Young people are anxious. In fact, those age 28 and under are roughly two and half times more likely to be dealing with anxiety or depression than those of the same age just 15 years ago.[i]

The rising generations, Gen Z (~1997-2012) and Gen Alpha (~2012-2024), were shaped in their formative years by new technologies – the smart phone, social media, and unlimited (and often unrestricted) internet access. These technologies have had unforeseen effects, and they have created a generation of people who are anxious, disconnected, and exhausted. Thus, these two generations have together been dubbed “the Anxious Generation.”

The Anxious Generation Goes to Church was written to address these issues and examine how we, as the church, must respond. The message of the gospel never changes. However, as each generation changes, the methods by which we share the gospel may change (1 Cor. 9:19-23). This book helps us understand some of the best ways to proclaim Christ to the Anxious Generation.

Ratings

Ease of read: 9/10

Dr. Rainer writes simply and clearly. His chapters are short (15 pages, more or less), and the book itself is a very manageable length (~170 pages). Dr. Rainer’s brevity makes reading his book in short stints over the span of a few weeks a very easy task.

Content: 9/10

The information in this book is accurate, and Dr. Rainer generally points his readers solid biblical application. Because there are places in the book with several charts and graphs, it is probably best to obtain a physical copy of the book if you plan to read it.

At times, Dr. Rainer seems somewhat repetitive. However, his repetition purposefully reminds us of the facts on which he bases the call to reach the Anxious Generation.

Use of Scripture: 7/10

This is one area where Dr. Rainer could have been better. There are several times where he draws his reader to specific biblical principles, but stops short of plainly reminding them of the need to share the gospel.

However, his very last sentence makes it clear: “True victory takes place not only when the Anxious Generation goes to church, but also when the Anxious Generation comes to Christ.”[ii] It would have been better if Dr. Rainer had drawn us to this conclusion much earlier in the book.

Value: 10/10

Very few books are as relevant as this one. First published in August of 2025, the statistics and surveys were only about a year old at the time of its writing. Plus, these statistics tell us not only about the next generation of Americans, but about the next generation of the church. If we do not learn to reach them now, we endanger the future health of American churches.

Overall Recommendation: 10/10

This is a book that any American Christian ought to read. If you want to learn to share the gospel more effectively in our present culture, this book is a great tool to get you started.

Key Takeaways

1. Most young people are not antagonistic towards church.

Though there is increasing animosity towards certain beliefs that conservative Christians hold to, the Anxious Generation is generally indifferent towards the church itself. As Dr. Rainer says, “they like the idea of the church as moral beacon, with the potential to do good, yet they remain unconvinced that church is something for them.”[iii] The Anxious Generation’s spiritual curiosity is an opportunity to share the hope of Christ.

2. The Anxious Generation needs to be brought to church, not just invited.

The Anxious Generation values community. While many people will come to church if invited by a friend, Rainer’s research revealed that “the likelihood increases if someone will attend church with them.”[iv] When you invite someone of the Anxious Generation to church, offer to give them a ride. Introduce them to your friends and include them in your circle. Invite them to experience the community, not just the “religion.”

3. The Anxious Generation needs personal conversations about the gospel, not just community and preaching.

Dr. Rainer completes his book with a true story of a young man named Benjamin who was led to the Lord by a personal friend named Darren. Without spoiling it too much, this story was deeply moving. But it also revealed something important about the Anxious Generation. Ultimately, they need two things: 1) a friend to be an example of a life transformed by Christ, and 2) for that friend to share with them the truth of the gospel. And so, in Dr. Rainer’s words, “invite your one.”[v]