Russ Ewell on Reaching Gen Z: How the Next Generation Will Transform the Church

I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever.

Psalm 45:17 NLT

To make God known to the next generation, the biggest thing we need is relationships. That’s the core of this episode of the Church Planting Podcast, where Stadia president Greg Nettle sits down with our executive minister, Russ Ewell, to talk about what’s actually working in reaching Gen Z. No matter our stage of life, we can all play a role in influencing the next generation for good.

Here are four things you’ll take away from listening:

1. Why the headlines about Gen Z are wrong. Russ unpacks the real statistics facing this generation (including sobering data on anxiety, hopelessness, and loneliness) while making a compelling case that Gen Z is being misread. They’re idealistic, open-hearted, and more spiritually curious than many assume; they just don’t respond well to behavior-first, rule-based religion.

2. A framework for developing young leaders. Russ shares the practical model BACC uses: start with a foundation of a relationship with God, build a personal vision for their lives, and then offer a clear path into leadership.  

3. How to use technology wisely, and what to watch out for. As the founder of Digital Scribbler, Russ brings a nuanced, hopeful perspective on technology’s power to help people overcome limitations, alongside an honest warning about how social media fuels anxiety and isolation in young people.

4. Small, personal ministry is often the most powerful ministry. Both Greg and Russ share stories of informal discipleship and the impact it made on them. This underscores that we don’t need big programs to reach the next generation. We simply need relationships. 

This conversation will leave us hopeful, equipped, and ready to lean into the generation that is already right in front of us. Watch the full episode and see this mission in action.

Watch the full conversation.