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Mobilizing Gen Z: Challenges and Opportunities for the Global Age of Missions
A God-Designed Generation for a God-Given Task
The scale and scope of the global, technological, and cultural changes of the past two decades are unprecedented. For the first time in history, American churches and agencies are mobilizing from a post-Christian cultural context and to new collaborations with a global mission force. Amidst these rapid changes, how can mission leaders continue to ensure that we fulfill the Great Commission mandate to disciple Christ-worshippers from every tribe, tongue, and nation?
In Mobilizing Gen Z, Jolene Erlacher and Katy White blend leading research with the voices of current mission practitioners to unpack the dynamics behind our changing culture and the resulting impact on the church. And perhaps not-so-surprisingly, they reach the conclusion that God has already provided a solution for such a time as this —Gen Z (b. 1996–-2010).
Through an in-depth profile of this rising cohort—their characteristics, worldview, strengths and weaknesses—the authors illustrate both why Gen Z is sorely needed and why we must seek to engage them differently than previous generations. Encouraging and winsome, Mobilizing Gen Z provides practical tools and strategies for engaging, equipping, and retaining Gen Z missionaries. Are we ready to pass the torch?
The scale and scope of the global, technological, and cultural changes of the past two decades are unprecedented. For the first time in history, American churches and agencies are mobilizing from a post-Christian cultural context and to new collaborations with a global mission force. Amidst these rapid changes, how can mission leaders continue to ensure that we fulfill the Great Commission mandate to disciple Christ-worshippers from every tribe, tongue, and nation?
In Mobilizing Gen Z, Jolene Erlacher and Katy White blend leading research with the voices of current mission practitioners to unpack the dynamics behind our changing culture and the resulting impact on the church. And perhaps not-so-surprisingly, they reach the conclusion that God has already provided a solution for such a time as this —Gen Z (b. 1996–-2010).
Through an in-depth profile of this rising cohort—their characteristics, worldview, strengths and weaknesses—the authors illustrate both why Gen Z is sorely needed and why we must seek to engage them differently than previous generations. Encouraging and winsome, Mobilizing Gen Z provides practical tools and strategies for engaging, equipping, and retaining Gen Z missionaries. Are we ready to pass the torch?
- GenresChristianity
182 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2022
10 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 19, 2023
Helpful discussion book for work. I wanted the authors to give at least a bit of an apology for some of the ways the church hasn’t gotten church right to set up Gen Z for vibrant faith. But I also get that every book can’t say everything. Our team found a lot of helpful insights for ways to improve our relational connections with Gen Z.
October 24, 2022
An Eye-Opener Though Not a Game-Changer
Here’s an important read for Goers, Senders, Mobilizers, Missionaries, Pastors, Singles, and Parents. But I have mixed feelings about the message of this book. It was motivating, enlightening, and encouraging. At the same time, it can be discouraging and overwhelming.
The authors do a great job of consistently pointing to the upside of mobilizing Gen Z and countering their weaknesses with Christ’s counter-cultural call to follow Him. At the same time, focusing on the unique generational traits of one generation reminded me of past church growth fads among Boomers and their subsequent generations.
At some points in the book the authors appear to be at cross-purposes. For example, critiquing the “individualism” of past “calling” experiences while commending the individualism of Gen Z and striving to conform mobilization to their individualism (120-22).
Overall, this is a contemporary read versus a classic one. There is much to process and reflect on, but it’s best read in light of a sound biblical theology of missions and discipleship.
One takeaway is how the book repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of one-on-one discipleship in order to mobilize a generation steeped in a post-Christian, post-truth, and post-missions culture. Mobilizing this generation is an uphill climb but we mobilize for the ultimate Mountain Mover! This book is an eye-opener but, perhaps, not a game-changer.
Here’s an important read for Goers, Senders, Mobilizers, Missionaries, Pastors, Singles, and Parents. But I have mixed feelings about the message of this book. It was motivating, enlightening, and encouraging. At the same time, it can be discouraging and overwhelming.
The authors do a great job of consistently pointing to the upside of mobilizing Gen Z and countering their weaknesses with Christ’s counter-cultural call to follow Him. At the same time, focusing on the unique generational traits of one generation reminded me of past church growth fads among Boomers and their subsequent generations.
At some points in the book the authors appear to be at cross-purposes. For example, critiquing the “individualism” of past “calling” experiences while commending the individualism of Gen Z and striving to conform mobilization to their individualism (120-22).
Overall, this is a contemporary read versus a classic one. There is much to process and reflect on, but it’s best read in light of a sound biblical theology of missions and discipleship.
One takeaway is how the book repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of one-on-one discipleship in order to mobilize a generation steeped in a post-Christian, post-truth, and post-missions culture. Mobilizing this generation is an uphill climb but we mobilize for the ultimate Mountain Mover! This book is an eye-opener but, perhaps, not a game-changer.
September 16, 2024
This book was super helpful for me. Yes, it’s technically a book about encouraging Gen Z to the mission field, but more than that, it was a tool to know Gen Z better and disciple them well. I highly recommend this book for anyone working with or raising a Gen Z’er.
July 10, 2023
A must read for anyone working to mobilize gen z and even for those who aren’t mobilizing but are doing ministry with them. As someone from gen z, I found it super insightful and helpful. The kindle version was formatted super weird, so be prepared for that if you’re a digital book reader.
January 12, 2024
A useful introduction to older generations working with Gen Z. Erlacher & White discuss the changing cultural landscape, Gen Z value shifts and interests, and the gifts of their generation.
September 2, 2024
In this concise and readable book Jolene Erlacher and Katy White take the current research (as of 2022) and apply it to leadership development and mentoring Gen Z specifically with cross-cultural ministry in mind. This book is not an in depth analysis of the data or the sociological conversation around Gen Z and the focus is primarily US vs. Gen Z as a global phenomenon. So I would not come to this book looking for those things. The purpose of this book is to lay out a framework for mobilizing (relational mentoring or coaching) and equip older leaders in effectively engaging the coming generation. Along those lines I believe this book succeeds in its goal.
The book begins by sketching two important realities. One is the changing nature of missions* and the second is a sketch of Gen Z. These are the thinnest chapters for anyone who has studied these trends with any depth, but the authors are practitioners and their goal is to give the reader enough to get to sections 3 & 4. Section 3 focuses on the Mobilization as a relationship with a potential future "goer" and Section 4 discusses how we can think about sending young people effectively into a new Global missions world. These two chapters were pragmatic and full of great ideas and insights.
The difficulty with any book that is analyzing the present moment is how long before it needs to be updated or becomes irrelevant and that is the primary reason this is a 4 star for me. For now I will be using this book as a guide as I work with young folks in discerning their calling to cross-cultural ministry.
* the word missions can be problematic for a variety of reasons which the authors touch upon. in the context of that section in encompasses the topic they are discussing which is the changing nature of the sending of Christian workers cross-cultural and transnationally with the purpose of sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God.
The book begins by sketching two important realities. One is the changing nature of missions* and the second is a sketch of Gen Z. These are the thinnest chapters for anyone who has studied these trends with any depth, but the authors are practitioners and their goal is to give the reader enough to get to sections 3 & 4. Section 3 focuses on the Mobilization as a relationship with a potential future "goer" and Section 4 discusses how we can think about sending young people effectively into a new Global missions world. These two chapters were pragmatic and full of great ideas and insights.
The difficulty with any book that is analyzing the present moment is how long before it needs to be updated or becomes irrelevant and that is the primary reason this is a 4 star for me. For now I will be using this book as a guide as I work with young folks in discerning their calling to cross-cultural ministry.
* the word missions can be problematic for a variety of reasons which the authors touch upon. in the context of that section in encompasses the topic they are discussing which is the changing nature of the sending of Christian workers cross-cultural and transnationally with the purpose of sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God.
January 1, 2024
I just finished this book but I should have been more consistent with reading it. It is full of powerful insights for those in missions mobilization but I could also do it being useful for pastors, college professors, and even youth leaders. Even being on the younger side of millennials I gain a large deal of insights into how we think differently and how to leverage that in the mobilization. Effort. I have highly suggested this book to the administration of the missions board that I work at and hope others will do the same.
March 29, 2025
Written primarily for missions based organizations. I did glean some insights into some general characteristics of “GenZ” who have grown up in a post-Christian, high tech culture. These considerations are helpful in understanding and bridging generational differences through thoughtful and compassionate communication, creating connection and growth within the church which is charged to make disciples and fulfill the great commission.
August 7, 2023
An insightful read for people working with Gen Z in a ministry setting. Definitely helpful in framing the unique opportunities Gen Z brings! Most of it wasn’t groundbreaking, but I would contribute that to my own context (being on the cusp/an early Gen Z) rather than the material itself.
January 14, 2025
Incredibly helpful resource to help disciple and mobilize Gen Z to live as ambassadors for Christ.
July 14, 2025
One of the most insightful books I’ve read on the newest generation of global workers. This is a must read for multi-generational teams overseas!
November 10, 2022
Have you seen shifts in the mindset, experiences, and readiness for mission of today’s young adults, particularly those in the US? This book will help you understand the characteristics of Gen Z (born 1996-2010), how these affect their approach to missions specifically, and how we can best connect with, serve, and care for them along the way. I found the book readable, motivating, and research-informed and was impressed by how practical it is without being prescriptive.
For example, the authors provide thoughtful suggestions for including more biblical principles in our mission presentations, ways parents and other adults can disciple young adults through the challenges in today’s culture, and strategies for mobilizers and team leaders to cultivate coaching relationships with young believers. The book also addresses the changing face of missions, globally, and the challenges and opportunities this presents for Gen Z (and the rest of us, too).
For example, the authors provide thoughtful suggestions for including more biblical principles in our mission presentations, ways parents and other adults can disciple young adults through the challenges in today’s culture, and strategies for mobilizers and team leaders to cultivate coaching relationships with young believers. The book also addresses the changing face of missions, globally, and the challenges and opportunities this presents for Gen Z (and the rest of us, too).
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews