Gen Z Insights: The Spiritually Open Generation

They’re spiritual but not religious. They’re curious and have big questions. And they’re turning online for spiritual guidance. But given that they often have a “pick and mix” approach to faith, how can we help Gen Zs discover Jesus, the one true God?   

In this episode of Gen Z Insights, Peter Dray, author of the IFES report Gen Z Insights for Global Student Ministry, shares his findings on Gen Z’s spiritual openness around the world.  

Afterwards, series host Annette Arulrajah, Associate General Secretary of IFES, is joined by guests from IFES student movements and beyond to share their perspectives.   

Guests include:  

• Naomi Chandrasakaran (Sri Lanka), recent graduate and volunteer with her IFES movement 

• Justin Brierley (UK), writer, speaker, broadcaster, and host of the podcast: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God - https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ 

• Ms. Robin Shugart (Canada), Campus Director for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario with InterVarsity, the IFES movement in Canada 

Hit play to hear what’s happening with Gen Z and faith around the world, and to explore how we can respond to the opportunities and challenges of this generation’s spiritual hunger.  

Timestamps: 

• (00:00) - Standard intro to the Gen Z Insights podcast series 

• (00:20) - Host Annette Arulrajah introduces this episode  

• (02:30) - Peter Dray provides a brief orientation on the culturally aware generation* 

• (09:00) - Panel discussion with Naomi Chandrasakaran, Justin Brierley, and Robin Shugart 

• (29:18) - Closing remarks by Annette Arulrajah 

* Please note: Peter’s introduction contains a reference to the Quiet Revival report published by Bible Society UK. This episode was recorded before that report was retracted. For more info see: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/the-quiet-revival 

Episode links: 

• Visit the IFES Gen Z Insights webpage to explore more resources designed to help you reimagine ministry among this generation. These include the Gen Z Insights for Global Student Ministry report, Bible study guides, and other materials from across the IFES fellowship and beyond.  

About IFES 

The Gen Z Insights podcast series is brought to you by IFES, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. We are a movement of students sharing and living out the good news of Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and globally. We connect and nurture Christian student movements in more than 180 countries and territories. Our vision is to see students thriving together as communities of disciples, transformed by the gospel, and impacting the university, the church, and society for the glory of Christ. Visit ifesworld.org to find out more.  

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Disclaimer:  

The opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of IFES or its national movements.