Gen Z is one of the most spiritually curious yet institutionally skeptical generations we’ve ever seen. Many churches want to reach them but aren’t sure where to start or what actually connects.

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope have a real, a little unhinged and unfiltered conversation about what actually works when it comes to connecting with Gen Z. Not trends. Not gimmicks. Practices rooted in real ministry experience, pastoral care, and gospel conviction.

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader trying to understand Gen Z, disciple them, or create space for them to belong and lead, this episode is for you.

What We Talk About

• Why Gen Z values authenticity over polish
• How vulnerability builds trust without compromising leadership
• Listening before lecturing and why it matters more than ever
• Answering the real questions Gen Z is asking about faith, doubt, and Scripture
• Using digital media as a front door, not a church bulletin board
• Why mental and emotional health must be part of discipleship
• Empowering Gen Z to lead now, not someday
• Creating relational environments, not just big services
• How justice conversations fit within a gospel-centered framework
• Why Gen Z is more missionally motivated than we often assume

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z is not allergic to faith. They’re allergic to fake.
• You don’t need better production. You need deeper trust.
• Churches grow when young leaders are empowered, not sidelined.
• Questions aren’t threats. They’re invitations to shepherd well.
• Ministry to Gen Z requires presence, patience, and pastoral courage.

Who This Episode Is For

• Pastors and church planters
• Ministry leaders working with young adults or college students
• Churches wanting to engage the next generation meaningfully
• Leaders who want to combine conviction with compassion

Connect With Us

If this episode helped you, we’d love to continue the conversation.

• Join our Ministry Mix Facebook Group
• Follow us on social media for clips and future episodes
• Share this episode with a leader who’s wrestling with reaching Gen Z

Church growth is something most pastors pray for. We want to see more people reached, more lives changed, and more momentum. But what happens when growth actually starts to happen?

In this episode of Ministry Mix, we talk honestly about the hidden dangers that can quietly creep in as churches grow. These aren’t necessarily problems outsiders usually see, but pressures leaders feel deeply.

We discuss how growth can subtly reshape your definition of success, distort motivation, increase ministry weight, and even impact your soul if you’re not paying attention.

This conversation isn’t anti-growth. It’s about growing faithfully, guarding your heart, and leading in a way that keeps Jesus at the center and people genuinely cared for.

If you’re a pastor, church planter, or ministry leader who feels the tension between reaching more people and shepherding well, this episode is for you.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Why church growth always comes with unseen weight
• How numbers can quietly become an idol
• The emotional toll of tying success to attendance
• Why preaching to more people isn’t the same as pastoring more people
• How to pursue growth without losing faithfulness or joy

Who This Episode Is For

• Pastors and church planters
• Ministry leaders navigating momentum or plateau
• Leaders feeling stretched, tired, or conflicted about growth
• Anyone who wants to lead a church that grows without losing its soul

About Ministry Mix

Ministry Mix is a podcast for pastors and ministry leaders who care about both the health of their soul and the strategy of their ministry. Honest conversations. Practical leadership. Gospel-centered perspective.

Hurting people are not a disruption to ministry. They are the ministry.

In this episode of Ministry Mix, Phil Gifford and Richard Pope walk through eight practical and pastoral reminders for caring well for people who are suffering. Whether the hurt comes from grief, sin, trauma, broken relationships, or life in a fallen world, ministry leaders must learn how to offer real care that reflects the heart of Jesus.

This conversation moves beyond clichés and quick fixes and helps leaders slow down, listen well, and shepherd people with wisdom, truth, and compassion.

If you lead people in any capacity, this episode will help you care for hurting people without burning out, enabling sin, or minimizing pain.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why hurting people are unavoidable if you’re doing ministry faithfully
• How to affirm God’s love when people are tempted to doubt it
• Why presence often matters more than perfect words
• How to ask better questions and listen more effectively
• When and how to bring Scripture into moments of pain
• Why careless Bible verses can do more harm than good
• How to speak hard truths with grace and clarity
• Why consistency and community are essential for long-term care

Key Quote:

“Shepherding the flock means more than teaching truth. It means applying truth to tears, doubts, and wounds.”

Connect With Us

If this episode helped you, make sure to:

• Subscribe to Ministry Mix
• Leave a review to help others find the show
• Join the Ministry Mix Facebook Group to continue the conversation
• Join our GroupMe