Often quoted to be the loneliest generation, Gen Z tends to struggle with relationships. This world lies about the value of biblical marriage and of relationships with those in different life stages, and it can become difficult to figure out the truth. The young writers who entered our essay contest know this all too well. They wrote about these truths in essays that discussed God’s gift of work, his purposes for marriage and sexuality, and his good plans for intergenerational relationships.

Over the past month, nearly 100 young writers submitted original essays, and the editorial team reviewed them. They wrote about the men and women in their churches who had ministered to them, how they found joy in the Lord even in everyday work, and how God’s Word framed their worldview on marriage and sexuality.

Thoughtful Writers

The Gospel Coalition received essays from 81 young writers:

• They ranged in age from 16 to 22. Many were high school students; others were college students or just starting their adult lives.
• A little over half of this year’s writers were female, and just under half were male, unlike previous years.
• They’re members of local churches—Presbyterians, Baptists, and Anglicans predominated, with many nondenominational churches also represented.
• There were submissions from across the U.S. as well as from South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Malaysia.

Many writers expressed the joy they’d found in pursuing godly work even in a mundane job where complaining would have been easy. Others wrote passionately about the older and younger members of the church they’d formed relationships with, detailing the sweet conversations over cups of coffee and meals in homes. Some writers dissected the difficult topic of sexuality and marriage in the Bible and expressed their gratitude for its clarity.

The most selected prompt was “The Overlooked Ministry of Intergenerational Relationships,” with almost half the submissions covering this topic. We were encouraged by the prevalence of solid friendships that go beyond age and paint a picture of church unity.

We pray your hearts will be warmed and your souls edified as you read these essays (and TGC will be publishing more of them over the coming months).

Three Winners

Among the essays, three pieces stood out as well crafted, thoughtful, and engaging. Our editorial team was clear about which winners to select, and we’re delighted to publish them on the site for you to read.

First Place: “Find Joy in the Dish Room” by Garrett Fish

Garrett’s essay showcased the joy that can be found in the often overlooked work of washing dishes. He made a clear argument for service among the least of these who are no less honorable in God’s kingdom. Readers struggling to view their day-to-day tasks in a positive light will appreciate his exhortation to apply a theology of work to any job. His writing urges the church to remember those the world forgets and to pursue a servant heart.

Second Place: “My Best Friend Is a Church Grandma” by Charis Cooper

In her essay on intergenerational relationships, Charis details the hard but beautiful friendships her church fosters. As Gen Z searches for meaningful relationships, perhaps the solution isn’t found within one generation. “We’re all going to be shaped by somebody,” Charis writes, and then she explains why she’s so grateful that somebody is the older woman from her church who mentors her despite how easy it would have been to leave her to peer friendships.

Third Place: “How to Wash Windows for God’s Glory” by Evan Georgia

Using his experience washing windows in Chicago, Evan points to the ultimate joy found in work when it’s done to please the Lord. Looking to Christ’s example of humility and service led Evan to understand that his heart posture of obedience was what mattered to the Lord. He urges readers not to pursue a worldly ideal of work. Instead, they should focus on what pleases the Lord, whether that’s a part-time gig washing windows, 30 years of carpentry, or a life of ministry.