“BE REAL, BE HUMAN”: ADVICE FROM A YOUNG PERSON ON REACHING GEN Z.

This article is an interview with Hadassah Schnepp, who shares her experiences growing up in a Christian family and her struggles with faith and church involvement. She discusses the positive and negative aspects of her upbringing, including changes in her church's culture during her teenage years. Hadassah also talks about how a life-altering car accident and subsequent challenges affected her view of Christianity and her relationship with God. She shares her journey of finding hope and healing through therapy and a new understanding of faith. The article also explores the difficulties that young adults face in staying engaged with the church as they transition into adulthood. It discusses the experiences of Adventist kids who have been hurt by the church and Adventist education, often leading them to reject or ignore the teachings. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health, identity struggles, and sexuality within the church, rather than avoiding or dismissing these issues. The author envisions a future church that focuses on meeting young people where they are and providing support for their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. They suggest implementing support groups and programs that address depression, anxiety, addiction, and other challenges faced by young people. The author believes that by being authentic and understanding, the church can attract others and create a safe and supportive environment. [Extracted from the article]