I speak today not with bitterness, but with burden. Not to blame, but to build. As a Millennial who has walked through the fire of trauma, addiction, rejection, and spiritual confusion, I now stand not as a perfect man—but as an elder brother to Gen Z.
This generation is crying, questioning, and breaking quietly. And the truth is—they’re not turning away from God… they’re just waiting for someone to walk with them.
To the Church I Love: Hear Our Heartbeat
I grew up in the church. I respect it. I honor the elders who prayed, preached, and protected us. I have no anger, no resentment toward the church. But I also cannot remain silent when I see my younger brothers and sisters drowning in anxiety, depression, identity confusion, and loneliness—even while sitting in the pews.
Gen Z doesn’t need louder sermons. They need deeper conversations. They are not anti-faith—they’re just looking for authenticity. They’re asking:
“Does God care that I have panic attacks?”
“Can I talk about addiction without being judged?”
“Does anyone in church see my pain beyond the Sunday smile?”
Let’s be honest. The gap between the pulpit and the people has grown. And my heart breaks not because the church failed—but because the church has the potential to heal this generation if only it chooses to listen.
How I’m Trying to Walk With Them – One Broken Step at a Time
I am no savior. I’m just a big brother who nearly gave up—but didn’t. And now I want to make sure others don’t either. Here’s how I’m trying to stand in the gap:
- Being a Safe Voice
Sometimes Gen Z doesn’t need advice. They just need someone who gets it. I try to be that—someone who listens, not lectures. - Telling the Truth About My Pain
I speak openly about my past—about alcohol, depression, ADHD, rejection—because sometimes our scars become survival guides for others.
Loving Without Labels
Many youth have been labeled as rebellious, lazy, or lost. But I see fighters. Dreamers. Survivors. I try to mentor them with love, not judgment. - Inviting the Church to Join the Mission
I don’t want to fight against the church—I want to fight with the church, for this generation. I believe in the church. But I also believe it’s time to update the language of love to reach Gen Z in their reality.
Dear Pastors, Leaders, and Elders: Let’s Partner Together
This is not a rebellion. It’s a call for restoration.
Let’s raise a church where mental health isn’t taboo.
Let’s raise a church where a struggling teen doesn’t have to fake a smile.
Let’s raise a church that teaches not only memory verses—but how to face trauma, handle failure, and find hope in a harsh world.
Let’s rebuild the altar—not just as a stage for sermons, but a space for honest healing.
To Gen Z: You Are Not Alone
As your elder brother, I’m walking with you. Your pain is not invisible. Your voice matters. You’re not too broken to be used. You’re not too far to be found.
We are the generation that will not pretend anymore. We are the generation that will rise from trauma into purpose. And together—with the church, with each other, with love—we will heal.
This is my promise.
This is my purpose.
And this is our generation.
Pele George
A Millennial Brother Standing in the Gap for Gen Z