Every generation has its ups and downs, but Generation Z is unique

There has never been a generation in America so thoroughly captured by the culture, so thoroughly enmeshed with social media, and so secular in its thinking about the world. How do we minister in a post-Christian culture? How does the church develop relationships of grace that do not ignore the truth? How can we help Generation Z develop a worldview that can answer the big questions in life and prepare young adults to stand for truth?

In the past when culture shifted, wise Christians learned to adjust not to survive, but to significantly increase their reach. Today we have come to positions of influence for such a time as this. Let’s gather together and see how we can support one another in stepping forward, not backward. In engaging, not escaping.

Our Panel of Leading Voices on Generation Z

Dr. Jeff Myers

Dr. Jeff Myers is president of Summit Ministries. As an educator and entrepreneur, Dr. Myers has become one of America’s most respected authorities on youth leadership development. Focus on the Family founder James Dobson referred to him as “a very gifted and inspirational leader.” Evangelist Josh McDowell called him “a man who is 100% sold out to preparing the next generation to reflect the character of Christ in the culture.” Through his speaking engagements and media appearances Dr. Myers has become a fresh voice offering humor and insight from a Christian worldview. He is the author of 14 books, including the Understanding the Faith, Understanding the Times, and Understanding the Culture textbooks which have been studied by tens of thousands of students.

Jason Jimenez

Jason Jimenez is the founder of STAND STRONG Ministries. He is a worldview expert that specializes in cultural, philosophical, theological, and religious issues. Jason is also a best-selling author of several books: The Raging War of Ideas: How to Take Back Our Faith, Family, and Country, co-authored The Official Study Guide to I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, The Bible’s Answers to 100 of Life’s Biggest Questions with Dr. Norman Geisler, and co-authored Stand Strong America: Courage, Freedom & Hope for Tomorrow, Abandoned Faith: Why Millennials Are Walking Away and How You Can Lead Them Home, and Stand Strong in Your Faith.

Michael C. Sherrard

Michael C. Sherrard is a gifted teacher with a passion for equipping the church, especially the coming generations, to make the case for Christianity. He is lead pastor at Crosspoint Community Church, the co-creator and director of Ratio Christi College Prep, speaker for the Life Training Institute, founder of the Pro-Life Pastor’s Initiative, and faculty member at Summit Ministries. Michael travels throughout the United States and Europe training groups to contend for Christianity and the Pro-life position. He speaks at churches, camps, and conferences including the National Conference for Christian Apologetics, Summit Ministries, and the Clarkson Academy in Great Britain.

Topics You’ll Hear About in This Training

Role Models: Relationships and Modeling Christianity for Gen Z

Up to 70% of young adults raised in church drift away from their faith after graduation. What can we learn from the 30% who stay? Dr. Myers shares observations to show how churches—and families—can create an atmosphere, in which, the faith of Gen Z can remain vibrant and strong. The Bible often presents core doctrines in the context of tension between truth/grace, sovereignty/free-will, etc. Teaching truth to hearts and minds involves engaging—not escaping—the tension between relating to students and teaching the truth. As leaders how do we navigate the “boss” vs. “buddy” tension in a way that helps our students grow?

Identity: Helping Gen Z Understand Who They Are & What Makes Them Valuable

Today it seems the only person we truly know is the person we are supposed to be. Thanks, social media. This cultural paradigm shift has affected Gen Z student’s sense of identity and purpose, and the church must be equipped to respond. Effective youth ministry today, requires youth leaders to possess and pass on a biblical understanding of identity and value. This lecture will help by showing how the Christian understanding of human value sustains equality, anchors identity, instills hope, and how this message empowers the younger generations to change the world.

The Bible: How Gen Z Doesn’t Know What’s In It or Why It Should Be Trusted

One of the biggest reasons young people leave Christianity is because they stopped believing in the Bible and fail to see the connection it has on the culture. But how did we get here? And what can be done to reverse this trend? In session three, Jason uncovers this “out of touch” reality plaguing Gen Z students. He will offer proven tips that are sure to be effective in your ministry to young adults.

How You Personally Can Equip the Next Generation of Culture-Shaping Leaders

Will the next generation of Christians engage the culture, stand for truth, and fight against evil and injustice? In this session, we talked about why now is one of the most critical times in history. God has provided astounding opportunities for us to be a blessing to all nations of the earth.

If You Want to Understand and Engage Generation Z, This Training is For You

Summit has been equipping educators and engaging students for 55+ years. We understand the unique challenges of connecting with this generation. Summit would love to come alongside you to see your students stand strong in their faith. During the Generation Z Basecamp event, we heard from youth leader experts Dr. Jeff Myers, Jason Jimenez, and Mike Sherrard as they led sessions, Q&A, and a panel discussion about relationships, role models, identity, and biblical authority.