Meet Generation Z by James Emery White is a guide written to define the unique characteristics of the generation born between 1995 and 2010 and to provide a strategic response for the Christian church. The book’s central thesis is that Generation Z is not merely an extension of the Millennial generation but is the first truly “post-Christian” generation, requiring a new and distinct approach from Christian leaders and communities.
The book is structured in two clear parts. The first section, “Understanding Generation Z,” is dedicated to defining this cohort. White outlines what he identifies as their five defining characteristics:
- Re-iMagined: They feel empowered to re-imagine and redefine every aspect of life, from gender and sexuality to faith and truth, based on their own perspective.
- Multi-Modal: They are the first true “digital natives,” fluent across multiple platforms and mediums, with their identity and social life deeply integrated online.
- The New Realists: Having grown up in a post-9/11 world marked by economic recession and global uncertainty, they are pragmatic, cautious, and concerned about the future.
- The Appetite for the Authentic: In reaction to their curated digital lives, they crave genuine, transparent, and unedited experiences and relationships.
- Radically Inclusive: They hold diversity and inclusion as a fundamental, non-negotiable value, which shapes their views on morality, community, and justice.
A significant portion of the book’s content is dedicated to exploring the “post-Christian” nature of this generation. White argues that unlike previous generations who had a basic understanding of the Bible and Christian worldview, Gen Z operates from a blank slate of biblical and theological illiteracy, often mixed with a “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism” that views God as a distant force for personal happiness and goodness.
The second half of the book, “Reaching Generation Z,” shifts from analysis to application, offering a strategic blueprint for the church. White’s prescriptions are built on the premise that traditional methods of evangelism and church engagement are ineffective with this new audience. His key recommendations include:
- Apologetics as Pre-Evangelism: The church must be prepared to intellectually defend the Christian faith, answering the “first-order questions” about truth, science, and the Bible that Gen Z brings.
- The Centrality of the Church: White advocates for a strong, central vision of the local church as a counter-cultural community, rather than a decentralized or deconstructed faith.
- Creating a Safe Place: The church must be a welcoming environment that prioritizes honesty and addresses difficult topics, aligning with Gen Z’s appetite for authenticity.
- Digital Mission Field: The church must strategically engage the digital world where Gen Z lives, not just as a broadcasting tool, but as a space for genuine connection and conversation.
The tone of the book is urgent and missional, framing the understanding of Generation Z as a critical task for the future viability of the Christian church. The content remains focused on providing a cultural analysis of Gen Z’s mindset and a practical, church-focused strategy for engagement, positioning the church to effectively communicate its message in a radically changed landscape.