Ep. 35 | Reaching Gen Z w/ Peter Bird & Eric Vila
Every generation grows up in a different time and a different cultural environment than the one before it, which causes it to be defined by different characteristics. And those differences can have a tendency to disrupt things and force us to ask ourselves what we care about more, engaging the next generation in a way that draws them to Jesus or sticking with the methods that have become very comfortable to us.
In this episode, Elizabeth Faulkner from our Leadership Development team had a conversation with two of our Immerse students who are heavily invested in reaching Gen Z as they lead youth ministries in their churches—Peter Bird, Youth Pastor at The Meeting Place Church in Nanaimo and Eric Vila, Youth Intern at Central Baptist Church in Victoria.
You’ll get to hear them share what they see in Gen Z, what their hopes are for this generation, and what we as the church need to do to engage them in meaningful ways.
Peter Bird
My name is Peter Bird, and I’ve been working as the Youth Pastor at The Meeting Place Church since 2015. My wife, Emily, and I have been married for just over 7 years, and we love living in Nanaimo! I also enjoy having conversations about the Bible, God, and life in general, and I especially love having these conversations and sharing God’s love with youth.
Other than work, I currently spend a lot of time working towards my MDiv through the Immerse Program, and when I’m not working, doing school, or hanging out with Emily, you can find me playing music, playing goalie in ice hockey, or looking for my ball on the golf course.
Eric Vila
Hey! My name is Eric, and I’m the Youth Intern at Central Baptist Church. I live here in Victoria, BC with my beautiful wife, Sarah. I have been working at Central since 2018, and love working in youth ministry! I am passionate about nurturing, guiding, and raising up future leaders, both inside and outside of the church walls. Aside from work, I am pursuing my M.Div through the Immerse program. When I’m not busy with work or school, you can find me playing my guitars, hitting the road with my bike, or out on a hunt for good coffee!