Date
10-16-2025
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (EdD)
Chair
Joseph Judd
Keywords
church decline, church revitalization, Generation Z, Gen Z, servant leadership
Disciplines
Education | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion
Recommended Citation
Soto, Hector Albert, "Generation Z and the Church: A Phenomenological Study of Perceptions, Barriers, and Opportunities for Church Engagement" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7543.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7543
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the perceptions, barriers, and opportunities that shape the relationship between Generation Z and the Christian church, with particular attention to how these factors influence patterns of engagement. Recent trends indicated a significant decline in church engagement among Generation Z, contributing to the erosion of vital resources necessary for the sustained vitality of contemporary Christian congregations (Barna, 2020; Braddy, 2021; Earls, 2020). The study was guided by three research questions: 1) What Generation Z variables did the church need to focus on to attract and retain Gen Z (e.g., social concerns, leadership opportunities, community, need for identity, talents, etc.)? 2) How did Generation Z believe the church perceived them? 3) What was Generation Z’s perception of how the church might incorporate the values and characteristics they hold dear to find expression in the church? A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed using semi-structured interviews conducted in the natural settings of participants. The study drew on a purposive sample of ten young adults born between 1997 and 2006, all residing in San Antonio, Texas (Creswell & Creswell, 2023). Findings revealed that Generation Z perceived the church as often judgmental, exclusionary, and dismissive, particularly toward individuals who did not conform to traditional Christian norms. Participants expressed a strong desire for recognition of their unique talents and for meaningful opportunities to contribute to church and community life regardless of race, background, or sexual orientation. Despite prevailing negative perceptions, the findings suggested that effective engagement with Generation Z was attainable through intentional changes in church culture, leadership practices, and community inclusivity.
