“Gen Z’s are open to new perspectives, when they are shared from a place of integrity and vulnerability”

IFES, the evangelical fellowship of university students that brings together dozens of national movements with an emphasis on mission and Christian impact on society, has been following the trends seen among younger generations around the world.

Following the release of the IFES Gen Z Insights report in December 2025, which Evangelical Focus reported on, Alejandra Ortiz shares her perspectives on student ministry among ‘Generation Z’.

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Alejandra is Secretary for Research and Global Conversations at IFES and co-chairs the organisation's Task Force for Discipling a New Generation of Students.

Her observations are based on her global experience with IFES and 13 years spent working with Compa, the student movement in Mexico, where she lives.

Question. Gen Z is characterised by shorter attention spans, more individualism, a risk-avoiding approach to new information or challenges (to protect their own mental health) and a sense of loss of opportunities of progressing, especially after the pandemic. What specific ways of sharing the gospel with this generation have you seen/heard that work best? 

Answer. I have seen that Gen Zers are curious about how the gospel looks in lived lives. Friendship continues to be a key way to show and share the gospel, as well as an openness to questions and to sharing vulnerability and limitations.

Gen Z’s have deep concerns and I have seen them open to new perspectives and ideas, when they are shared from a place of integrity and vulnerability.  

As there is a lot of disenchantment among this generation, I think Gen Z want to see how the gospel makes sense in the whole of life, so they are also very open to stories that connect to their biggest questions and worries. I think this is a great opportunity! As we participate in the most beautiful, life-giving and transformational story of all, which is the good news of Jesus Christ. 

A. As IFES, we remain committed to these goals all over the world; however, the approach and the fruit looks very different in various contexts. Also, these three aims are all connected.

For example, as we reach students with the gospel, this is primarily done through students who are being trained in understanding the Scriptures and are also walking alongside others in community, being shaped in their character, thought, and values.  

For example, in Latin America we see students coming to faith as Christian peers are learning more about their faith and inviting their non-Christian friends to learn with them.

In Francophone Africa, IFES students are being formed in their faith, particularly in how their faith connects to their academic studies, and how they can integrate their faith and their expertise to respond to social challenges.

Across the world, we see many students who were involved in our movements go on to become leaders of Christian organizations and churches. 

Q. The report says Gen Z is the largest generation now, one third of the world’s population. How can Christians in this generation become new leaders in church and in mission?  

A. Generation Z, and Millennials too, need mentors. They need mentors who are willing to provide friendship and mutual learning. They also need patience and space to grow.

Gen Zers are more aware of their limitations and of mental health issues, which means that they see the world from a different perspective. As we seek to accompany Gen Z in their journey, we need to listen, understand, challenge and support in ways that are appropriate and relevant for them as younger leaders.  

“Each generation needs space to find its place, and to learn and struggle with God and the Scriptures”

Each generation needs space to find its place, and to learn and struggle with God and the Scriptures. For this new generation to become the new leaders of church and mission, I believe it is important for older generations to step back and make room for these rising Gen Z leaders.

We need to recognize the good they bring, understand their dreams, limitations and challenges, and accept the changes that these younger leaders will make. We need to do all of this while still being committed to walking alongside them and offering support.  

Q. IFES has been shaping several generations of students and graduates over the last decades. What have you concluded that must change or adapt to better reach Gen Z’s? 

A. For Gen Z’s and the generations to come, those of us in student ministry need to continue being a discerning community. We need to observe, listen and reflect well on the constant changes, so we can partner with what God is doing in this generation.

To do this, we need to pause and slow-down, which is something that Gen Zers appreciate, but they also need this to be modeled well. One of the ways we have tried to do this was at our last IFES World Assembly, we designed a Selah (pause) in the middle of the busy conference program. It was a two-hour silent break along with some guidance for participants, encouraging them to stop, meditate and reflect on all that was being said, presented and happening. We plan to do this again at our World Assembly in 2027 and we want to lean into these kinds of practices even more.  

Both centrally and at the national movement level, IFES is reflecting on its ways of doing ministry, through various Gen Z initiatives (see our Gen Z Insights webpage for more information).  

One of the big things we’re reconsidering is how we disciple students, and we are looking at this through the IFES Task Force on Discipling a New Generation of Students. Our ministry staff and mentors need to be self-aware and able to share life intentionally with the students.

We also need to recognize that faith is not acquired or nurtured through a download of facts and data. Gen Z’s discipleship cannot only be deep cognitively; it also requires lived experience and attention to a spirituality that embraces the senses and the world.

As Gen Zers are also more globally aware, this is a great opportunity for IFES to help students see the richness and beauty of the gospel in different contexts and circumstances, which enlarges their understanding of God’s work in the world and in their own lives.