What does Gen Z really believe about God? And what are they actually asking?
In this episode, Loren talks with Tanita Tualla Maddox, National Director for Generational Impact at Young Life and author of What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. Tanita offers a compelling case for cultural apologetics—understanding the lens through which Gen Z asks timeless questions like “Is God good?” She also challenges churches to move from abstract teaching to concrete spiritual practices that help young people live out their faith in real relationships.
What does Gen Z really believe about God? And what are they actually asking?
In this episode, Loren talks with Tanita Tualla Maddox, National Director for Generational Impact at Young Life and author of What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. Tanita offers a compelling case for cultural apologetics—understanding the lens through which Gen Z asks timeless questions like “Is God good?” She also challenges churches to move from abstract teaching to concrete spiritual practices that help young people live out their faith in real relationships.
Together they explore:
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Why headlines about Gen Z “revival” can be misleading
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The reality of low trust culture—and how to earn it
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How Gen Z defines acceptance, belonging, and safety
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Why evangelism must go beyond “just invite your friends to church”
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Practical ways churches can disciple students in a post-Christian world
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The importance of teaching young people to articulate their own testimony
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Why isolating teenagers from the broader church might be a mistake
Tanita Tualla Maddox (DMin, Phoenix Seminary) is the national director for generational impact for Young Life and serves as an associate regional director in the Mountain West Young Life region. With an expertise in contextualizing the gospel for Gen Z, Tanita has been featured on The Holy Post podcast and has been published in The Great Commission Research Journal, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and more. She has served as Young Life leader with adolescents for over twenty-six years and serves as a volunteer Young Life leader in her local community. She lives in Spokane, Washington, with her husband and two children.
Mentioned Resources:
🌐 Her Website: https://tanitamaddox.com/
📖 Her Book: https://www.ivpress.com/what-gen-z-really-wants-to-know-about-god
📱 Instagram & FB: @drtanitamaddox
🎧 Episodes Referenced: Mike Orr
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Future Christian Team:
Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer
Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host
Dennis Sanders – Producer
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Tanita Tualla Maddox, Gen Z faith, What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God, Young Life, generational ministry, youth ministry strategy, cultural apologetics, post-Christian culture, evangelism training, Gen Z and church, belonging and acceptance, discipling teenagers, low trust culture, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.
