It may not come as a surprise that Gen Z struggles with social insecurities and anxiety more often than the typical generation. Can you blame them, though? With the amount of dopamine media and doom scrolling they grew up with, the habit of socializing behind screens is just, well, more comfortable.
One recently released study stated that only about a quarter of people being discipled are in small groups, with younger generations often avoiding them due to social insecurities, fear of not fitting in, and anxiety about being judged or hurt. I myself would even have to agree the overstimulation of technology can be exhausting enough that it can easily make one cower away from social events.
However, throughout my faith journey, I realized the importance my church community had on my spiritual growth and made it a point to start pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone. Being what some would call "an extroverted introvert," I identify as an introvert but can display extroverted traits in certain social situations—meaning I'm all Chatty Kathy (or Gabby Gab, if you will) until it's time to recharge my social battery.
So, I guess you could say stepping out of my comfort zone to join a small group at church is easy when my extroverted traits are in action, but I still have days when my social battery is running low, and the last thing I crave is opening up about how I saw God working in my life this week. But that's just once in a while; I can't imagine being in a constant state where my social anxiety prevented me from gathering around the table each week to worship God, read the bible, and share life experiences with strangers who now feel like family to me. What I'm getting at is that there has to be a way to make small groups more appealing to Gen Z.
This made a great icebreaker question for last week's small group. Enjoy these 6 way your church can make small group more inviting to Gen Z.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ FatCamera
1. Promote Small Group as a Safe Space
1. Promote Small Group as a Safe Space
The thought of being vulnerable, especially with those outside of your circle, can be a little terrifying for many. But let's be honest - we're all sinners, and there's always some mistake made or crisis happening that someone is going through. That's just life. Maybe that one thing is what brought them to church in the first place. When promoting your small group, make it known that groups are a safe space for discussion among friends you can trust. The conversations had each week stay private. What is said in group, stays in group. This will allow new groupies to feel a sense of comfort if they're afraid to take that step to join due to fear of being judged or gossiped among other churchgoers.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions
2. Meet in a Public Setting
2. Meet in a Public Setting
Maybe a younger group of Gen Zers are ready to take that next step but are afraid of entering a stranger's home. Let's take it a step further and say maybe the group leaders themselves don't even have a home of their own or a space suitably sized for a group. Whether you're living with your parents or in a small studio apartment in the city, try promoting a group to meet in some space outside of a groupies home. This not only appeals to younger members because they are not in their parent's basement, but it also makes the interaction feel more casual, which may alleviate the awkwardness or social scare of entering unknown territory. I suggest meeting at a local coffee shop or bookstore.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SDI Productions
3. Announce a Casual Dress Code
3. Announce a Casual Dress Code
It's, of course, expected that you wear your Sunday best to services, but what about small groups? Announcing a dress code might seem like a minuscule detail, but for Gen Z, it can make a big difference. Letting people know they can come as they are – hoodies, jeans, sweatpants, or whatever they're comfortable in – removes unnecessary pressure (Matthew 6:25). Since this is a younger group, they may be coming from a long day at school or work and just want to throw on their comfy clothes. Create an environment where they can focus on faith and connecting, not on what they're wearing.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Diamond Dogs
4. Tell Groupies to Bring a Friend
4. Tell Groupies to Bring a Friend
Two new group members are always better than one! Invite new groupies to bring a friend with them. For Gen Z, maybe having a familiar face in the group is all it takes for them to open up. In my personal experience, having my sister come to small group with me helped me open up about the struggles I was having after losing my mom. Knowing someone in the group who knew my heart gave me the confidence to be vulnerable and share what I was going through. A sense of security can help those suffering from social anxiety break down any social barriers, making it easier for them to engage in discussions and build new genuine connections.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/SeventyFour
5. Have Sponsors Promote the Group
5. Have Sponsors Promote the Group
Gen Z likes authenticity, so be authentic when promoting small groups to them. Have a group member share their testimony during church service or a short video on social media. Hearing real stories about how a small group helped a member grow in their faith, find a sense of belonging, or overcome a spiritual obstacle can be the push they need to give it a try!
Want to take it a step further? Host a post-church Meet & Match event where small groups come together in a relaxed setting to connect with those looking for a group but unsure where they fit in best. No pressure to join or commit can be more appealing for shy Gen Zers. At the end of the day, word of mouth and a friendly face can be far more effective than any bulletin or pre-service announcement.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Georgijevic
6. Be Inviting But Not Pushy
6. Be Inviting But Not Pushy
One member of my own group mentioned the gentle invitations she received from our small group leader. She originally declined the simple text from her neighbor inviting her to small group. The invitation was always there, but a simple "no pressure if it's not the right time" or "maybe next week if you're available" was enough to eventually bring her to the group and later the church!
That's the beauty of small groups—they aren't just for church members. In some cases, they're the first step toward church. So keep inviting, keep being open, and keep praying for the empty chair at your small group table. You never know who's just one kind invitation away from finding the life-changing faith family they've been searching for.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Wirestock
Originally published February 17, 2025.
