It might come as a surprise, but of all generations, today’s teens are the most open to learning about Jesus. A recent report from pollster Barna shows that a whopping 77% of teens are motivated to learn more about Jesus in their lifetime. And this number includes teens who don’t identify as Christian! Gen Zs are curious about Jesus and are asking big questions about faith and the meaning of life.

Frustration Across Generations

Teens are spiritually curious, but many are hesitant to embrace traditional religion and churchgoing. Many teens view church as irrelevant to their daily struggles and are looking for something real. They don’t just want a routine, a program, or fancy music and lights. They’re looking for real, honest conversations about faith and dialogue about how the gospel applies to life in an authentic, personal way. And teens aren’t the only ones.

Unmet expectations have become a defining trait of modern life. From retirees to school children, each generation holds a sense of disappointment and disconnection with the world around them. Many of today’s retirees bought into the American Dream only to find that wealth didn’t fulfill. Their children grew up as latchkey kids where mom’s and dad’s career came before family; they’ve been impacted by that imbalance ever since.

Many working adults feel like the American Dream might be dead. Teens and young adults live online and feel more isolated than ever. And now, the youngest up-and-coming generation, at the ripe old age of 13, finds themselves growing up in a world where tech dominates daily life and interpersonal relationships aren’t valued.

Every generation is discovering the same truth: the world doesn’t deliver. But the good news is that the Bible has the answer.

Finding “The One” Open to the Gospel

Jesus’ ministry was focused on finding the one—the one out of many who was seeking the gospel. As Bible-believing Christians, we have an opportunity to do the same.

Chick Publications has always been a firm believer in scattering the gospel seed as far and wide as possible to find the one open to the gospel. Individuals and missionaries have used this method with great effect to reach millions worldwide with the truth and hope of eternal life. We often hear how one tract led to a conversation which led to a person getting saved.

Tracts are a perfect jumping-off point for conversations about the stories inside, but it’s vital that we understand the gospel. If the gospel is not clearly communicated, then the conversations which lead to salvation after someone reads a tract might not occur.

Knowing the gospel inside and out helps us speak clearly and with conviction, answering doubts and questions along the way. We can then share with confidence the hope and truth that leads to salvation.

We Have a Job to Do

While teens may be the most spiritually open, all generations are looking for hope. We clearly have a job to do. Whether it’s passing out tracts in a coffee shop, engaging in an after-work discussion, or sharing the hope of Jesus in a casual encounter on the street, the gospel can reach people who are yearning for meaning and purpose.

The need for gospel sharing has never been greater. Let us not miss the opportunity to meet people where they are—just as Jesus did—and lead them to the hope that only He can provide.