How to bridge digital worlds and the real world
People in their teens and 20s today are known for digital fluency, the first generation to grow up when it was normal to have smartphones, social media and constant online communication.
But while many people in Gen Z (born 1997–2012) navigate digital life with ease, their desire for authentic, real-world connections is equally strong. Those of us in older generations have a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of their world and build bridges with them.
How can we do that as church communities? Let’s take a closer look.
For Gen Z digital life is a mixed bag of opportunity and challenge. Their remarkable fluency with digital life doesn’t mean they’re satisfied with digital experiences. Many of them are keenly aware of the drawbacks of an overly digital life – loneliness, superficiality and the pressure to curate an online image.
What Gen Z often craves is authenticity, and while they use plat forms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to connect, they also look for spaces where they can be real and honest. Digital life for them is not just about fun or trends – it’s often about seeking belonging.
This is where church communities can step in. By offering spaces for genuine conversations and deep relationships, we can help Gen Z see they don’t need to choose between real community and digital presence.
Gen Z appreciates spaces where faith can be explored in genuine ways – without pretense or judgment. They appreciate environments where difficult questions can be asked, and where spiritual practices are less about performance and more about relationship.
Church communities can meet Gen Z longings by clearly offering something beyond the surface of life with Jesus.
To connect with Gen Z where they are, here are some practical steps to consider.
Create digital spaces with intent
It’s easy to dismiss social media as a distraction, but for Gen Z it’s often where they form initial connections. Rather than avoiding it, churches should seek to engage in digital spaces meaningfully. This might mean creating online groups, live streaming services or even hosting digital Bible studies. Remember, the goal isn’t to put on a show. It’s to create genuine, honest content that reflects real life.
Safe spaces for honesty
Gen Z values spaces where they can express themselves without fear of judgment. Churches can foster small groups, mentorship programs and casual gatherings where young people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions about faith, life and everything in-between.
Authenticity over perfection
Gen Z can easily spot inauthenticcity. When engaging with them it’s important to lead with vulnerability and transparency. Rather than trying to appear polished or always have the perfect answer, focus on being real. Show them church community is where they can be themselves, flaws and all.
One of the best ways to reach Gen Z is through intentional, one-on-one relationships.
Be present in real life
While Gen Z spends a lot of time online, they also value face to face. Churches can create in-person opportunities such as service projects, communal meals and retreats. These are where real trust is built and lasting relationships form.
Mentorship matters
One of the best ways to reach Gen Z is through intentional, one-on-one relationships. Older generations in the church can offer wisdom and guidance, but mentorship needs to be relational, not hierarchical. Gen Z doesn’t respond well to top-down authority structures. They want to feel their voice matters. So discipleship should be a partnership, learning from each other as we walk through life and faith together.
At the end of the day, connecting with Gen Z isn’t about making ourselves more digital or calling Gen Z folks to do more in-person. It’s about being real in both. Churches have a unique opportunity to offer the community belonging and space to explore faith Gen Z is longing for.
By making an effort to understand their world and meet them there at least some of the time, we can build relationships that are real and last. As we navigate this journey with them, let’s be intentional about creating spaces where both online and offline connections are valued and nurtured. After all, that’s what they’re really looking for – meaningful relationships in whatever form they come.
Joanna la Fleur is a podcaster, TV host and communications consultant in Toronto. Find more of these columns at FaithToday.ca/ThrivingInDigital.