ToT Archive - Is Gen Z More Open to Following Jesus? with Brad East · Not Just Sunday: Christian Life, Following Jesus, & Daily Discipleship summary

Key takeaways

Gen Z is increasingly aware of the costs of following Jesus, making them more conscious than previous generations.
The church plays a crucial role in community and spiritual growth, offering essential support and connection.
Spiritual disciplines help shape desires and redirect focus towards God and serving others.
Engaging with the writings and teachings of ancient theologians can provide deep spiritual insights for modern believers.
Addressing apathy in the faith requires building genuine relationships and participating actively in community worship.

Summary

Generational Perspective on Following Jesus

Brad East, a theology professor, discusses the openness of Gen Z to the costs associated with following Jesus, highlighting a shift in consciousness compared to previous generations. He asserts that Gen Z is aware that following Jesus comes with sacrifices and a need for deeper roots in faith, especially as they transition into adulthood.

The Role of the Church

East emphasizes the importance of church as a community that nurtures faith and connection. He challenges the idea of DIY religion, stressing that Christianity precedes individual beliefs and that true discipleship is not merely personal but communal. The church offers vital support, especially during challenging times.

Spiritual Disciplines and Practices

The conversation delves into the role of spiritual disciplines in reordering desires and fostering a vibrant faith. Both hosts discuss how disciplines help individuals connect with God and serve others, moving beyond negative practices to life-giving activities.

Embracing Ancient Wisdom

East encourages listeners to explore the wisdom of ancient theologians and the early church. He highlights that many young people are disconnected from this rich tradition, which offers valuable insights into faith and community. The podcast suggests that engaging with these texts can deepen spiritual understanding and connection to the Church.

Challenges and Remedies for Apathy

The hosts explore the apathy experienced by young people in today's digital age, suggesting that this lethargy often stems from the overwhelming nature of choices and distractions. They propose that counteracting this requires fostering genuine relationships and participating in community life.

Show notes

Is the Gospel really worth living for? Is it worth dying for? Depending on when you were born, you may approach these questions differently. Today’s guest, Brad East, author of “Letters to a Future Saint” and an associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University, spends the bulk of his time with Gen Z. Listen as he shares his observations with Patrick and explains why he believes Gen Z is more conscious than older generations of the cost of following Jesus. He discusses where he thinks the church has overcorrected in Reformed circles, shying away from taboo topics like sex. He also shares some beliefs and practices that he believes we’ve lost from the ancient church. Plus, what are the biggest defeatist beliefs for young people when they think about the church? And how can Gen Z expand their spiritual journey? Listen now!

Have you read "Joyful Outsiders" yet? It's available now! Learn more, read a sample chapter, and grab your own copy here: https://joyfuloutsiders.com/

Note: This episode is from our previous podcast, Truth Over Tribe. We’ve kept a few of these conversations on our feed because they're worth revisiting, but the tone and focus have shifted from what we’re doing now on Not Just Sunday. For new episodes focused on how Christians can live out a full-time faith, check out Not Just Sunday, right here on the same feed.

ToT Archive - Is Gen Z More Open to Following Jesus? with Brad East