Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation

by Barna Group

MEET THE NEXT, NEXT GENERATION

Researchers have been talking for years about generational differences, especially when it comes to young adults born between 1984 and 1998: the Millennials. But now a new generation is becoming a cultural force in their own right. Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation is Barna's most comprehensive research study to date on the perceptions, experiences and priorities of 13- to 18-year-olds in Generation Z. This report, based on new interviews and analysis, is Barna's best thinking thus far on the worldview and priorities of teens in the next, next generation.

In these pages you'll find:

Statistics on teens' views of themselves, their spiritual lives and the world
Comparative data with older adult generations
Barra analysis of cultural trends forming Gen Z
Infographics and data visualizations

Also included are contributions from ministry practitioners and educators who share insights from their own vantage points, offering readers multiple views of this multifaceted research. Gen Z

Genres: Cultural, Nonfiction, Christianity

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2018

Reviews

[Emily Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful research on the motivations and insecurities of our new youngest generations. I’d recommend this resource to anyone working in youth ministry or college ministry today. Be willing to “read through” what some of their data is presenting, though. For example, Barna claims that an alarmingly small percentage of Gen Z students have a biblical worldview, but flip to the index and you’ll see the extremely narrow definers of “biblical worldview” used by Barna in their surveys. According to Barna, I probably wouldn’t have a biblical worldview, either. Still, a helpful resource!

[Ryan Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent survey of Generation Z. The research is solid, with helpful statistics and graphs. But I was most impressed by the helpful articles scattered throughout by different youth workers in different fields. Overall, it was very intriguing to read, well organized, and thought out.

I am teaching eight “Parenting Gen Z” workshops at my church this fall and next spring, and so this book was the main source of my research on the generation. Barna didn’t disappoint; it was worth the $40 (expensive because it's such a researched book!) for sure.

[Tyler Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful category builder to understand the beliefs & underlying assumptions of Gen Z. If you have Gen Z folks in your life, much of this data will resonate with your experiences.

Interested to see how these data points shift over time. Excited to read vol. 2!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful little resource. Published in 2016, it's still interesting to revisit the findings and see how many of the attitudes, beliefs, and characteristics of Gen Z have continued to corroborate what this Barna survey found. There were certainly some things I found alarming about Gen Z christians, but I'm optimistic to see how Gen Z students will grow. Already I have seen firsthand the great commit to God these students have and the new ways they are contextualizing their witness to peers.

[Dostalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

No wonder we are having riots. This explains a lot. The statistics are frightening. Looks like the train to heaven is moving and we need to help many to get on it. This is so revealing. Pray, pray for The upcoming generations!

[Melanie Irizarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book! Definitely would recommend if you want some insight into the next generation. Had some practical next steps and good interviews. Gives me hope for the next generation despite all the barriers coming into place.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great insight into the way the next generation thinks, the ways they are being shaped, and how to communicate with them most effectively. As mom to a Gen Z kid, this is a must read!

[Benjie Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful demographic information on Gen Z's beliefs and priorities. Nothing in it is terribly surprising, but there are some good pointers and helpful insights that make it worth your time.

[Jake Augeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Helpful information that will come in handy as I seek to faithfully lead our high school ministry.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting survey of what makes the Gen Z culture click, particularly in relation to being churched.

[Daniel Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful stuff, I'm grateful for all the research barna put in! It puts things to words that I experience as a youth pastor!

[Maddie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and helpful for anyone parenting or leading Gen Z

[George P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gen Z is the newest report from Barna Group. Barna has a demonstrated ability to synthesize generational data with reflection on effective ministry practices. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative research with youth (ages 13–18), youth pastors and Christian parents, the report offers insights about the “culture, beliefs and motivations” of Generation Z. Noting trends that alternately clash and resonate with biblical Christianity, the report nevertheless ends on a hopeful note: “The pace of cultural change may feel overwhelming, but don’t be discouraged. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church — and that promise is For God’s people in Generation Z, too.”