Date of Award
Spring 2021
Document Type
Thesis
College
Barnett College of Ministry & Theology
Primary Advisor
Dr. Bellamin Gomez
Abstract
Generation Z is a generation that is completely unique to the ones before it. However, this also means that Generation Z also has its own unique challenges from the generations that came before. This thesis examines who Generation Z is, explores Generation Z’s struggle with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and loneliness. In light of those issues, this thesis seeks to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected and continues to affect Generation Z’s battle with mental health. The purpose of this thesis is to identify and define these issues and understand how youth pastors can meet the specific mental health needs of Generation Z in a world after 2020. Social distancing, quarantine, and COVID-19 exposed and, in some cases, amplified many mental health struggles that Generation Z was already facing before 2020, but youth pastors can continue to reach adolescents by focusing on clarifying their identity, building a supportive community, and communicating Biblical truth.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Abigail J., "YOUTH MINISTRY IN 2020 AND BEYOND: THE MENTAL HEALTH OF GENERATION Z, THE IMPACT OF COVID-19, AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH MINISTRY IN AMERICA" (2021). Selected Honors Theses. 142.
https://firescholars.seu.edu/honors/142