Everyone says Gen Z is walking away from church. But growing research tells a very different story. Today’s teenagers are spiritually curious, surprisingly open, and eager for authentic relationships. The question is: are we ready to reach them?

In this inspiring and deeply practical conversation, youth ministry leader and evangelist Jasper Rutherford shares why Gen Z is being described as The Open Generation and what this means for churches, pastors, and ministry leaders today. Drawing on his personal story of encountering Jesus amid violence, fatherlessness, and brokenness in Northern Ireland—and from 20 years of youth ministry and research across Europe—Jasper explains why young people today are remarkably open to faith, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, genuine relationships, and hope.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a pastor, parent, or youth leader who cares about reaching the next generation.

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These episodes pair beautifully with today’s conversation on Gen Z and youth discipleship:

Engaging & Mobilizing Gen Z for Christ — with Jordan Whitmer

https://lausanne.org/podcast/engaging-mobilising-gen-z-for-christ-with-jordan-whitmer

Discipling Digital Natives: Gen Z, Social Media & the Gospel — with Lucas Pegoraro

https://lausanne.org/podcast/discipling-digital-natives-lucas-pegoraro-on-gen-z-social-media-and-the-gospel

Bold Faith & Creative Evangelism: Reaching the Next Generation — with Luke Greenwood (Steiger International)

https://lausanne.org/podcast/bold-faith-creative-evangelism-steigers-luke-greenwood-on-reaching-the-next-generation-in-todays-global-youth-culture