In this episode, Father Lorenzo and Anto discuss the characteristics and needs of Generation Z and the emerging Generation Alpha. They explore the age range and defining events of Gen Z, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. They highlight the importance of community for Gen Z and the opportunity for the church to provide a third space where young people can find belonging. They also discuss the challenges of the church's toxic brand and the need to reframe the church's image as a community-centered and relevant institution. Finally, they touch on the potential of mysticism and experiential spirituality to engage young people.
Antonin Ficatier has a portfolio career at the crossroad of entrepreneurship, youth culture, and academic work. He co-founded Chinese Institute, today one of France's leading training centers dedicated to teaching Chinese. Anto went to Business School in France, studied Economics in China, and completed a Master's Degree in Christian Education at Princeton Seminary. He worked for 6 years with youth and young adults in Hong Kong and England, before joining YPulse (the world’s best youth intelligence company) as the Director for Western Europe in 2022. His hope is to one day finish his Ph.D. in experimental theology that he started a while back at the University of Birmingham (UK). Originally from France, Anto lives in south London with his wife Jess and their baby Leo.