Across The Nation
Movement United 2025: Mobilizing Gen Z for a New Era of Spiritual Leadership
By Darrick Young
We are at a strategic hinge in American history. The Boomer generation that has long dominated leadership and culture is aging and stepping off center stage. Meanwhile, members of Generation Z (twentysomethings) are becoming the leading edge of a new religious designation in America: the “Nones.” Nones have no religious preference, preferring an eclectic, mix-your-own religious outlook and philosophy.
They can be won, discipled, and developed into a new vanguard of dedicated servants for the Lord. But we must make that vision a priority.
A massive turnover of church leadership is underway, and the potential successor pool will continue to dwindle unless we proactively reverse that trend. God continues to call people to follow Him, and that includes Gen Z. However, many members of Gen Z are drifting, unsure of their purpose and usefulness in life. They need something, more like Someone, to seize their hearts with mission, energy, and a sense of purpose. They can be won, discipled, and developed into a new vanguard of dedicated servants for the Lord. But we must make that vision a priority.
Movement is Open Bible Churches’ ministry to mobilize Generation Z and its leaders, to empower this new generation to lead in the local church, Open Bible Churches, the marketplace, and every arena they influence. Our vision is to empower a new generation of leaders through building community, networking and equipping them to engage in the cause of Christ and encouraging them to utilize their calling and unique gifts to reach people, influence culture, implement new ministries and to lead the church.
On September 18-20, 2025, we will be gathering hundreds of Open Bible young adults from across the nation in Denver, Colorado, for Movement United 2025. This conference for young adults (18-32ish) is designed to challenge and empower a generation of young leaders and then equip them to serve and lead in their local churches and communities.
Detailed information about Movement United and registration is available here.
About the Author
Darrick Young serves as the lead pastor for Journey Church of the Open Bible in Urbandale, Iowa, which he planted in 2012. He also serves on the Central Region and national boards of Open Bible Churches and the board of Discover Church Planting Network. Darrick and his wife, Ranada, have two amazing children and two awesome kids-in-law.