Amid the myriad of voices on social media, it’s challenging to discern truth from lies. Prominent influencers, self-proclaimed Christians, and “exvangelicals” spread ideas that are quickly absorbed by wide audiences.
Some of these ideas may appear truthful and biblically sound, but the lies are glaring to the attuned ear. They easily seep into Gen Z’s minds and hearts through algorithms that reward constant consumption.
Only a sure understanding of the gospel can prepare young adults to hold misleading voices accountable. Weak theology and cultural beliefs cannot stand in the presence of the gospel’s truth. So equipping young adults’ minds with the sound reasoning of apologetics will help them engage the culture without falling prey to it.
Gen Z’s Curious Skepticism
Many Gen Zers are skeptical of Christianity. They regard biblical values as irrelevant to modern culture, and they reject biblical teaching. As a result, loneliness and emptiness plague my generation. There’s a clear need for a relationship with a loving God.
Weak theology and cultural beliefs cannot stand in the presence of the gospel’s truth.
But despite their reluctance to hear about Scripture, Gen Zers are still curious about faith. They have honest questions about all kinds of theological matters—from social injustice to God’s sovereignty. Robust apologetics, then, provides opportunities to give answers rooted in logic and truth.
While apologetics is an effective “pre-evangelism” method, it’s also necessary for those already involved in church—as evidenced by the fact that more and more Gen Zers leave churches each year. I watched my peers cycle through varying levels of involvement in youth group. Few of my friends continued attending as subjective truth appeared more tantalizing than the truth of the Bible. By senior year, the majority of my friends with whom I’d grown up singing hymns and sharing prayer requests had chosen paths leading away from God. Many had developed concerns about the Christian faith, but they lacked enough biblical understanding to rebut their questions and doubts. Many of their misunderstandings were never corrected.
I finally realized the importance of apologetics in youth ministry after transferring to a Christian school and enrolling in an apologetics class. I had an outlet for my questions and access to answers digestible for my high school mind. Through this class, my faith became my own—I grew to grasp why I believed what I’d been raised to believe.
Power of Apologetics
Incorporating apologetics in our evangelistic efforts encourages young adults to think biblically. Proverbs 9:10 is clear: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Answering questions about Christ or the historicity of the Bible requires deep biblical knowledge; superficial knowledge doesn’t cut it. Only by discipling Gen Z in this practice will they gain a solid biblical foundation for a meaningful, intimate relationship with God.
I grew to grasp why I believed what I’d been raised to believe.
Apologetics can be relational too. Since Gen Zers often struggle with loneliness due to lack of face-to-face interaction, seeking out the lost for intentional conversation can meet both spiritual and emotional needs. United by shared experiences, we Gen Zers can easily connect. And as churches disciple us to become faithful apologists, we’ll be positioned to bridge the gap between skeptics and believers among our peers.
Gen Z is a lost generation, guided by self-actualization and overwhelmed by isolation. We’ll only reach them with the support of our brothers and sisters in the church. We need continual prayer and steadfast guidance to see the saving power of Jesus take root in my generation. Only Christ can save, but we must commit to planting the seeds of truth in Gen Z hearts.
The Gospel Coalition