By Prof Oyewole Sarumi
Introduction
The church today stands at a crossroads. The rapid societal changes brought on by the post-modern era present both unique challenges and opportunities for spiritual leadership. The role of the pastor, or shepherd, has always been one of guiding and nurturing the flock, but in the post-modern world, the job description has expanded. It’s no longer just about preaching from the pulpit; it’s about navigating a complex world where belief systems are fragmented, morality is fluid, and cultural shifts are constantly reshaping the fabric of society.
In this article, we explore the challenges facing shepherds in the post-modern era, the impact of materialism and mammon, and how today’s shepherds can successfully guide the flock—especially the younger generation, Gen Z—towards spiritual maturity. We will also discuss practical frameworks and recommendations for empowering church members to grow spiritually in an ever-changing world.
Understanding the Post-Modern Era and Its Characteristics
The post-modern era is the period following the modern age, roughly beginning in the mid-20th century. In contrast to the modern era, which emphasized rationality, objectivity, and an unwavering belief in universal truths, the post-modern world is characterized by skepticism, relativism, and a rejection of absolute truths. This philosophical shift has deeply impacted not only culture but also religion, morality, and personal identity.
In a post-modern society, truth is not objective or absolute but subjective and fluid. People are encouraged to create their own truth, live according to their own desires, and interpret the world based on personal experience rather than traditional frameworks. For the Church, this means that beliefs once held as sacred—like the authority of the Bible, the necessity of absolute moral standards, and the belief in an objective truth—are often questioned or dismissed outright.
Furthermore, the post-modern era has seen the rise of individualism, where personal expression, choice, and freedom have become paramount. This, unfortunately, can erode communal values and lead to a fragmented, disjointed society. When it comes to the church, this fragmentation presents challenges for unity and discipleship, as members are often influenced more by personal preferences than by the collective beliefs of the body of Christ.
The Challenge Facing Shepherds in the AI Era
One of the most significant challenges facing shepherds today is the increasing influence of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), on the lives of their congregants. While technology offers many benefits, it also presents unique challenges for spiritual growth and community building.
AI, social media, and the digital world have created a new “virtual church” experience, often disconnected from physical community and face-to-face relationships. These digital environments encourage individualism and can build isolation, creating a significant barrier to forming genuine relationships and providing pastoral care. Moreover, the rise of online religious content and “e-churches” means that people have easy access to a multitude of religious teachings, not all of which are biblically sound.
In the AI era, shepherds must recognize that digital spaces can be both a blessing and a curse. While they offer opportunities for outreach, education, and evangelism, they can also lead to distractions, spiritual malnourishment, and even heretical teaching. Shepherds must be discerning, guiding their flocks through these new virtual spaces while staying anchored in biblical truth.
The Materialistic Temptations: Mammon and Materialism in Today’s Church
Another significant challenge for shepherds in the post-modern church is the rise of materialism and the worship of mammon (money and possessions). In an era dominated by consumerism and the pursuit of wealth, it can be difficult for both church leaders and congregants to maintain a proper perspective on money, success, and happiness.
Matthew 6:24 one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the warns, “Noother, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” The pervasive influence of materialism often lures people away from their devotion to God, causing them to chase after transient wealth instead of lasting spiritual treasures. Today’s shepherds face the challenge of combating this pervasive materialistic mindset both within their churches and in the broader society.
Too often, churches may inadvertently fall into the trap of teaching a “prosperity gospel” that promises wealth and success as signs of divine favor. This dangerous teaching can mislead believers into thinking that faith in Christ guarantees financial prosperity, rather than spiritual growth and eternal rewards. Shepherds must provide sound biblical teaching that helps believers understand the proper use of wealth and possessions, while reminding them of the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and ithvermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
The Place of the Shepherds in Shaping Lives, Especially Gen Z
One of the most pressing needs in today’s church is the guidance and spiritual formation of Gen Z, the generation born between 1997 and 2012. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up in a fully digital world, with unprecedented access to information but also to distractions, ideologies, and worldviews that are often contrary to biblical teachings. Gen Z is known for its skepticism toward authority, its focus on social justice, and its constant need for validation and self-expression.
For shepherds, the challenge lies in navigating this rapidly changing landscape and creating a church environment that meets the unique needs of this generation. The church cannot afford to ignore the realities of Gen Z’s world, but must also offer timeless truths that provide a solid foundation for them to build their lives upon. Shepherds must be willing to engage with Gen Z, to understand thallenges, and to meet them where they are, all the while pointing them to the hope found in Christ alone.
Gen Z is looking for authenticity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Shepherds must be transparent in their leadership and encourage open conversations about faith, doubt, and identity. The church should provide an environment where young people can ask tough questions, find answers rooted in Scripture, and be discipled into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Statistics on Gen Z and Their Relationship with Faith and the Church
- Declining Church Attendance Among Gen Z: According to a 2020 study by Pew Research, just 4 in 10 U.S. teens say religion is very important in their lives, a stark decline from previous generations. In fact, only 10% of Gen Z teens say they attend religious services at least once a week.
- The Rise of Religious “Nones”: A 2021 Pew Research Center study found that the percentage of Americans who identify as religiously unaffiliated has grown significantly. Among Gen Z (ages 18-24), 34% identify as religiously unaffiliated, a significant jump from 21% in the millennial generation.
- Disconnection with Traditional Beliefs: According to a 2019 report by Barna Group, 59% of millennials and 57% of Gen Z view the church as irrelevant to their lives. This detachment stems from their perception that the church is outdated and disconnected from modern-day issues. Moreover, 47% of young people say that they are “spiritual but not religious,” a growing trend that reflects the pursuit of personal spiritual experiences outside organized faith.
How Shepherds Can Help Gen Z Embrace God and His Church
Gen Z’s detachment from the traditional God of their parents and from the church stems from various factors such as the rise of individualism, skepticism, and an increasing distrust in institutions, including the Church. However, there is hope. Shepherds can play a pivotal role in helping this generation reconnect with God and embrace the Church by addressing their unique needs and concerns.
- Embrace Authenticity Over Tradition Gen Z values authenticity more than anything else. Unlike previous generations that may have valued tradition, Gen Z prioritizes personal connection and sincerity. Shepherds need to be genuine and transparent in their leadership, ministry, and relationships. When they share their struggles, doubts, and joys in the Christian walk, they become relatable and trustworthy role models.
Actionable Insight: Instead of simply relying on “religious” language or traditional practices, shepherds should make the faith experience real by addressing real-world issues and struggles. Testimonies from the shepherds and leaders of the church about how they’ve experienced God’s grace in their own lives could make a big impact. This transparency creates trust and opens the door for dialogue.
- Incorporate Technology and Digital Media
Gen Z lives in a highly digital world. Social media and online platforms are their primary sources of connection, entertainment, and even community. To engage them effectively, the Church must embrace technology as a tool to share the gospel and encourage spiritual growth. This doesn’t mean abandoning traditional church services, but it does mean embracing online services, social media, podcasts, and even YouTube channels as platforms for ministry. Actionable Insight: Shepherds can begin by creating interactive content — short-form videos, Instagram stories, and blog posts — that speaks to Gen Z’s lifestyle. They should utilize influencers who align with Christian values to engage young people and create virtual spaces where Gen Z can interact with one another, ask questions, and explore faith in a relaxed, non-judgmental space. - Engage Gen Z with the Relevance of the Gospel
Gen Z is socially aware and deeply concerned about issues like injustice, inequality, mental health, and environmental sustainability. The message of the Gospel can be a powerful response to these concerns, but it needs to be framed in a way that resonates with their values.
Actionable Insight: Shepherds should connect the gospel to social justice issues, showing how God’s love and justice intersect with the struggles of the world. Rather than simply teaching about sin and salvation, they can emphasize God’s kingdom values, including the call to love others, care for the marginalized, and fight for justice in their communities.
Example: When talking about justice, shepherds could use stories from the Bible like Amos 5:24* – “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” to inspire Gen Z to pursue justice in the modern world.
- Create Opportunities for Connection and Community
Gen Z is relational and craves authentic connections. They value community, but in an era where digital interactions are often the norm, physical community can sometimes seem like a lost art. The church needs to offer opportunities for young people to build meaningful relationships that extend beyond social media or group chats.
Actionable Insight: Shepherds should create small groups or mentorship programs that emphasize community, vulnerability, and spiritual growth. These small groups encourag shoulde open conversation and provide a space for Gen Z to ask questions, express doubts, and find spiritual guidance in a non-judgmental setting. Shepherds can also facilitate community service projects that allow young people to live out their faith in tangible ways.
- Incorporate Purpose and Empowerment One of Gen Z’s key desires is to have purpose and to make a difference in the world. They want to contribute to something greater than themselves. Shepherds can engage this generation by emphasizing that the church is not just a place to come and sit on Sundays, but a place where they can find purpose and be empowered to change the world.
Actionable Insight: Empower Gen Z by involving them in leadership roles, whether it’s in the worship team, small group leadership, community outreach, or social justice initiatives. Helping them see that they are co-laborers with Christ will instill a sense of purpose. Encourage them to see their identity in Christ as an invitation to partner with Him in the world’s redemption.
- Address Mental Health and Spiritual Wellness
Mental health is a significant issue for Gen Z, and many face anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The church can offer a safe space for Gen Z to discuss mental health while providing biblical solutions for overcoming fear, anxiety, and brokenness. Actionable Insight: Shepherds should offer mental health seminars, host biblical counseling sessions, and create a supportive, safe environment where young people can discuss their struggles without shame. Using passages like Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – can encourage and offer comfort.
NOTE:
Overall, In the post-modern, digital age, the Church faces the profound challenge of reaching a generation that is increasingly disillusioned with traditional institutions, including religion. However, the Church must not be discouraged. Through authenticity, creativity, and relevance, shepherds can guide Gen Z toward a deeper relationship with God and His Church. By meeting them where they are—digitally, emotionally, and socially—and presenting the timeless truth of the Gospel in a meaningful way, we can see this generation embrace God’s love and the power of the Church.
As shepherds, the call to disciple and nurture Gen Z is urgent, but also filled with great opportunity. Gen Z may not always share the faith of their parents, but with patience, wisdom, and a heart for relational ministry, shepherds can help them rediscover a faith that is not just inherited, but deeply personal and transformative. The key lies in guiding them with authenticity, offering them purpose, and leading them to a vibrant, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Church Framework for Empowering Members to Grow Spiritually
To empower the church to grow spiritually in the post-modern world, shepherds must develop a holistic framework that addresses the intellectual, emotional, and relational needs of the congregation. This framework should involve several key components:
- Biblical Teaching: Sound, expository preaching that teaches the full counsel of God’s Word is essential for spiritual growth. Shepherds must be committed to the faithful teaching of Scripture, equipping believers to navigate the complexities of the world with biblical wisdom. We should stop using the pulpit for motivational and other worldly concepts meant for the corporate realm.
- Community and Accountability: The church should be a place of genuine fellowship, where believers encourage one another, share their struggles, and grow together. Small groups and mentorship programs can play a vital role in nurturing these relationships.
- Discipleship Programs: Shepherds should prioritize discipleship, helping believers move beyond surface-level faith into deep, transformational spiritual growth. This includes Bible studies, prayer meetings, and discipleship courses that help people grow in their knowledge of God and their ability to live out their faith. We must return to the one-on-one and one-group discipling methods if we are to cultivate Christ’s disciples instead of church members!
- Engaging Gen Z: The church must find creative ways to engage Gen Z, utilizing technology, social media, and relevant teaching methods. Shepherds should be open to new forms of ministry that resonate with younger generations while remaining faithful to biblical principles. I ve noticed that most shepherds are ill equipped to understand GenZ, and this is because most our shepherds have not attended any developmental trainings since they became leaders of men. From my interactions with some of them, they perceived training as a waste of time, when the Holy Spirit is there to make all things known to them. What a tragedy in ignorance?
Recommendations to the Shepherds
Embrace Digital Ministry, but Stay Rooted in Biblical Truth: Shepherds should use technology as a tool for outreach and discipleship, but always with a commitment to sound doctrine and biblical fidelity. Online platforms should never replace face-to-face community and pastoral care. They should stop condemning new technologies as devil’s devices because they are in the minority when the whole world is tuning to digital.
- Teach Financial Stewardship: Shepherds must address the idolization of wealth and materialism in the church by teaching biblical principles of money, generosity, and contentment. They should stop teaching “heath and wealth, Name it and claim it, and give your life to Christ and you will be wealthy” because it is unscriptural and it is a gimmick to fleece the flock of God!
- Focus on Mental Health and Well-Being: In light of the struggles Gen Z faces with anxiety and depression, shepherds should provide resources and support for mental health, offering counsel and guidance from a biblical perspective. Shepherds need to be trained to handle this, so if you find yourself deficient here, and don’t know what to do, it is better to refer the concerned to professionals.
- Encourage Holistic Discipleship: The church must equip believers to engage every area of life — work, relationships, finances, etc. — with a biblical worldview. Discipleship should be comprehensive, helping individuals grow in every aspect of their walk with God. This is an area that today’s shepherds has left Fallow, with many of our churches filled with members and hardly with a minute proportion who are Christ’s disciples.
Conclusion
The post-modern era presents significant challenges for shepherds in the church. The rise of materialism, the erosion of truth, and the digital distractions of today’s world make it more difficult than ever to lead people into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Christ. However, the call to shepherd the flock remains as vital as ever. By faithfy teaching biblical truth, ulladdressing the unique needs of Gen Z, and creating a supportive church framework for spiritual growth, shepherds can guide their congregations through the complexities of the post-modern world, all the while remaining anchored in the timeless hope of the Gospel. In the midst of uncertainty and change, the church must be a beacon of truth, light, and love — and shepherds play a crucial role in making this vision a reality.
