Building Authentic Community Among Gen Z: Discipleship & Connection at Transformation Church

Amid concerns about declining church engagement and attendance, some surprising data offers some direction. In Barna’s Making Space for Community report, produced in partnership with Aspen Group, data reveals that younger Christians are eager for connections at church. When asked which is more important at a Christian church, hearing a thought-provoking sermon or building strong relationships with other Christians, nearly half of Christians side in favor of relationships (48% vs. 42%, with 10% unsure). Among younger Christians, the percentage climbs to 57 percent of both Gen Z and Millennials opting for relationships over sermons.

What’s fueling this growing desire for authentic Christian community among emerging generations?

To explore this, we turned to Kristel Acevedo, discipleship director at Transformation Church in South Carolina. Acevedo is a champion of discipleship, creating spaces where people can connect with God, cultivate meaningful relationships and dive deeper into scripture.

In an episode of the Making Space podcast, Acevedo shared with hosts Benjamin Windle and Jay Kim about fostering multiethnic, multigenerational small groups, leveraging social media for discipleship and meeting Gen Z’s unique spiritual needs. The following Q&A is adapted from this conversation and highlights her wisdom and practical guidance for church leaders seeking to engage the next generation.

Editor’s note: Discipleship and spiritual formation across age groups are some of the qualities Barna measures among thriving churches. You can learn more about these dimensions through the State of the Church initiative, produced in partnership with Gloo, here. 

Additionally, you can read more about current trends in discipleship here.

Q: What do you think is driving younger generations’ desire for Christian community?

Kristel Acevedo: There are a few factors at play. First, younger generations are embracing wellness and therapy, leading them to seek healthier, supportive environments outside their blood families. The church can often become a surrogate family. Additionally, despite living in the digital age, many feel disconnected and crave genuine relationships. Social media has made us question if we truly have meaningful connections, which draws people back to physical, authentic communities like the local church.

Q: How can churches meet younger generations’ need for health and wholeness?

Acevedo: Authenticity is key. Younger generations value honesty and are not interested in quick fixes or superficial solutions. Churches must create authentic environments where people are pointed to Jesus as the true answer to their struggles. At Transformation Church, we emphasize discipleship and small groups, but we also strive for creativity in fostering connections. Providing diverse, inclusive spaces where people feel truly seen and heard is crucial.

Q: What are the biggest discipleship needs for Gen Z today?

Acevedo: Gen Z is grappling with anxiety and exhaustion from the pressures of performing and meeting expectations. They need to hear the message that they are loved and accepted just as they are—no need for perfection. They also need guidance in managing the baggage of trauma and stress they’ve experienced. As ministers, we must provide them with hope and reassurance, helping them understand that their worth is found in God’s unconditional love.

Q: What discipleship opportunities exist outside of traditional church settings?

Acevedo: There are countless ways to meet people where they are. For instance, meeting at coffee shops, engaging with students in schools or leveraging technology for virtual discussions. At Transformation Church, we’ve utilized platforms like Instagram and YouTube for Q&A sessions and interactive content, allowing for discipleship moments beyond Sunday services. Creativity and flexibility are essential in reaching people outside the church walls.

This is an excerpt from a full-length profile in this month’s State of the Church release, which can be found exclusively in Barna Access Plus.