If there’s one thing youth ministry and Netflix have in common, it’s the power of storytelling. From dystopian worlds to high school dramas, Netflix programs have mastered the art of capturing Gen Z’s attention with themes that resonate deeply with their lived experiences. And here's the question for youth pastors everywhere: How can we use these culturally relevant themes as bridges to connect with younger generations and deepen their understanding of the Gospel?
Youth leaders, you get it. Connecting with Gen Z isn’t as simple as going through a curriculum or hosting a pizza night anymore. To reach them, we need to understand their world, their passions, and the stories they’re listening to, including the ones they binge on weekends. Believe it or not, those favorite Netflix shows can spark the kind of meaningful conversations that transform lives.
The Impact of Stories in Netflix Hits
Netflix shows tell stories that address the raw realities of life. They explore themes of identity, relationships, belonging, and justice, drawing young viewers in with their relatability. Take a look at a few recurring themes we've spotted, and think about how they overlap with the conversations we're already trying to have in our youth ministries:
(1) Searching for Identity
Shows like Stranger Things grapple with characters figuring out who they are in worlds that don’t make sense. For Gen Z, who are navigating their own identities in a culture obsessed with labels (and likes), this hits home. Similarly, as we engage with urban youth, we find their contextual challenges often mirror these feelings of confusion and isolation. Using these examples can point to deeper discussions about identity in Christ.
Scripture Tie-In
Galatians 3:26 says, “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Helping teens see their worth in their identity as God's children offers a solution to the identity questions their favorite fictional characters wrestle with.
(2) Passion for Justice
Gen Z’s commitment to social justice is as intense as the drama in Wednesday or The Umbrella Academy. These shows emphasize fighting oppression and giving a voice to the voiceless. It’s no surprise this aligns with Gen Z’s heightened awareness of inequities and their desire to set things right.
Scripture Tie-In
Micah 6:8 challenges believers, saying, "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Youth ministry can lean into this passion for justice, rooting it in biblical principles rather than just fleeting cultural trends.
(3) Navigating Relationships
Whether it’s the friendships in Heartstopper or the betrayals in You, Netflix shows are packed with lessons about relationships. Young people connect with these stories because relationships are central to their daily lives—not just romantic ones but friendships, mentorships, and even family dynamics.
Scripture Tie-In
Jesus exemplified deep connection with relationships. Take John 15:13, which states, “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Use these shows to explore what sacrificial, Christlike relationships are and why they’re worth striving for.
How the Reframe Curriculum Engages Through Cultural Relevance
This is where Reframe shines. Our curriculum recognizes the cultural touchpoints that matter to Gen Z and builds bridges from those stories to the truth of the Gospel. Here's how it works:
(1) Culturally Relevant Discussions
Reframe bases itself on deep dives into youth culture. Conversations about mental health, sexuality, community, and justice are all tackled head-on because we know avoiding these topics isn’t an option. With Netflix as a shared reference point, youth pastors can connect those themes to profound Gospel truths in ways that feel authentic and engaging.
(2) Empowering Youth Pastors to Lead
Reframe equips leaders with tools to guide these discussions, whether it’s a playful icebreaker to start tough conversations or thought-provoking small group questions. Think about asking your youth, “What would the characters in Outer Banks do if they embraced biblical justice?” That’s a hook they won’t forget.
(3) Encouraging Holistic Well-Being
One of our curriculum’s key values is holistic discipleship. Reframe doesn't just address spiritual growth. It incorporates emotional, mental, and social well-being, aligning with Gen Z’s cry for spaces that feel safe and accepting.
Real-Life Example
Imagine leading a small group discussion where teens watch a clip from The Queen's Gambit and talk about the battles of failure and redemption it depicts. Pairing that with scriptures about God’s redemptive grace (like 2 Corinthians 5:17) can resonate with youth struggling to process their own failures.
Youth Ministry Takeaways from Netflix Stories
Netflix stories are providing blueprints for how to connect with Gen Z. They value authenticity and relatability, and this is where youth pastors can take notes. By meeting them where they are, in the stories they know, we can invite them into The Story that changes everything.
Practical Steps for Youth Leaders:
- Watch What They Watch
Understanding the shows they love gives you tools for culturally-relevant conversations. It shows them you care about their world enough to share it.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of preaching at them, ask questions like, “How would your favorite show change if faith was a key theme?”
- Point to Scripture in Their Context
Use Netflix storylines as modern-day parables to bridge their struggles with God’s promise. For example, compare the sense of longing in The Society to the hope found in Jesus’ return.
- Use Reframe Materials for Impactful Conversations
Make your life easier by using Reframe's resources to start these culturally relevant conversations. Reframe equips you with holistic tools including teaching guides, small group prompts, and even social media graphics to keep your ministry dynamic and meaningful.
Building Connection and Community
Ultimately, youth ministry is about fostering connections, not just between you and your students but between them, the Word, and each other. Netflix’s success lies in making viewers feel seen. What if the church could do the same, but tenfold, helping young people see themselves in God's story?
Final Thoughts
What if your next youth group lesson took a cue from something they'd watched the night before? What if your conversations about justice, identity, or relationships became occasions for turning hearts toward Jesus? Netflix shows might be fiction, but they’re filled with real, human emotions that bridge straight into the truths of the Gospel.
At Reframe, we’re here to help youth pastors like you connect more deeply with Gen Z. Through our biblically faithful and culturally relevant curriculum, youth leaders are equipped to lead powerful, life-changing conversations.
Call to Action
Don’t just hope for change. Be the change. Get started with Reframe’s curriculum today and invite Gen Z into a connection and transformation they’ll carry for a lifetime.