Every Church Is Chasing Young People (Here's Why That's Backwards)

Gen Z is already showing up to church more than any other living generation and most churches are repelling them with the exact strategies designed to attract them. In this episode Thomas and Shiloh unpack the Barna data that completely reframes the young adult conversation, name what chasing looks like and why it consistently backfires, and give pastors a clear and practical picture of what Gen Z actually wants from a church community. From the mentorship gap that no programming can fix to the surprising growth happening in high-liturgy and historically rooted congregations, this episode challenges every assumption most churches are still operating on when it comes to reaching the next generation. The closing question is one every pastor and church board needs to sit with honestly before they approve next year's young adult budget.