Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Kevin Gift

Keywords

Discipleship, Mentoring, Intergenerational, Cross-Generational, Gen Z, Practical Theology, Biblical Manhood, Micro-Groups

Disciplines

Christianity | Practical Theology

Abstract

Gen Z, defined as people born between 1997 and 2012, is the first truly post-Christian generation and a key missional challenge for the Christian church. This researcher aimed for this thesis to contribute to practical ministry in the local church by creating a specialized curriculum for Gen Z men and delivering it through a newly developed intergenerational mentorship program at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Alabama. The project paired older, spiritually mature men with micro-groups of three to four mentees to guide them through the curriculum. Five mentors and sixteen mentees, ages fifteen to twenty-six, from First Baptist’s congregation, participated. They were divided into five mentoring groups, each consisting of a mentor and three to four mentees. The participants studied one chapter of the curriculum per week and met in mentoring groups for discussion and encouragement. The curriculum and mentorship program were evaluated through questionnaires, surveys, mentor field notes, and focus group meetings. The collected data showed that Gen Z men benefit from a focused curriculum that teaches them to apply biblical principles to the issues they face. The data also showed that Gen Z men need and value the leadership of older, spiritually mature men who can guide them toward biblical manhood. The researcher will adapt the curriculum and mentorship program to include Gen Z women and implement them into First Baptist’s discipleship strategy for young adults. May the curriculum and mentorship program validated through this project encourage and bless churches seeking to reach and disciple Gen Z.

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