Who is Shaping the Identity of Gen Z?

~ TRIBUTE TO MASCULINITY EPISODE (WEEK 5)~

 From social media influencers to school pressures, the quest for identity has never been more challenging. My conversation with Benjamin Crawshaw, student ministry pastor and representative of True Face, strikes such a powerful chord.

Benjamin was a preacher's kid who attended church regularly but felt disconnected from faith. He describes his early relationship with God as seeing Him as "the emperor up in the sky," a distant figure who cared about Sunday attendance but had little interest in his everyday life. This perspective changed dramatically after a stint as a camp chaperone, where Benjamin experienced a profound encounter with God. This transformative moment led him to pursue ministry work, particularly with teenagers.

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WHAT'S DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE?

• Benjamin's emphasis on authenticity over information points out that today's youth are drowning in information but starving for genuine connection. They can "smell it" when adults aren't authentic. This insight is particularly relevant in our post-Christian culture, where many youth programs focus on entertainment or education rather than relationship building. Benjamin argues that showing up – physically and emotionally – makes an enormous difference in teenagers' lives. Whether attending a student's soccer match or creating a safe space for questions, presence communicates value in a way information alone never can.
• True Face, focused initially on helping "stuck" Christians – those caught in performance-based faith – experience grace and an authentic relationship with God. Their recent project, "The Path," adapts these principles for younger audiences. The core message centers on identity: helping teenagers and young adults understand they are "loved sons and daughters of King Jesus, who's a good Father." This identity isn't earned or stripped away – it's fundamental to who they are.

• What's particularly innovative about True Face's approach is its focus on experiential learning. Benjamin explains that the Path Experience Guide creates physical activities for teenagers and young adults to process these truths – writing down negative messages they've internalized about themselves and replacing them with God's truth, or speaking affirmations over one another. These exercises move theology from intellectual understanding to emotional and physical embodiment.
• In a culture where youth are often overloaded with digital stimulation, these tangible experiences provide something refreshingly different. Benjamin compares it to eating fast food constantly and suddenly craving a home-cooked meal. Young people yearn for something real and substantial—exactly what authentic community and gospel-centered relationships offer.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

This conversation offers valuable insights for parents, youth workers, or anyone who cares about the next generation. Benjamin's vulnerability about his journey through divorce and a "valley season" demonstrates the power of authenticity. The message for all of us is clear: young people don't need more information, flashier programs, or cooler activities. They need adults who show up consistently, speak truth lovingly, and model authentic faith.