Faith Facts

• Many Gen Z youth are meeting Jesus outside traditional church walls, often alone at home.
• This new generation is spiritually hungry but lacks foundational Christian teaching and church community.
• Churches must adapt discipleship methods to guide and nurture these young believers in biblical truth.

Today, more young people are discovering Christ on their own, accessing Bibles and faith resources through digital means rather than by church invitation. These independent encounters with Jesus are proof that God is moving in unconventional ways, but they reveal a gap as many lack grounded biblical teaching or connection to Christian fellowship.

Gen Z stands apart as a generation seeking spiritual answers while shaped by a culture often at odds with Christian values. Many shy away from church gatherings, turning instead to online content and influencers. This presents a profound discipleship challenge, as young believers need guidance to navigate Scripture and difficult moral questions through a faith-based lens.

“Far less reported is the difficulty younger Christians face in understanding and interpreting the Bible,” observed Jean Kabasomi, highlighting a crucial need for biblical mentorship among youth.

Without strong church involvement, these young believers can struggle to discern truth, especially regarding vital issues like sexuality, gender, and the sanctity of life. Churches must become places that walk alongside Gen Z, lovingly explaining scripture and distinguishing foundational beliefs from cultural trends, all while upholding God’s Word with courage and compassion.

The role of everyday Christians and faith-driven creatives is growing, as personal witness and authentic stories increasingly shape new disciples. Church leaders are called to communicate God’s unchanging truth in relevant ways that speak to the challenges Gen Z faces, never compromising the gospel, but meeting young believers where they are to nurture deep, lasting faith.

For the Church to thrive and for these seeds of faith to flourish, we must boldly embrace the mission to disciple this new generation with both conviction and love, trusting the Lord to guide every step.

Read the full article at Premier Christianity

Faith Facts

• Church leaders held an ecumenical service in Iznik, Turkey, marking 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea.
• Pope Leo XIV, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay attended, highlighting Christian unity in today’s divided world.
• A joint declaration called for renewed steps toward unity and peace, rooted in enduring Christian faith.

The gathering of church leaders in the historic town of Nicaea demonstrated a strong call for reconciliation among Christians. Their presence honored the legacy of faith set by the early church fathers at the council.

Pope Leo XIV urged Christians worldwide to become a model of unity and peace, echoing Christ’s teachings.

“In this way, we are all invited to overcome the scandal of the divisions that unfortunately still exist, to nurture the desire for unity for which the Lord Jesus prayed and gave his life,” he said.

Patriarch Bartholomew spoke of hope that springs from remembering the steadfast faith of Nicaea’s founders.

“We are here to bear living witness to the same faith expressed by the fathers of Nicaea,” he said.

Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay shared Jesus’ prayer for unity from John 17, emphasizing the biblical foundation for this pursuit.

“That they all shall be one, just as you, my Father, are in me, and I am in you.”

The joint declaration signed by the two leaders affirmed the significance of Christian unity as vital for peace among nations.

“The goal of Christian unity includes the objective of contributing in a fundamental and life-giving manner to peace among all peoples.”

Even in challenging times, their message remains one of faith, hope, and assurance that God sustains His people.

“God will not abandon humanity,” they add.

In standing together, these leaders uplifted the faithful and invited all believers to pray for unity, grounded in Christ’s eternal truth and love for every nation.

Source: Christian Today

Faith Facts

• The Church of England has launched its largest Christmas campaign called ‘Joy of Christmas,’ focusing on the hope and joy found in Christ.
• Special resources include daily reflections, online worship, and a newly published illustrated children’s book about the nativity from a fresh perspective.
• This season, churches across the country expect millions to gather for services and uplifting celebrations centered on God’s gift to humanity.

The ‘Joy of Christmas’ campaign encourages families, schools, and individuals to embrace the true source of joy this season. Resources range from daily Advent reflections to hands-on activities designed to bring biblical hope into homes and communities.

Adults can experience insightful Christmas teachings, while children can enjoy a new storybook celebrating Christ’s birth in a way that sparks wonder and conversation.

Churches anticipate a strong turnout as people seek meaning and warmth at Christmas, and many are invited to discover or return to the faith at these special gatherings.

“There’s a lot of talk – and quite a bit of singing – about joy at Christmas. But what does that mean when life feels overwhelming?”

“If you feel like joining the grumpy owl in our story and shutting yourself away, then the message of Christmas is for you.”

“It’s a reminder that joy is not a command to obey or another task to tick off; nor is it hidden in perfection or possessions. It is a gift – freely given by the God who never hides or closes the door to us.”

“At the heart of Christmas is the good news that God comes into the world, opening doors and giving us confidence to walk with him into the future he makes possible.”

— Bishop Sam Corley

Let us reflect this holy season on the hope that Christ brings, and boldly share the joy and freedom found in faith with our neighbors and nation.

Read the full article at Christian Today