Gen Z On Deconstructing

Real Life Theology Podcast

Gen Z on Deconstruction (feat. Bailey Thompson)

In this episode of the Real Life Theology podcast, host Reagan Grace Gibbs, the student ministry director at Ekklesia Christian Church, discusses the urgent topic of faith deconstruction within Gen Z audiences. Joined by Bailey Thompson, they dive into the statistics showing the rise in religious disaffiliation among Millennials and Gen Z, the concept of deconstruction and reconstruction from a biblical perspective, and the cultural impact of influencers on faith. They emphasize the importance of discipleship, being actively involved in a local church, and the crucial role of church leaders in guiding and supporting Gen Z. Follow Reagan on Social Media @thereagangrace

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Watch the Video: https://youtu.be/TpZu2xehddc

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Host Background

05:30 Celebrity Influence on Faith

10:37 The Role of Church Leaders in Supporting Gen Z

13:01 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Ministry

19:12 Challenges and Solutions for Engaging Gen Z in Church

24:15 The Importance of Studying the Bible

28:54 The Impact of Social Media on Faith

35:27 Engaging with Gen Z in Ministry

37:34 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer

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Other podcasts by RENEW.org:

– Scripture in Black and White: https://scriptureinblackandwhite.podbean.com/
– Step into Scripture: https://stepintoscripture.podbean.com/

Check out RENEW.org for resources on theology and disciple making.

See below for a longer description:
In this episode, Reagan introduces Bailey, a worship leader and singer-songwriter from Ekklesia Christian Church. Together, they dive deep into the topic of Gen Z and their relationship with faith, particularly focusing on deconstruction and reconstruction of beliefs. Reagan highlights alarming statistics pointing to Gen Z as the least religious generation in American history. She references Ryan Burge’s research, showing a significant increase in the number of millennials and Gen Z individuals with zero religious affiliation. Bailey and Reagan discuss these trends and the potential reasons behind them, such as less parental influence on religious upbringing. The conversation covers the concept of deconstruction, contrasting its healthy and harmful forms. Reagan explains how Jesus exemplified healthy deconstruction by confronting the false teachings and hypocrisy of religious leaders. In contrast, Reagan and Bailey discuss the modern trend of deconstruction, where individuals systematically dismantle and often reject their faith due to various reasons, including church hurt.

Bailey brings in insights from Lisa Childers, who defines deconstruction as a popular trend among millennial and Gen Z Christians. They also touch on how celebrities openly share their deconstruction journeys, influencing their young followers' faith decisions. Reagan emphasizes the crucial role of church leaders in supporting and guiding Gen Z through these processes, rather than just attacking them. Reagan shares personal anecdotes about the importance of church community and mentorship in her faith journey. She recounts how church leaders, including her parents and student ministry leaders, have been foundational in her spiritual growth. This leads to a discussion on the importance of discipleship and being actively involved in a local church, both for personal growth and to foster a supportive faith community for Gen Z.

Reagan and Bailey stress that students need consistent biblical study and community involvement to thrive spiritually. Reagan talks about her church's emphasis on discipleship, mentioning their multi-generational vision and various ministries that cater to different age groups. Bailey adds examples of how older generations in the church mentor younger members, creating a nurturing environment for spiritual growth. They also address the challenges and misconceptions about student ministry, highlighting the importance of building authentic relationships with students. Both Reagan and Bailey believe that genuine discipleship involves walking with students through their spiritual journeys, providing guidance and support along the way.

Wrapping up the episode, Reagan discusses the powerful impact of prayer and how it can transform lives. Bailey closes with a heartfelt prayer for Gen Z, asking for God’s guidance and blessing over them. She prays for leaders to be equipped to steward these young hearts well, fostering safe spaces for meaningful conversations and growth. Tune in to this insightful episode to understand more about the spiritual dynamics affecting Gen Z and how to approach the topics of deconstruction and reconstruction of faith. Follow Reagan on all her social media platforms to stay updated on future episodes and engaging discussions. Until next time be blessed.
#GenZ #RealLifeTheology #GenZOnFaith #Deconstruction #Reconstruction

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