Let’s not lose a generation - Addressing the Gen Z Mental Health Crisis
Springtide Research Institute recently released sobering findings on Gen Z (ages 13-25) mental health trends two years into COVID-19.
The research found teens and young adults feel extremely depressed, anxious, stressed, and lonely. Over half of young people (53%) reported that their mental health was the most significant challenge during the pandemic. Nearly half of young people (48%) say they're moderately or extremely depressed. Another 1 in 4 say they're extremely stressed (25%). And 1 in 5 say they're extremely anxious (26%) or extremely lonely (21%). Worse, 6 in 10 young people (61%) say adults in their lives don't honestly know the extent of their struggles. This includes 59% of young Protestants.
Three Essentials for Pastors in Counteracting this Trend Through the Ministry of the Church
Belonging: Many of the 'Gen Z' feel estranged from the life of the church. Boomers and Busters have spent years creating a pleasing and comfortable environment for them (their programs, their preferences, their protocol). It is a world foreign to 'Gen Z,' so they don't feel any sense of connection or belonging. If loneliness is indeed the number one angst of this generation, every effort must be made to create a church environment where this group can feel embraced. The Church of Jesus universal will survive, but any particular local expression of the church is only one generation away from extinction. The perpetuation of the Gospel is all about legacy, the generations yet to come. Gently but definitely, the Pastor must lead the congregation away from church polity and behaviour that caters only to the preference of the current adult constituency. There will be pushback on such attempts, but the cost of neglect is the loss from the church of a floundering generation. Help 'Gen Z' feel they belong by creating an environment welcoming them. Those who feel a strong sense of belonging are also less likely to suffer the severe effects of mental unwellness.
Purpose: We are all born with a purpose. In conversation with those who represent 'Gen Z,' I discover not apathy towards purpose but confusion. The cataclysmic world events, the enormity of intensifying world problems, and an avalanche of mixed messaging have left 'Gen Z' without the traditional moorings that stabilize any generation. The church has a great opportunity to help them rediscover 'purpose' according to God's plan and design for every human being. It is incumbent on pastoral leadership to set in place, within the church, a system for recognizing the natural gifting of each member of this age group and begin pouring resources into that gift. Ancillary leaders should be attuned to this initiative and taught to recognize each individual's purpose as early as the nursery. When a young person latches on to 'purpose,' pursues it with passion, and is reinforced by mentors, the detrimental effects of mental distress can be greatly diminished by losing their intensity. The church has an obligation to help 'Gen Z' rediscover 'purpose.'
Involvement: I visit very few churches where 'Gen Z' is actively and integrally involved in the regular life flow of the church. Older people lead services, older people lead small groups, and benevolent outreaches are initiated and populated by older people. There seems to be little opportunity for the 'Gen Z' generation to contribute at a strategic, meaningful level. Yet, keeping this generation engaged is the best strategy for keeping them around. Pastor, ask yourself the question, 'Where in the life of this church are young people involved or given meaningful responsibility?' It has been my observation and experience through the years that youth, who are valued enough to be given leadership responsibility, are far more likely to remain true to their faith and loyal to their church. Mental health is significantly improved when a person feels that their contribution and involvement have merit and is appreciated.
The church should be strong in helping turn the tide of mental unwellness among the younger generation. If we do not step up to the plate on this issue, we have failed in one of our most important assignments.
Al is an experienced pastor and counselor who works out of our ABNWT District Resource Centre in Edmonton as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. A pastor to the pastors, Al is a friend, mentor, and confidante to all.