By: Chris Jolly
In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, a quiet yet remarkable shift is taking place — and it’s being led by the youngest among us.
Gen Z, often stereotyped as screen-obsessed and disconnected from tradition, is showing a surprising and growing interest in faith.
Jim Wackett, the newly appointed CEO of Scripture Union NSW, has seen this hunger for hope and meaning up close. “We’re in a unique moment,” he says. “Post-Covid, we’ve entered what I’d call an age of anxiety. Everything we thought was bedrock — the way the world was — is not the way the world is anymore.”
From Churches to Caravan Parks
Scripture Union has been part of Australia’s spiritual landscape since 1887, working alongside churches to reach people where they are — whether that’s a coastal caravan park, a schoolyard, or a remote regional town.
“Our volunteers love going where people are and sharing the good news of Jesus,” Jim explains. “We run beach missions, school lunchtime groups, and camps, especially in regional areas. Across New South Wales, we’ve got about 2,100 volunteers — passionate people who love what they do.”
While Scripture Union serves people of all ages, there’s a strong emphasis on young people. From high school Christian fellowship groups to primary school “Super Clubs,” the goal is simple: connect kids and teens with the hope found in Christ.
Why are Gen Z Asking Bigger Questions?
Jim believes this surge in spiritual interest among young people is tied to the turbulence of recent years. Climate change, pandemics, conflict, and a breakdown in community have created a sense of instability.
“Young people have been told for years, ‘Choose your own destiny, make your own way,’” he says. “But that’s ringing hollow for them. They’re reaching out for hope and purpose.”
Jim agrees that many are turning towards Jesus, however Jim cautions, not every influence is a good one. “It’s also a scary thing because there are people who want to prey on kids in that situation, taking them down dangerous rabbit holes — whether that’s spiritually, politically, or socially. For young men in particular, there are some really negative online influences out there.”
Investigating Faith with Open Hearts
Even for myself, as a new Christian, I reiterated to Jim that I could relate. In the past, I thought faith was just a set of rules and stories. “Everything the world offered didn’t seem to have any of the actual answers,” I said to him. “It wasn’t until I investigated the Bible for myself that things started to change.”
“Absolutely,” Jim said. “We’re seeing young people doing exactly that — saying, ‘If everyone’s telling me one thing, I’m going to look into this for myself.’”
The statistics back it up:
In England, the number of young people attending church has quadrupled in the past five or six years.
In Sweden’s annual youth barometer, “Jesus” is now on the list of cultural talking points.
France has recorded record numbers of baptisms at Easter, double the year before.
In the United States, Gen Z is more likely to attend church regularly than Millennials or Gen X, and Bible sales are up 22%.
“There’s a genuine hunger,” Jim says. “And for us at Scripture Union, it’s a unique moment and a unique opportunity to reach young people with the message of Jesus.”
How to Get Involved
For those who feel a desire to be part of this work, Scripture Union makes it easy to connect. The easiest way is through their website su.org.au You can explore different volunteer pathways, whether it’s joining a beach mission, helping in schools, working on camps, or developing new resources.
The organisation is also expanding into digital and printed resources, with the aim of encouraging daily Bible reading and prayer. “Growing a relationship with Jesus Christ is the greatest thing you could ever do,” Jim says.
In a time when the world feels unsettled, it’s heartening to see a generation turning towards something steady, hopeful, and life-giving. As Jim reminds us, “We’re in a unique moment — and Jesus is still the answer.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
Feature image: Canva
DONATE today