This Episode: Gain a compassionate but direct approach to students dealing with real church hurt or spiritual abuse Hear language for college students navigating faith conversations at home over breaks Learn how to address “church hopping” or “church sampling” without shaming students Pick up ready-to-use illustrations for teaching on the local church Discover how to help students distinguish real shepherding from online spiritual influencers Helpful Resources: Youth Leader Coaching Network Collegiate Coaching Network Movement Ready Church by Robby Gallaty and Vick Green New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More but Often Lag in Application 3 Circles Evangelism Tool Life on Mission app GenSend on Instagram and YouTube ★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org ★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Shareable Quotes: “The church is not a building to be maintained; it's a people to be mobilized.” —Shane Pruitt  “Programs don't make disciples; disciples make disciples.” —Paul Worcester  “Ministry, evangelism, and the mission are a team sport.” —Paul Worcester  “Discipleship happens best in the local church.” —Lacey Villasenor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.