In this episode of the Fuel for Life Podcast, I sit down with my nephew Solomon Gusenkov, who had literally turned 18 years old just two days before we recorded the conversation, for a candid discussion about faith, family, Gen Z, and the future.

Solomon shares what it was like growing up in a large family of nine, being homeschooled, and how those experiences shaped him. He also tells the story of his personal faith—how he came to know Christ, and why he has already chosen to participate in multiple mission trips at such a young age.

A major part of our conversation focuses on Gen Z. People talk constantly about this generation, but far fewer people actually sit down and listen to them. Solomon offers a firsthand perspective on what young people his age are thinking, feeling, fearing, and hoping for. We discuss why so many in Gen Z struggle with anxiety, pessimism about the future, depression, apathy, and a lack of motivation or excitement about life. Why do so many young adults seem hesitant about marriage, children, homeownership, and other milestones previous generations looked forward to? What makes the future feel so uncertain to them—and where can genuine hope be found?

We also talk specifically about the church and Christian leadership. Having experienced a variety of churches and listened to many pastors, Solomon shares what he believes pastors are doing well and where churches may have opportunities to better reach, teach, disciple, and understand Gen Z. Rather than treating Gen Z as a demographic or a collection of statistics, this conversation is an opportunity to hear directly from someone who is actually part of the generation.

Toward the end, we lighten things up with a rapid-fire round about coffee, music, how he spends his free time, what he would do in an ideal world, how he relaxes and recharges, and the specific goals and dreams he hopes to pursue in 2026 and 2027.

At its core, this episode is about listening to the next generation rather than simply talking about them—understanding their anxieties, their questions, their relationship with faith, and what parents, pastors, and Christian leaders can learn if we are willing to hear them.

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To get in touch with Forward Church or to request Pastor Bogdan Kipko to speak at your church or event, please send an email to: admin@forward.fm

00:00 Meet the 18-Year-Old Gen Z Christian
03:58 What Is It Really Like Being Homeschooled?
06:40 How Did His Faith Become Personal at 11?
10:45 Why Is an 18-Year-Old Going on Mission Trips?
12:25 Sharing the Gospel With Ukrainian Refugee Orphans
13:45 How Missions Changed His Faith
16:10 The Disconnect Between Pastors And Gen Z
21:00 What Are Pastors Doing Well To Reach Gen Z?
22:41 What Are Pastors Getting Wrong About Gen Z?
24:30 What Does Gen Z Actually Want From the Church?
27:00 What Are Pastors Getting Wrong About Gen Z?
31:30 Why Isn’t the Church Talking About Anxiety & Depression?
32:45 Why Is Gen Z So Anxious About the Future?
34:11 Why Is Gen Z Rejecting Social Media?
37:50 How Can Gen Z Find Purpose & Hope?

Follow Pastor Kipko on Instagram: www.instagram.com/kipko

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• To get in touch with Forward Church or to request Pastor Bogdan Kipko to speak at your church or event, please send an email to: admin@forward.fm 

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