For the past decade, one of the biggest questions church leaders asked was:
“How do we reach Millennials?”
That question mattered deeply in the 2010s. But it’s 2025 now, and Millennials—the once “elusive” young adults—are no longer in their teens or early 20s. They are raising children, leading ministries, starting businesses, and in many cases, shaping the very churches that once worried about “reaching them.”
So what now?
The conversation has shifted. The question for today’s church leaders is:
“How do we disciple Millennials as they lead, while also reaching Gen Z and preparing for Gen Alpha?”
And just like a decade ago, the answer may not be as much about what we do as it is about who we are.
What Millennials Wanted, and What Gen Z Still Wants
Back in 2016, I gathered with young adult leaders around a dinner table. I asked them: “If you could design a church for your generation, what would it look like?”
They debated about sermon length, worship styles, and outreach models. No one agreed—until we touched on values.
When the conversation shifted to integrity, authenticity, honesty, grace, and truth—suddenly there was unity.
And that hasn’t changed.
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Millennials wanted authenticity more than production.
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Gen Z craves the same.
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Gen Alpha is being raised in homes where authenticity and transparency matter more than image.
The core hasn’t shifted: they want leaders and churches who are real.
Five Lessons That Still Apply in 2025
1. Character Still Matters Most
In 2025, Millennials aren’t just looking for character in their leaders—they’re now modeling it for their children and younger generations. Gen Z, raised in a digital age of filters and curated perfection, is even more sensitive to hypocrisy.
Your church’s credibility rises or falls on the character of its leaders.
2. Budget Still Matters Less
Flashy programs can’t compete with authentic discipleship. The next generation doesn’t need your church to look like Netflix; they need it to feel like Jesus.
Integrity, compassion, and a sense of mission cost nothing—but they cost everything in terms of personal surrender.
3. Relationships Still Count Most
Millennials sought community. Gen Z demands it.
Isolation and loneliness are epidemic in 2025, even in a hyper-connected world. Churches that prioritize real connection—small groups, mentoring, shared meals, serving together—will thrive.
Every generation doesn’t need to know everyone. But everyone needs to know someone.
