Christian Research Journal Reads Episode 198: How the Church Can Address the Crisis of Identity and Belief Among Gen Z Women

This is Episode 198 of the Christian Research Journal Reads Podcast.

How the Church can address the crisis of identity and belief among Gen Z women by Lisa Cooper.

This article was first published exclusively online for the Christian Research Journal,

Volume 48, Number 2 in 2025.

The Christian Research Journal Reads Podcast presents audio versions of Christian Research

Journal articles to read the full text of this article and its documentation.

Go to Equip.org. That's equip.org.

How the Church can address the crisis of identity and belief among Gen Z women by Lisa Cooper,

read by Christina Wintersteller.

Generational cohorts serve as a useful framework for understanding the common trends, ideals,

pursuits, and life experiences shared by individuals of similar age.

When comparing generation Z, Gen Z, and millennials, for example, it is important to remember

that these cohorts illuminate sociological patterns only in generalities as many observations

rest on statistics drawn across huge swaths of people.

When we speak about Gen Z, there are slightly varying definitions based on sources.

Individuals born between the years 1996 and 2010, and those born between 1999 and 2015.

Generally speaking, we're talking about those who are currently somewhere between their

early teens and late 20s.

VisualDimic, PhD, the president of Pew Research Center, articulates the uniqueness of Gen Z

by citing a few key markers that distinguish them from millennials.

First, they have grown up with technology at their fingertips, including mobile devices,

Wi-Fi, social media, and on-demand entertainment and communication.

Second, they have grown up with an, quote, always on technological environment, unquote.

This leads to constant updates, news, and influences from around the globe

being readily available on mobile devices.

Third, sociopolitical and economic factors like coming of age during the first Donald Trump

presidency, for example, has impacted Gen Z and the perspectives on the world.

But there's more than just external factors shaping Gen Z from without.

From within, Gen Z individuals tend to have similar attitudes and internal motivations.

Stanford scholar Roberta Katz shares her insight about Gen Z, who are often stereotyped

as being coddled or snowflakes by older generations, but she begs to differ, quote,

a typical Gen Z is a self-driver who deeply cares about others, strives for a diverse community,

is highly collaborative and social, values flexibility, relevance, authenticity,

and non-higher article leadership.

And while dismayed about inherited issues like climate change,

has a pragmatic attitude about the work that has to be done to address those issues, unquote.

With the youngest of Gen Z now nearing their teens, the younger end of the generation

is becoming more clearly defined, and Generation Alpha has now been generally described as

being those born between 2010 and the mid-2020s.

Across the statistical board, both secular and Christian sources call out similar trends

among Gen Z.

One, Gen Z tends to be the least-churched generation, but they're open to spiritual

exploration.

Two, Gen Z is very compelled by activism and has strong perspectives on justice.

Three, Gen Z is on a path of self-exploration and expression.

Four, Gen Z is anxious, depressed, and mentally ill, but they are also willing to talk about

it.

Five, Gen Z has a less positive outlook on life than previous generations, yet they want

supportive groups and communities.

Overall, these features paint a complex picture of this generation as it relates to the

state of the church.

Baring these things in mind, we can begin to address how Gen Z women interact with the

world and the church more specifically.

When looking at the data related to Gen Z and the church, it is clear that Gen Z women

are in dire need of the very things the church offers, community, purpose, opportunities

to serve others, and authentic identity and peace.

But how can we bridge the chasm that's formed between Gen Z women and the church?

And how can we support those same women who are now coming of age and searching for

meaning?

Gen Z women are in a crisis of self.

With books like The Anxious Generation by Social Psychologist Jonathan Height, Skyrocketing

to fame and prevalent talk of a, quote, loneliness crisis, unquote, the unique difficulties that

have come to the forefront of national dialogue pertaining to younger generations are becoming

more obvious to the general public.

This is no longer just a far off concern of psychologists and social scientists.

It is personal.

And although it is possible to speak more broadly about Gen Z in reference to these crises,

Gen Z women are struggling in unique ways compared to their male counterparts.

In addition to all the generalized markers for Gen Z described above, Height identifies

an additional factor that has affected Gen Z women more so than men.

Quote, another trend began just a few years later and it hit girls much harder than boys.

The increased prevalence of posting images of oneself after smartphones added front facing

cameras 2010 and Facebook acquired Instagram 2012, boosting its popularity.

This greatly expanded the number of adolescents posting carefully curated photos and videos

of their lives for their peers and strangers, not just to see, but to judge, unquote.

The compounding difficulties of living a life that is simultaneously private and public,

facing critique and judgment from peers and strangers alike, has impacted how Gen Z women

think of themselves and others.

Gen Z women are therefore desperate to express themselves in a way that feels authentic.

Barnard Group's Gen Z volume 3 survey reports that, quote,

female Gen Z are significantly more likely than their male peers to say they have felt

held back from authentically expressing themselves, 53% versus 47%.

Female Gen Z young adults are the most likely segment to feel held back, 67%, unquote.

They do not only have a desire to be authentically themselves, but they also see it as a consistent

challenge in their lives with many factors making this kind of authenticity difficult.

One of the most obvious ways that Gen Z women have tried to assert themselves authentically

is through their sexual identity and expression.

According to a recent Gallup poll, while adults who identify as LGBTQ plus in America has

risen from 3.5% 2012 to a high of 9.1% overall, 23.1% of Gen Z considers themselves to be, quote,

something other than heterosexual, unquote.

This is even more pronounced among Gen Z women, 31% of Gen Z women identify as LGBTQ plus compared

with 12% of Gen Z men.

As authenticity has made its mark as a key factor in Gen Z decision making, marketer Charlotte

Traycarton identify some key factors as to why this might be the case.

First, Gen Z has, quote, grown up in an age of fake news, deep fakes, and social media

influencers who promote products they don't even use.

As a result, we have developed a keen sense of detecting what is real and what is not, unquote.

In addition, authenticity, especially in marketing, allows for Gen Z to make better choices aligning

with their own personal morals and values when choosing products, quote, we are less

interested in owning things and more interested in having meaningful experiences, unquote.

In a world full of deception and falsehood, how can Gen Z women feel confident in finding

truth?

And on a more personal level, how can they figure out who they truly are beyond the screens

and online profiles?

All of these factors have converged into profound anxiety.

Gen Z vol. 3 states, quote, female Gen Z, especially those who are young adults, are significantly

more likely to report a number of negative emotions and pressures, including anxiety about

important decisions, fear of failure, self-criticism, and feeling easily overwhelmed, unquote.

These young women are not only feeling external pressures, but the internal pressures are

mounting as they are coming of age.

In recent years, more than ever, Americans in general are turning away from the church.

Authors Michael Graham and Jim Davis call this phenomenon, quote, the great,

de-churching, unquote. They cite an incredibly rapid decline in church attendance, quote,

about 40 million adults, 16% in America today used to go to church, but no longer do, unquote.

While this broader phenomenon has certainly touched Gen Z, there are other factors at play.

A grim prediction from the Pine Topps Foundation in their report, quote,

the great opportunity, the American church, in 2050, unquote, states, quote.

By the year 2050, 35 million youth raised in Christian homes will disaffiliate from Christianity,

which is over 1 million per year. The overall Christian percentage of the population will drop

to 59% from today's 73%. The unaffiliated population will nearly double as a percentage of the

US population, from 17% today to 30% in 2050, an increase of more than 50 million people, unquote.

Though these numbers are speculative, they still should startle the church into action.

Now is the time to reach younger people for Christ. We can't afford to wait any longer to do

this important work. One of the many factors in why Gen Z individuals are not in church is their

parents' generational shift away from Catechesis and a culture of church attendance in practice.

Daniel A. Cox from Surveys Center on American Life Explains, quote.

Young adults today have had entirely different religious and social experiences than previous

generations did. The parents of millennials and Generation Z did less to encourage regular

participation in formal worship services and model religious behaviors in their children

than had previous generations. Many childhood religious activities that were once common

such as saying grace have become more of the exception than the norm, unquote.

More broadly, Americans of all generations who were raised in the faith are turning away from

the church and staggering numbers. This is consistent with the Gen Z cohort as well.

Tipifying the age range when those critical faith decisions are most often made, quote.

A majority 57% of Americans who no longer identify with their childhood religion report

that this change happened before they turned 18. Roughly 3 in 10, 31%, say they left between the

ages of 18 and 29 and slightly more than 1 in 10, 12%, report leaving at age 30 or older,

unquote. This means that Gen Z individuals are at the age of crisis, the age when more than

half of people make decisions about their faith journey that carry through for the rest of their

lives. According to the statistic above, 88% of all Americans who no longer identify with their

childhood religion will have solidified that choice before age 29. As Gen Z comes of age,

they have an immense opportunity to dig in and figure out what they truly believe in why,

they have a chance to truly commit to their faith. And Gen Z men are making this very decision.

They are either remaining in the church or turning toward the church in numbers that no one was

expecting. For so many years women outpaced men in terms of faith commitment and expression,

yet now, quote, among Generation Z Christians, the men are staying in church while the women

are leaving at a remarkable clip, unquote. According to Barna, quote, female Gen Z between the

ages of 18 through 24 are less likely than other male or female members of their generation

to identify with a faith or to be very active in church involvement. They are also more likely to

say they don't believe in God or a higher power, unquote. Though Gen Z men are still outnumbered

by Gen Z women in the church, the gap between the two is closing at a rapid pace. There are many

suspected reasons for this shift away from the church, some of which include, one, seeing church

as patriarchal or sexist. Two, identifying church with political conservatism while Gen Z women

tend to see themselves as feminist or liberal. Three, frustrations with women's roles and

treatment within the church. Four, the church's strong stance against abortion and IVF. Five,

women are, quote, done with debating, unquote, the place of women and family in religious life.

But even with these strained opinions of the church and faith traditions in general, 73% of all

Gen Z respondents to Barna's Gen Z volume 3 survey say they believe in God or some kind of higher

power. Further, quote, even Gen Z knowns engage in several spiritual practices over one in four

of those with no faith, 26%, say they've prayed in the previous seven days, unquote.

Though there is a fairly critical mass of Gen Z and women in particular, turning away from the

faith, there still remains a spiritual openness that is important as we think about how we can come

alongside these women in the church and make an impact. Quote, at the same time Gen Z are remarkably

open to God, a spiritual dimension and a faith journey. Our global study of teen showed Gen Z

teens to be surprisingly open to Jesus, the Bible, and to making an impact in the lives of others,

unquote. And know the church does not need to compromise on its historic orthodox teachings in

order to reach Gen Z women, even though many articles and op-eds essentially encourage this.

God's word is true and right, regardless of our cultural whims. We do not need to adapt it to

fit our culture in order to make it relevant for women of this age cohort. However, it is

possible to correct some fundamental misunderstandings among Gen Z women about Christianity that would

align with their desire for authenticity, social justice, equality, and other priorities more on

this later. What the church can offer Gen Z women. In a time when women are feeling burdened by

internal and external pressures, frustrated by their inability to truly grasp who they are

amid changing social influences, as they experience a blurring of public and private life,

Christianity and the church that attempts to live out its teachings can uniquely help Gen Z women.

Where Gen Z women desire spirituality, the church can offer a true understanding of the world,

the universe, and the creator who made it all and loves them. Beyond simple practices or self-help

mantras, the Christian faith offers complete and total forgiveness of all sins through Christ,

the gospel, along with a roadmap for living the good life, the law.

Where Gen Z women feel anxious, unfit for the demands of the world, and depressed,

Christianity offers peace, protection, and purpose. Where Gen Z women desire justice,

provision for the poor, and active service of others, Christianity offers true justice,

both temporally and eternally, along with freedom to serve others in love.

This is not self-serving love, but rather love that is wholly interested in providing for

the other. In a time when Gen Z women feel despondent about the future, Christianity offers hope,

hope that endures into eternal life. In a time when Gen Z desires real connection and authenticity,

Christianity offers a community built on mutual love, respect, and care.

The church gathers as members of one body in service of the body. From community,

companionship, and the opportunity to make concrete positive change in the world,

the church offers key things that Gen Z women want. A new creation.

Where Gen Z women want an identity that is true to themselves and stands up to the competing

influences around them, Christianity offers a steadfast identity grounded in the one who gives

us life, God himself. Not only are humans created in the image of God, meaning that we uniquely reflect

God and his character, but we also are called to steward the world around us, Genesis 1, 27-28.

We are created to be creative and caring, and we are called to fulfill this role in our lives

here on earth. Because of sin's effect in the world, we cannot do this perfectly,

but Scripture gives us a vision for what our identity looks like when we place our faith in Jesus.

Quote, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away,

behold, the new has come, unquote, 2 Corinthians 5, 17. And, quote, we are his workmanship

created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,

unquote, Ephesians 2-10. The new identity that we receive from Christ is steadfast. It does not

wane or fade as we struggle or doubt. We have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and claimed by God

as his own, Ephesians 1-13. These truths can be a balm to the hurting souls of Gen Z women as they

struggle with their identity. In addition, this identity rooted in Christ empowers us to love and

serve others. It is neither merely performative nor lazy. In light of the free forgiveness we

receive from Jesus, we can serve our neighbor in freedom, quote, for freedom Christ has set us free,

stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery, unquote, Galatians 5-1.

Practical opportunities for evangelism to Gen Z women. What can we do to communicate these

wonderful truths as Gen Z women in a way that they might hear it? How can we reach a generation

that seems put off by the hope and help that the church can offer them? First and foremost,

because Gen Z values authentic, real, in-person relationships, it is imperative to actually cultivate

those relationships. Move beyond simply knowing people's names and invest in their lives.

A word of encouragement. Most young people want people to take an interest in them. Don't stop

trying if it feels awkward or uncomfortable at first. Making yourself available for any kind of

conversation or question, asking about their schoolwork, friendships, or plans, or remembering

to follow up about that test they took last week. All of these things can make a huge impact

in laying the groundwork for trust. That being said, do not form relationships with Gen Z women

only to evangelize them later on. Be willing to invest in these young women with care and concern,

whether or not you get the opportunity to give them the gospel. This may seem counterintuitive

for a section on how we should evangelize, but hear me out. They will know if you're fake.

They will know if you have ulterior motives in getting to know them. Let your life speak for

itself, and when they ask why you make decisions a certain way or why you care about them,

that's when you can be honest about your faith. It is through these authentic connections that

demonstrate real, true faith that shines out in a way that is fundamentally opposite to the televised,

stereotypical Bible-thumping attitude that they see in pop culture from Christians.

Gen Z women are not interested in fights, intellectual or otherwise. You will not be able to debate

them into the church. If you try, it will likely have the opposite effect. And yes, having conversations

about hot button issues like abortion, IVF, and LGBTQ plus issues will likely come up at some point.

This is when we must stand firm on the truth, but remember to do so while demonstrating love

in our speech and actions. Paul encourages us, quote, walk in wisdom toward outsiders,

making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,

so that you may know how you ought to answer each person, unquote. Colossians 4, 5 through 6.

This all being said, we must, quote, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you

for a reason for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect, unquote. First

Peter 315. Gen Z women do not generally want abstract theology lessons or arguments. They want

practical, real, lived experience that demonstrates what Christianity can offer them.

So when you make a case for your faith, be sure to substantiate it not only with scripture,

but also your life. Invite Gen Z women to serve with you. If there's anything consistent across

the board with the desires and interests of Gen Z women, it's that they're passionate about

helping others. Though there may be a disconnect between online activism and actual in-person

service, Gen Z women are interested in doing things to help fight what they perceive to be

systematic issues. So invite them along to serve. Encourage them to help others in practical ways,

not just in words on social media. Spend a day at a soup kitchen with them. Invite them to

participate in a clothing drive or ask them what needs they see in their immediate community

and work with them to meet those needs. Empowering Gen Z women to serve will help build

relationships and show how the Christian Church actually does care about the poor and needy

among us. Digital evangelism can also be a powerful tool in reaching Gen Z women. Currently, Gen Z men

are heading back into churches, and many of them claim this is because of online content

that expose them to the truth of Christianity. Gen Z women could experience the same thing,

but it must be done differently than that which is marketed to young men. Where Gen Z men want

theological discourse and lectures on philosophy to help persuade them to have the right answers,

Gen Z women tend to want shorter form lifestyle content that demonstrates what the Christian

life lived by faithful women looks like. High school and college ministries are vital. If your

church is not yet investing in these things, it must begin now. Gen Z is at the most pivotal

stage in their lives when it comes to solidifying beliefs, and your prayers, resources, and talents

are able to make a concrete difference. Don't be discouraged by small numbers of attendees.

If you build ministries for young people, they will be more likely to come. Don't wait until

you have critical mass because that goalpost may change. By investing in your young people,

even if it's just one or two people who are active in attending your church, you can help them

stay committed to their faith in a culture that is doing everything in its power to sever that

relationship. And most importantly, pray. Pray for the young women who are facing incredible

pressure, stress, and feel pulled in a million different directions.

Pray to God with boldness, knowing that God hears our prayers and is willing to provide,

quote, mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Unquote Hebrews 4, 16 and IV.

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