2020 has been a year of disruption, to say the least. From the pandemic to a movement of demonstrations for racial justice to the looming presidential election, U.S. residents—along with many of their global neighbors—are living in a state of uncertainty. And younger adult generations (in our research, Millennials and Gen Z) are facing some of the greatest challenges in this moment.

The outlook for young adults and teens—which, data show, was already starkly different than that of generations past—has been further altered in light of recent events. Young people are questioning their place in this new reality. Further, half of pastors say they are struggling in their ministry to kids and youth right now. How can the Church come alongside emerging generations right now and help them navigate change?

In this article, we’ll take a look at five trends—illuminated by decades’ worth of Barna research, including studies conducted during the COVID-19 response—about engaging with and discipling the next generation.

The Church Must Help Younger Generations Wisely Navigate Screen Time Well before this period of social distancing, young generations (and their parents) have had to contend with mounting device usage. In “Digital Babylon”—a term Faith for Exiles co-authors David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock use as a framework for the high-tech era 15-23-year-olds are living in—spiritual input is at risk of being drowned out by other forms of screen time. Innovation in youth ministry in the current moment requires creatively connecting with “digital natives” on their turf. For context, in a recent Barna study, Guiding Children to Discover the Bible, Navigate Technology & Follow Jesus, engaged Christian families reported using media for entertainment an average of eight hours per week. Other weekly activities included spending time with family in conversation or play (10 hours), reading books, participating in extracurricular activities and attending church activities (three hours each) and socializing with other children in-person (one hour)—but even these activities, at this moment, are also likely done from a social distance or through a screen.