Gen Z Isn’t Leaving the Church… They’re Leaving Because Of This | Featuring Christina

Gen Z isn’t walking away from faith—they’re walking away from something else.

In this episode of Beyond the Numbers: Voices from the Field, we sit down with Christina to unpack why young people are leaving the church, what churches misunderstand about Gen Z, and how discipleship—not programs—is the key to reaching the next generation.

If you’re a youth pastor, ministry leader, or someone wrestling with church hurt, deconstruction, or questions about faith, this conversation gets to the heart of what actually builds authentic faith.

We talk about:

• Why Gen Z is asking deeper questions than ever

• How the church is losing young adults (and how to change that)

• Discipleship vs programs—and why relationships matter more

• Mentorship ministry and building trust over time

• Practical steps for reaching Gen Z with authenticity

This isn’t a growth hack.

This is a heart check.

📌 If you care about youth ministry, church leadership, and reaching the next generation—this conversation matters.

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Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Youth Ministry & the Gen Z Church Crisis

00:57 – What Churches Get Wrong About Gen Z

01:23 – Why Young People Are Leaving the Church

02:50 – Where Gen Z Is Searching for Faith Answers

03:30 – Why Young Adults Don’t Feel Heard (Church Hurt)

04:57 – Discipleship vs Programs: What Actually Works

06:46 – Building Authentic Faith Through Relationships

07:20 – Mentorship Ministry: How Trust Is Built

09:06 – How Leaders Accidentally Push Gen Z Away

10:59 – The “Fix It” Problem in Christian Leadership

11:31 – Church Growth Strategy That Actually Works

13:47 – Why Correction Without Relationship Fails

15:28 – How to Reach Gen Z: The Right Order Matters

16:22 – Youth Pastor Advice: Start With Listening

17:24 – Sticky Faith & Long-Term Discipleship (Kara Powell)

18:06 – Final Thoughts: Reaching the Next Generation

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