Why Gen Z Is Being Called “The Open Generation” - and How Churches & Ministries Can Reach Them (with Jasper Rutherford)

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?

📘 Episode Summary

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.

🔑 Main Points & Takeaways

• Gen Z is open to faith. Jasper unpacks Barna’s research on The Open Generation and why young people today are spiritually curious and receptive.
• Programs don’t reach youth—relationships do. Simple, authentic, consistent presence is more powerful than production or hype.
• Youth won’t just “walk in” anymore. Churches must go where young people are: schools, sports fields, community spaces, and relational environments.
• Don’t wait for crowds—start with two or three. Faithfulness with a few young people can spark multiplication.
• Discipleship must be lived, not lectured. Young people thrive when they are known, included, prayed for, and given real ways to serve.
• The church must rethink Sunday-centric models. Creating welcoming, relational environments beyond Sunday services is essential for new generations.
• God is already moving. Jasper shares stories of young people encountering Jesus unexpectedly, from YouTube videos to worship nights.

🙌 Call to Action

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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🎙 Related Episodes — Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive

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

1. Engaging & Mobilizing Gen Z for Christ — with Jordan Whitmer

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

2. 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

3. 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

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Christ in Youth (CIY Europe) — Youth ministry, research & resources: https://ciy.eu
• Barna Group: The Open Generation Report - https://www.barna.com/the-open-generation/
• Finding Faith in Ireland (Barna + CIY research) - https://www.ciy.eu/assets/files/resources/finding_faith_in_ireland.pdf
• Jasper’s Email: [e-mail]