What does it really take to engage younger generations—and why do so many of our assumptions about them fall short?

In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with sociologist Dr. Josh Packard about his book Faithful Futures and what churches often misunderstand about Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Drawing from years of research, Packard challenges the tendency to reduce younger generations to stereotypes and instead invites leaders to approach them with curiosity, humility, and a posture of listening.

The conversation explores how rapid cultural change has created a “fast and slow” dynamic in young people’s lives, why relationships—not institutions—are now the primary source of trust, and how churches can rethink formation beyond simply passing down right answers. 

They also discuss the importance of communal worship in an age of loneliness, the role of sacred space, and how young people are constructing “micro-narratives” of meaning in a world where institutional authority is often questioned.

Together they explore:

Why generational stereotypes fail—and what to focus on instead

The “fast and slow” reality of growing up today

How trust has shifted from institutions to relationships

Why listening matters more than giving answers

The role of communal worship and sacred space in a lonely world

How young people build meaning through “micro-narratives”

Dr. Josh Packard is the co-founder of Future of Faith and one of the foremost experts in the spiritual lives of American youth and religious trends in the United States. He is an accomplished researcher in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. He is a frequent keynote speaker and acts as an advisor and board member to a number of faith-based organizations. Josh has authored numerous books and articles in both popular and academic outlets including the recently released Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations. Previous books include Church Refugees: Sociologists reveal why people are DONE with church but not their faith and Meaning Making: 8 Values That Drive America’s Newest Generations.  Josh was previously a professor, founding Executive Director of Springtide Research Institute and Executive Vice President of Strategy with the National Catholic Educational Association.  He has a BA in English from Texas Lutheran University and Ph.D. in Sociology from Vanderbilt University. He lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and teenage son where he is quickly becoming the third best golfer in his family of three.  

Mentioned Resources:

🌐 Josh's Website: Future of Faith

📖 Josh's Book: Faithful Futures

📱Twitter/X: @drjoshpackard

📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshpackard/

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Andrew Root

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Megan Bissell

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Mike Orr

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Ryan Burge

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📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/

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Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Dennis Sanders – Producer

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