Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
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.* A 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.
Subscribe to the *Lausanne Movement Podcast*, leave a rating or review, and explore more global mission resources at **lausanne.org**.
---
## *🎙 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*
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*
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)*
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 -* 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:* jasper.rutherford@ciy.com
## *Jasper Rutherforf Bio*
Jasper Rutherford is the European Director for Christ in Youth (CIY) and a passionate evangelist with more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry across local churches and para-church organisations. Known for expecting God to move in unexpected places, he is a catalyst for collaboration and unity within the Church and helped launch CIY Europe in 2016. Jasper holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Birmingham, as well as degrees from the University of Liverpool and York St John University. He and his wife, Lynne, have three children, and he remains a devoted supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
00:00 Why Gen Z Is Being Called “The Open Generation” with Jasper Rutherford
01:59 Introduction and Welcome
03:15 Entering Youth Ministry
05:13 Challenges and Breakthroughs
09:57 Christ and Youth Organization
12:34 Personal Testimonies and Encounters
22:03 Advice for Parents and Leaders
24:42 Current State of Youth Ministry in Europe
28:45 Embracing Openness in Youth Ministry
29:46 Encouraging Church Leaders to Engage with Youth
30:38 Building Relationships with Young People
34:28 Creating Welcoming Church Environments
35:26 Shifting Church Paradigms for Youth Engagement
40:02 Investing in Youth Discipleship
44:59 Practical Steps for Youth Ministry
52:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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.* A 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.
Subscribe to the *Lausanne Movement Podcast*, leave a rating or review, and explore more global mission resources at **lausanne.org**.
---
## *🎙 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*
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*
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)*
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 -* 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:* jasper.rutherford@ciy.com
## *Jasper Rutherforf Bio*
Jasper Rutherford is the European Director for Christ in Youth (CIY) and a passionate evangelist with more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry across local churches and para-church organisations. Known for expecting God to move in unexpected places, he is a catalyst for collaboration and unity within the Church and helped launch CIY Europe in 2016. Jasper holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Birmingham, as well as degrees from the University of Liverpool and York St John University. He and his wife, Lynne, have three children, and he remains a devoted supporter of Liverpool Football Club.
00:00 Why Gen Z Is Being Called “The Open Generation” with Jasper Rutherford
01:59 Introduction and Welcome
03:15 Entering Youth Ministry
05:13 Challenges and Breakthroughs
09:57 Christ and Youth Organization
12:34 Personal Testimonies and Encounters
22:03 Advice for Parents and Leaders
24:42 Current State of Youth Ministry in Europe
28:45 Embracing Openness in Youth Ministry
29:46 Encouraging Church Leaders to Engage with Youth
30:38 Building Relationships with Young People
34:28 Creating Welcoming Church Environments
35:26 Shifting Church Paradigms for Youth Engagement
40:02 Investing in Youth Discipleship
44:59 Practical Steps for Youth Ministry
52:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
