GENERATION Z (GEN Z), made up of individuals born between 1999 and 2015, is the most nonreligious generation in America yet, according to Barna's new study of teens 13-18 years old. While the trends are not necessarily stunning—given this age of anything goes, Lady Gaga, and dozens of new gender pronouns—they are alarming. These young people are our children, our grandchildren, and their peers. They are critiquing the church more than any generation before—and we need to understand why.

It's easy to see that our society is not training the next generation to think critically. How could they when our culture no longer values Truth? But, according to our youth, the church isn't doing any better. Here are some critiques offered by churchgoing teens today:

• 49% say "the church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world"
• 38% believe "the church is overprotective of teenagers"
• 27% claim "the church is not a safe place to express doubts"
• 24% find church teachings to be "rather shallow"

Far from being offended, we must learn from these findings. We can't dismiss our youth and expect them to respect us for it. We must engage them and their questions.

When I first read these new statistics, the information was interesting—but it didn't hit home for me until I realized two of my own children fall into the Gen Z age group. Though my kids are not yet teens, this group represents the trends of their peers. Am I leaving the next generation and the next-next generation to be raised by their surrounding culture—or by the wisdom of God? Here are some important questions to ask ourselves:

Our lives are filled with devices, work, sports, lessons, time with friends, and a little sleep thrown in if all goes according to plan. It's easy to fall into a rhythm of just checking the boxes, neglecting the best thing while trying to ensure the good, but not needful, things are accomplished. It's time to look up—to relate—to listen intently and speak wisely.

When our children or grandchildren ask difficult questions, it can be convenient to sweep them away. But this kind of attitude often communicates that we are afraid of how Scripture will hold up under scrutiny. It gives the impression that we are not confident in the Word of God—and maybe even ashamed of His Gospel.

When God is not our focus and delight, we are telling Gen Z that they are right—God is boring. Yet He is anything but! Are we captivated by His goodness or distracted by earthly pursuits? Are we trusting God to do the impossible in our lives—or are our lives as ordinary and mundane as the nonbeliever?

What can we, God's church, do to counteract the trends that Barna has brought before us? We can:

• Read and relish God's Word.
• Pray and dig deep into our faith.
• Serve and engage the next generation, reaching out in love and hospitality whether in our neighborhoods, churches, or larger communities.

We must allow God to work through us by living intentionally for Him. As we delight in Almighty God, worshiping Him, growing in faith, and proclaiming His Truth, He will soften hearts and draw Gen Z into His Kingdom.