Why Gen Z and millennial Christian influencers are increasingly appealing to young people
Christian influencers in the US are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, say those of faith
Millennial and Gen Z Christian influencers are increasingly filling a void in American religion, growing audiences across digital platforms by steering young people to biblical answers to tough questions that are not always answered in Sunday church sermons.
“I can be that in-between – Monday to Saturday help – to give you practical things to make you feel like you’re not walking this walk alone,” says Megan Ashley, 35, sitting cross-legged in sweats on the sofa where she records her In Totality podcast.
Those of faith say Christian influencers are galvanising young people looking for meaning in a culture that lacks it, at a time when years of declining church attendance have slowed.
“What they’re making accessible is a truth that transforms people,” says Lecrae Moore, a Christian rapper and podcaster. “There’s something that’s happening existentially – supernaturally – that I can’t explain.”
Ashley and Moore are among half a dozen popular influencers who explained their work for this story. With and without formal theological training, they describe themselves as church-goers who do not want their messages boxed in by denominational labels.
