November 2025-Discipling Gen-Z Men

“If you’re not a liberal when you’re 25, you have no heart.

If you’re not a conservative by the time you’re 35, you have no brain.”

A friend reminded me recently of this quip often attributed to Winston Churchill. It is of course a massive generalisation. However, it is not one without a kernel of truth to it. A quick glance at the way Britons voted at the 2024 general election would indicate that age was indeed a significant dividing line. It’s a trend that’s presented itself through the generations. To quote another group of influential wordsmiths from my childhood, it’s like that and that’s the way it is.

The Trends they are A-Changin’

Or is it? There’s a fascinating trend being reported about a rising interest amongst Gen Z in spiritual things. An even more surprising report is the growing number of young men attracted to the Christian faith. They are engaging online and walking through the doors of our churches. I recently received an email from a young man who had just bought his first Bible and was asking where to start. Perhaps today if you’re not a religious conservative male when you’re 25, you have no brain.

Let me suggest that this growing trend may well be the culmination of 4 things.

Firstly, a number of significant events have alerted and probed people mentally. Events like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the march in central London organised by Tommy Robinson. Even the Queen’s funeral back in 2024 awakened people to the historical Christian roots of Britain. 

Secondly, a number of significant voices have emerged over the last decade. Gifted communicators like Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray have stimulated people’s imaginations. Even Richard Dawkins has spoken about being a ‘cultural Christian’. 

Thirdly, the fact that we are living in the internet age. When it comes to clickbait headlines, politics is the new sex. The social media algorithms have worked out that if it enrages it engages. What was once online intrigue now makes for regular pub conversation. You are no longer strange for having an opinion. You’re strange if you don’t.

Fourthly, the fact that we live in the age of purpose. Statistics would tell us that is the big thing that people today want to have and know. People generally, but young men in particular, are asking themselves, “What is my life about?” It’s no longer just global brands who are striving for ‘vision statements’. Every individual desires one too. The Bible tells that the people perish for lack of vision.  Everybody is following somebody.

So what then are some of the things that we need to consider when it comes to the discipleship of such young men?

Tune In to their Passions

The Bible often exhorts us to be zealous. It a great and noble thing to be people of passion and purpose. And yet the apostle Paul talks about how, in his former way of life, he was zealous for the traditions of his fathers.  I take it that we’re supposed to appreciate that it is entirely possible to be zealous for any number of things that aren’t the primary thing.

That would seem a timely word in season for those of us seeking to disciple the young men who make their way to our churches. We need to work hard to identify the potential theological and cultural sirens that are wooing them towards the rocks of misplaced zeal.

Listen Out for their Sources

It has become almost fashionable these days to refer to oneself as a ‘cultural Christian’ seeking to plug yourself into the Christian heritage of the United Kingdom. Could it be, that in a similar way, many young men are latching on to the values of the Kingdom without being gripped by a love for the King?

What are the stories that have captured their imaginations? Who are the people they’ve been listening to and admire? What arguments have they been finding persuasive? What concerns do they have about our cultural moment? What ambitions do they have for their lives? The only way we’ll learn is if we take the time to ask good questions and listen to their answers.

1. Let Jesus do the Talking

The best strategy is to allow the risen Jesus to address young men through his Word. He is a loving Saviour who specialises in the illuminating diagnosis.

I remember once speaking to a young man who was devouring anything produced by Jordan Peterson. In discussion with him, it became apparent that it was the certainty and sense of telos that Peterson possessed that this young man was finding deeply attractive.

The Rich Young Ruler who Jesus encountered in Matthew 19 may well have possessed such confidence. He approached Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He’s a first-century self-made young man with the world at his feet. A mover and shaker who was believed to have received God’s favour in the form of riches. I take it that no-one who knew that young man at the time saw Jesus’ pronouncement coming. Jesus perfectly identified, in a way that only he can, the idol of money in the young man’s heart. 

We must let this same Jesus, as people meet him in the Word through the power of the Spirit, address the idols of the heart. We must get young men to the Word and pray that the Spirit, like he did with Paul, would re-set their passion compass towards Jesus as the true north

2. Let the Church do the Walking

All that points to the centrality of the local church and the importance of godly role models. We need the older men in our churches to be modelling what it looks like to be someone full of both Christlike conviction and character. How to be someone who contends for the faith without being contentious. How to be a good neighbour and servant hearted church member. How to love their wives like Christ loved the church and how to relate to the women of our churches as dear sisters. Men who have knowing Christ as their chief ambition in life.

We also need the older women in our churches to be coming alongside these young men seeking to nurture them as mothers in the faith. Apollos was a man full of passion who benefited from the loving correction of both Priscilla & Aquilla. 

They always say that the best habits are caught not taught. We to need to strive to create church cultures where young men can see and hear both. Let us seize this day of unique opportunity as we seek to connect modern-day young men with the ancient gospel of Jesus Christ.

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[1]  https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/19/justin-welby-sermon-queen-funeral
[3] https://www.premierchristianity.com/features/douglas-murray-the-anti-woke-atheist-with-a-soft-spot-for-christianity/4427.article
[4]  https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/does-richard-dawkins-know-what-he-thinks/
[5] Proverbs 29:18
[6] Galatians 1:14