Youth Sunday

Sunday, March 20

Statistics on Gen Z according to Barna:

44% feel lonely a lot or some of the time
46% feel discouraged about their future
13% feel full of dread or fear a lot in their daily life
58% feel tired a lot or some of the time
Over 40% reported that educational and professional achievement is very important to their sense of self
56% have a perception of life where they are expecting the worst to happen
Over eight out of 10 in Gen Z indicate that at least one experience has caused them trauma
According to data from the CDC, one in four young adults (18-24) indicates they have considered suicide as a result of the pandemic
Gen Z indicate that anxiety and loneliness are the most common negative emotional experiences
Teens age 13-18 spend on average 7.11 hours on entertainment screen media per day (excluding time on screens for school or work)
Nearly one-third of Gen Z strongly agrees that morality changes in response to social circumstances
In 2020, two-thirds of teens and young adults agree that many religions can lead to eternal life

This emotionally aware generation needs strong support systems and wise guidance from older adults to navigate major transitions well
Deep relational connectedness is essential for mental and spiritual health
Barna research shows a strong correlation between seeking spiritual help for relational or mental health issues and various measures of well being
Screens are here to stay, and Gen Z needs thoughtful, informed, and sound guidance for digital health
Three-quarters of Gen Z agree that when life decisions come up, they turn to older generations for advice
Churches can equip Gen Z by helping them cultivate cultural discernment: wisdom for understanding what’s happening in the world and how Christ’s followers should repond.
Churches must be a safe haven for wrestling with doubts and difficult questions, a place where the next generation can seek truth and learn together, in the context of meaningful intergenerational relationships, about living as citizens of God’s kingdom

The purpose of Sozo House is to “Sozo” the youth of our church and community.

Keep safe – Sozo House will be a safe place for all who attend. It is not our intent to judge anyone for where they are on their journey, but to come alongside and be a guide to finding abundant life in Jesus.
Rescue from danger – We are aware youth today are facing serious issues. Sozo House staff will be well trained in what we can help with and when we need outside help. It is our hope to establish a network of professionals we trust to refer our young people and families to.
Make well, heal, restore to health – Life can wound us. Sozo House will be a place to offer youth the opportunity to find truth and healing.
Preserve – Our youth have amazing diversity and gifts. Our activities are varied and geared to reach as wide an audience as possible. We are wanting to encourage our youth to be who God created them to be and preserve the individuality in each one.
Save – Above all, Sozo House is about Jesus. Finding salvation in Jesus and our identity in Him will be the central focus of all that happens Sozo House.