15 August 2026

Gen Z or Generation Z or Zoomers are the members of the population who were born between 1997 and 2012. They are known to be ‘digital natives’ because they were brought up with the smartphone and social media. Theos has been interviewing thirty of them. Madeleine Davies reported the findings in the Church Times.

The group comprised thirty people  who had begun attending an Anglican church for the first time in the five years since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Almost all the interviewees expressed the view that Generation Z was ‘spiritually curious'. Unlike their parents and grandparents, questions about God interested them.

Four interesting things. Firstly, the breadth of the Church of England was seen as a strength. Some were drawn to high church liturgy. Some were drawn to evangelical preaching. What put some people off, others relished and found stimulating.

Secondly, Christianity was appealing precisely because it offers an alternative to modern society. In previous generations, it was a dominant force in society. Now that isn’t the case. This is its attraction. The Gospel is counter-cultural and now the Church is too.

Thirdly, in many cases, it was a personal relationship which facilitated their first attendance at a service. It wasn’t that people tried to persuade them about the truth of Christianity but ‘the qualities of love, joy, generosity and kindness that they embodied’ writes the author.

Fourthly, although people were enthusiastic about different styles of worship, the terms ‘authenticity’ and ‘seriousness’ occurred often. Most shared the view, ‘Now more than ever … the Church could be more assured in its identity, recognising its heritage and traditions as something to be valued, preserved and shared.’