Engaging Gen Z in Faith Through In-Person Connection & Digital Tools

In an era of endless scrolling and digital chatter, Gen Z still desire something screens can’t provide: face-to-face human connection. 

Recent Barna research reveals that more than half of Gen Z (54%) strongly agree “in-person relationships are more valuable than digital ones.”

Knowing of Gen Z’s persistent emphasis on personal connection, it’s notable that church attendance among those ages 13–24 is also steadily declining. Since 2020, the percentage of Gen Z attending church weekly has dropped from 22 percent to 16 percent, while those not attending at all has risen from 28 percent to 37 percent.

Interestingly, when Gen Z Christians or church attendees are asked what they most like about their church, they highlight things that could be accomplished in either digital or physical environments. Learning about Jesus tops the list (41%). Close behind are spiritual growth (37%) and discovering what is true and good in life (35%).  

Church leaders face a pivotal moment with Gen Z—a generation that moves seamlessly in the digital world while deeply craving authentic human connection. This duality offers the Church a unique opportunity to reimagine how they build community and foster faith with this generation both online and in person.

“While screen time, apps and global connectivity are advances that older generations had to learn and adapt to, young adults have been raised knowing little else,” says Barna CEO David Kinnaman. “It’s to be expected that as technology transforms society, impacting even the simplest of daily activities, younger generations will find new ways to harness these tools—including for spiritual growth, faith sharing and church engagement.

“As they do so,” Kinnaman adds, “church leaders can respond by providing thoughtful integration of digital tools, strategies and content into their spiritual development efforts. That would include where digital tools can and should be used and where they shouldn’t.”

3 Ways to Leverage Digital Tools at Church

How can pastors and other ministry leaders leverage technology to make in-person church more valuable, especially for young attendees? According to Chris Sharpe, chief revenue officer at Subsplash, ”The next generation is seeking authentic relationships and community. … While technology isn’t the only path to accomplish this, it is a critical part of it.”

Here are three ways he recommends leveraging technology for meaningful in-person church experiences: 

1. Talk with the next generation, not at them. Online and digital spaces are a great way to engage with people any day of the week. The top three greatest spiritual concerns for Gen Z Christians are talking to God in prayer (43%), learning how to pray (28%) and caring for the poor and marginalized (24%). Keep them engaged with impactful conversations around faith, their role in culture and insert some fun things as well. These online conversations will fuel even better in-person interactions.
2. Engage for impact. This generation wants to make a difference. Gen Z practicing Christians are the most likely to say they want to be a follower of Christ who connects with the world they live in (68%). Present them with opportunities throughout the week to do just that, then follow up in person. Ask what ways they impacted their friends, family and community. Create a culture of encouragement and making a Kingdom impact.
3. Maximize your church’s digital impact. The majority of Gen Z practicing Christians (59%) say their church teaches and equips them to live out their faith in day-to-day life. Use a church app for ongoing weekly connections through messaging, notifications and content delivery, but also during in-person interactions for sermon notes, event calendars and prayer requests. Allow the next generation to engage with content during events or services, such as live polls or Q&A to fuel authenticity and growth.

Gen Z is eager to learn about Jesus, grow spiritually, and make an impact in the world. By leveraging technology such as church apps, online discussions and digital content, ministries can offer meaningful ways for young people to connect with faith—both online and in person. The key is to create a balanced approach where digital interactions complement face-to-face community, fostering authenticity and spiritual growth.

Ultimately, as the Church navigates these changes, it must be intentional in embracing both the digital and relational aspects of ministry, meeting young Christians where they are and equipping them for a future of faith and service.