The RECONSTRUCTING THE CHURCH'S MISSION PARADIGM FOR GENERATION Z AMID DIGITAL CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

A Missiological Study

Abstrak

Digital cultural transformation has significantly reshaped the ways Generation Z constructs identity, communicates, develops relationships, and experiences spirituality. These changes present new challenges for the church in carrying out its mission within an increasingly digital society. This article aims to reconstruct the church's missionary paradigm for Generation Z from the perspective of missional theology, grounded in the concept of Missio Dei. This study employs a qualitative research method using a library research approach by critically analyzing and synthesizing relevant literature on missional theology, digital culture, and the characteristics of Generation Z. The findings reveal that the primary challenge facing the church is not merely the limited use of digital technology, but the persistence of mission paradigms that remain program-oriented, institution-centered, and dominated by one-way communication, which are increasingly incompatible with the characteristics of digital culture. Drawing upon the theological framework of Missio Dei, this article proposes a reconstructed missionary paradigm that is incarnational, relational, dialogical, participatory, community-oriented, and capable of embodying the church's authentic presence across both physical and digital spaces. This reconstruction affirms that digital technology functions as a means of mission rather than its ultimate purpose, while the essence of mission remains the church's participation in God's redemptive work. Consequently, the church is called to proclaim the Gospel in ways that are contextual, transformative, and relevant to the lived realities of Generation Z within the ongoing transformation of digital culture.