What Does It Look Like?

Spiritually hungry means that these students are aware that no earthly thing, possession, fame, status, or relationship can fill what was meant for God to fill. These students likely aren’t articulating it; they probably are not saying, “I am spiritually hungry.”

Because spiritual hunger often shows up in subtle, quiet ways. If you aren’t looking for it, you may just miss it entirely.

What Contributes to It?

There are two big things that contribute to this generation of students being hungry for something more…

Isolation and Anxiety:
The COVID pandemic, social media, and academic and familial pressures have left many students anxious and alone. They’re asking questions about meaning and worth. They are searching for identity and only find fulfillment when it is found in Christ.

Desire for Authenticity:
This generation values honesty and vulnerability. They’re not interested in shallow answers—they want real stories, real faith, and real struggle. They want second level relationships and they don’t have time to waste.

How Do We Fulfill the Need?

We feel like we should high five or pat ourselves on the back when we realize we are serving spiritually hungry students. Way to Go! But it can be a heavy responsibility to carry. If we don’t give them what they need, we can do damage.

Here are a few ways to walk with spiritually hungry students:

1. Listen First:
   Building meaningful relationships starts with listening. Make space for questions without judgment. Let students explore their doubts and hopes freely. Listen to their feelings, listen in search of their fears, and faith.
2. Model Spiritual Curiosity:
   You don’t need all the answers. Share your own spiritual journey—your questions, your practices, your growth. Most students won’t share what is going on in their lives unless you first are willing to share what’s going on in yours. Freely communicating your weaknesses provides a safe space for students to become vulnerable and transparent.
3. Create Safe Spaces to Ask Questions:
   To help students open up and share their stories of faith and doubt, we have to be intentional about the questions we ask.
4. Point to Application:
   If students are going to give you the time of day to read a passage of scripture or listen to a story about a teenager, you have to make sure there’s a point. Knowledge without action will never lead to transformation.
5. Accountability:
   Students want to know you care. Not just saying you care, but showing up and holding them accountable. They also likely won’t vocalize, “Will you hold me accountable to this?” But if they share some practical application point or say they are going to do something…step up and ask them:
   • “Can I keep you accountable to that?”
   • “Can I text you and make sure you follow through on that?”