How to Reach and Serve Gen Z

Stepping Into the Author World

Brenda's first book I Wish I Could Take Away Your Pain, was published two years ago and is a gift book for navigating or supporting someone through pain.

Her newest release, Trust Issues with God, is a four-week Bible study, has been a labor of love shaped by the rich intergenerational wisdom within her church community. The in-depth study delves into deep questions of faith and trust, especially when life feels unfair, or when prayers seem unanswered.

Both books are self-published, a path Brenda has chosen intentionally.

The Importance of Sharing Your God-Given Message

Marketing can often feel daunting, even for the most passionate authors. Brenda’s approach to marketing is refreshingly simple but deeply resonant.

“You just gotta get out there and share” she encouraged. It’s not about being salesy but about sharing the messages that God has put on your heart.

I know it's easy for us to get wrapped up in our brains that marketing is this weird, icky thing, but really, it’s about simply sharing how you can help people.

Encouragement Through Faith

When asked about providing encouragement to those struggling, Brenda says “the word of God is our strength. Pain is the beginning of something beautiful. Healing doesn’t happen without pain.”

Brenda's words serve as a gentle reminder that our trials are temporary and part of a greater journey toward healing and growth.

Larger Story Church: A Pandemic-Era Innovation

One of the most intriguing parts of Brenda’s journey is the establishment of the Larger Story Church during the pandemic. “I’ve been a youth pastor my entire adult life,” she said, relaying her initial hesitation when parents urged her to start a church amidst a global crisis.

Despite her reservations, Brenda and her husband, a worship leader, embraced the challenge. They began meeting on Zoom and eventually transitioned to a hybrid setup. “Now we’re a real church,” she proudly noted, with a unique format that fosters intergenerational conversations.

Connecting Through Conversation

Brenda’s church thrives on conversation, a model she intentionally designed. “Teens love it,” she shared. These conversations provide a platform for sharing wisdom across generations, breaking down barriers, and enriching everyone’s faith journey. 

Her youth ministry experience highlighted that behavior modification isn’t the goal. “Just teach clear Bible,” she asserted. Teaching the Bible well allows the Holy Spirit to work within their hearts, making lasting impacts far beyond temporary behavioral changes.

Embracing the Future of Ministry and Writing

Brenda offers insightful advice to writers aiming to connect with the younger generation. Gen Z, she pointed out, values intergenerational wisdom and clear biblical teachings over isolated youth activities or behavior-centric programs.

Finally, Brenda shared her positive experiences with PodMatch, a platform that connects podcast hosts and guests. For her, it’s been a valuable tool to share her story, reach new audiences, and explore diverse conversations about faith, writing, and life.

I'm so thankful for God connecting me to Brenda and hope you are blessed by our conversation. 💛