Catching the Open Generation by Aaron Gonzalez Alpha Youth UK

Gen Z & Gen Alpha are spiritually open- but do the Church know how to reach them?

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Aaron Gonzalez, Alpha Youth UK Development Manager, to hear what God has been doing through the latest Alpha Youth series- which, by the way, is absolutely phenomenal. Aaron shared powerful stories of young people leading Alpha gatherings themselves, filling high school assembly halls with students who are searching, hungry, and wanting more- and the best part? So much salvation! And these aren’t isolated moments; across our nation, similar stories are unfolding. In this conversation, Aaron offers us a glimpse into what makes Gen Alpha tick and how we, as pastors and leaders, can truly connect with them.

Catching the Open Generation by Aaron Gonzalez

Across the UK, and the globe, young people are becoming more open to spirituality.
They’re asking bigger questions. They’re walking into churches. They’re dreaming of Jesus.

It feels like we’re standing on the edge of something big. The Bible Society calls it a quiet revival, and for those of us in youth ministry, this may be the most exciting time to be alive.

But here’s the catch: they won’t be reached by slick programmes or impressive events.
They’ll be reached by healthy church cultures that are creating spaces that are relevant, accessible, and engaging.

1. Relevant: Speak Their Questions

Relevance isn’t about being trendy, it’s about timely truth.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha are asking questions about anxiety, identity, purpose, and injustice. Build your series and talks around their questions.

Let them share their stories and ask what they want to talk about. The best thing is — they don’t want polished answers, they want real conversations.

2. Accessible: Remove the Barriers

It’s not just “Can they get in the room?” but also “Can they understand what we’re preaching?”

From shorter content to clear communication, diverse voices, and honest discussion spaces, accessibility is about designing our ministries with young people in mind — not just expecting them to fit in or assume they understand the ‘Christian lingo’.

We must create spaces where, through talks and conversations, young people can gain a real and deep understanding of the Christian faith.

3. Engaging: Make Room to Respond

This generation is interactive. They don’t want to spectate; they want to participate.

At Alpha Youth, we say: For Youth, By Youth. Let them lead, welcome, and pray. Give them space for reflection.

Engagement isn’t just about fun, it’s about ownership.

Empowering Young People Means Letting Go

We’re not raising church attenders. We’re raising Kingdom contributors.

Young people don’t just want a seat at the table — they want to build it with you.

Empowerment means giving them responsibility and trusting them to lead.

But Here’s the Key: Unity

If we’re serious about catching this wave of spiritual openness, we cannot do it alone.

This isn’t about one denomination, one style, or one brand of youth ministry. It’s about churches and leaders coming together with the same heart and purpose.

Philippians 2 says it best:

“Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

We catch the Open Generation not with competition, but with collaboration.
Not by building silos, but by building bridges.

Culture Before Content

At the end of the day, this is not about better events — it’s about better ecosystems.

You’ve heard it said: culture eats content for breakfast.
You can’t microwave transformation. You have to sow, water, and wait for God to grow it.

The Invitation

Let’s not miss this moment.

Let’s build ministries that are relevant, accessible, and engaging.
Let’s trust young people with real responsibility.
And most of all, let’s unite — across churches, across denominations, across generations — to open the door to the ones whose hearts are already open.

If this conversation has stirred something in you, then you won’t want to miss the upcoming Circles & Spaces Gathering on Saturday, September 27, at Holy Trinity Brompton, London. This one–day event is designed to equip and empower youth leaders by creating a collaborative environment of community, learning, and listening. More than just a conference, it’s a space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and be inspired together. Find out more and book your place here.