Gen Z Isn’t Leaving the Church… They’re Leaving Because Of This | Featuring Christina

Gen Z isn’t walking away from faith—they’re walking away from something else.In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Voices from the Field, we sit down with Christina to unpack why young people are leaving the church, what churches misunderstand about Gen Z, and how discipleship—not programs—is the key to reaching the next generation.If you’re a youth pastor, ministry leader, or someone wrestling with church hurt, deconstruction, or questions about faith, this conversation gets to the heart of what actually builds authentic faith.We talk about: • Why Gen Z is asking deeper questions than ever • How the church is losing young adults (and how to change that) • Discipleship vs programs—and why relationships matter more • Mentorship ministry and building trust over time • Practical steps for reaching Gen Z with authenticityThis isn’t a growth hack.This is a heart check.📌 If you care about youth ministry, church leadership, and reaching the next generation—this conversation matters.-----Chapters00:00 – Intro: Youth Ministry & the Gen Z Church Crisis00:57 – What Churches Get Wrong About Gen Z01:23 – Why Young People Are Leaving the Church02:50 – Where Gen Z Is Searching for Faith Answers03:30 – Why Young Adults Don’t Feel Heard (Church Hurt)04:57 – Discipleship vs Programs: What Actually Works06:46 – Building Authentic Faith Through Relationships07:20 – Mentorship Ministry: How Trust Is Built09:06 – How Leaders Accidentally Push Gen Z Away10:59 – The “Fix It” Problem in Christian Leadership11:31 – Church Growth Strategy That Actually Works13:47 – Why Correction Without Relationship Fails15:28 – How to Reach Gen Z: The Right Order Matters16:22 – Youth Pastor Advice: Start With Listening17:24 – Sticky Faith & Long-Term Discipleship (Kara Powell)18:06 – Final Thoughts: Reaching the Next Generation-----#GenZChurch #youthministry #ChurchHurt #discipleship #christianleadership