Gen Z Insights
Resources for reimagining ministry among today’s students
Are you looking to rethink Christian ministry among this generation of students?
If so, you’re not alone. After rapid cultural change and the emergence of “Generation Z” on college campuses, many in IFES are recognising this as a moment to go beyond ‘ministry as usual’.
This resource hub is designed to inspire and inform a fresh look at how we can help today’s students thrive as disciples and witnesses for Christ, and how we might better understand and support young staff. Explore our curated suite of new materials, including a global report, Bible studies, a podcast mini-series (coming soon), and videos featuring Francophone students, as well as other resources from across our fellowship and beyond.
A tidal wave has swept across global campuses. Gen Z – the largest generation yet – is passing through our college campuses, joining staff, and reshaping student ministry. This is a moment to pause, reflect, and be stirred. We pray these materials will provoke fresh vision and practical steps for engaging Gen Z students in every context.
– Annette Arulrajah, Associate General Secretary of IFES
Read the report: Gen Z Insights for Global Student Ministry
Discover how Gen Z’s digital immersion, cultural awareness, pursuit of wellbeing, and spiritual openness are presenting new challenges and opportunities for student ministry.
The report, published by IFES on 11 December 2025, draws on findings made across the IFES network to examine four defining features of Gen Z and their implications for our ministries.
Download the Bible study guide
Reflect on how to engage with Generation Z in your context using scripture, commentary, questions, and prayers. This four-part study accompanies the report above and can be used alone or with your team.
Listen to the podcast mini-series
Hear bitesize summaries of the report’s themes followed by perspectives from staff, students, and special guests as they discuss how to apply the findings. Series launching in early 2026. Subscribe to the Voices of IFES podcast feed to receive episodes as soon as they are released.
Hear Francophone Gen Z voices
Explore perspectives from Francophone students and leaders on how Gen Z students are following Christ and witnessing to him, and ways we can better engage them in ministry.
Watch the 5-minute video trailer
While these are in French, autogenerated subtitles are available.
More helpful resources from around IFES
Recommended external resources
- FES and the Local Churches in Hong Kong: a case study in how a national movement partnered with local churches to address Gen Z mental health needs.
- Create Space for Gen Z to Thrive: a discipleship guide from InterVarsity/USA.
- Ministering with Gen Z: a free, short online course about fostering intergenerational understanding and a 3-page quick-guide on the topic. Produced by InterVarsity/USA.
- Urbana 25 – The Church needs Gen Z & Gen Z needs the Church: a video from InterVarsity/USA’s Church Resources Webinar series.
- Best Practices for Flourishing Partnership with the Bride & Gen Z: a video from InterVarsity/USA’s Church Resources Webinar series.
- Equipping Gen Z for Missional Living: Denise Margaret Thompson’s address to the Fourth Lausanne Congress.
- The Quiet Revival report and podcast (2025) from Bible Society UK.
- Gen Z news and resources (available for purchase) from Barna, a US-based research organization.
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“But you, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.”
Psalm 102:12