In episode 478 of the Church Solutions Podcast, Phil Thompson is joined by Britney Coulson, a licensed associate counselor and Director of Content at TrueFace, for an insightful conversation about how church leaders can better understand and minister to today’s young adults. You can watch the Church Solutions Podcast here.
While co-host Steve Lacy enjoys some well-earned time off with family, Phil dives into an inspiring discussion that blends mental health, faith, and practical steps churches can take to truly engage the next generation.
From Tigers to Trauma: Britney’s Unconventional Path to Counseling
Britney didn’t begin her career in ministry or counseling. In fact, she started as a zookeeper working with cheetahs, tigers, elephants, and even Mongolian horses. Her academic journey took her into conservation science (not conversation science, as Phil initially joked), where she earned her master’s degree and worked on research projects around the globe.
But during a transition period with TrueFace—a nonprofit focused on helping people build authentic relationships with God and others—Britney took time to reflect deeply on what truly brought her life and fulfillment. The answer wasn’t fieldwork. It was one-on-one relationships, mentorship, and counseling. Now, she splits her time between TrueFace and private counseling, specializing in trauma work.
Why Young Adults Feel So Disconnected—And What Churches Can Do
Much of the episode focuses on the growing disconnect between church leaders and young adults. Britney confirms that yes, this is a very real issue—and one that’s not entirely new. But with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the disconnect can feel deeper because these generations have a heightened sensitivity to inauthenticity.
“They don’t want a cleaned-up sermon. They want your real story. They want honesty, vulnerability, and to know that they’re not alone,” Britney explained.
Too often, leaders try to teach or guide young people without first earning their trust. “Teaching without relationship falls on deaf ears,” Britney said. “We need to be with them—not just teach at them.”
So What Can Leaders Do?
Britney offered these simple but powerful suggestions for pastors and church leaders:
- Invest Time, Not Just Programming: Skip the polished programs and get personal. Invite young people over for dinner. Have coffee with them. Learn their names and stories.
- Be Vulnerable: Share your struggles—especially the messy ones. Talk about past failures and doubts. Real conversations build trust.
- Train Mentors: Church leaders can’t do it all. Identify trustworthy adults in your congregation who can walk alongside young people in meaningful, consistent ways.
- Use Great Resources… After Trust is Built: Britney recommended books like The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and The Path by TrueFace, which is specifically designed to guide Gen Z in exploring faith, identity, and purpose. But she emphasized that these tools only work when they’re grounded in relationship.
Why Adulting Feels So Hard for Today’s Young People
Britney also shared some psychological insight into why so many young adults feel overwhelmed today. Beyond economic stressors like inflation and lack of benefits, there’s the reality of overexposure. Thanks to social media, young people are constantly bombarded with global tragedies, social comparison, and the curated lives of others.
“Imagine not being invited to a sleepover—and then watching it unfold on Snapchat and TikTok,” she said. “It’s constant, in-your-face rejection and comparison.”
The Bottom Line: Show Up and Be Real
The heart of Britney’s message is clear: Young adults don’t need perfection from church leaders. They need presence. They don’t need all the answers. They need authenticity.
“You don’t have to be a therapist to make an impact,” she said. “Just be there. Be with them. And be yourself.”
Connect with Britney and TrueFace
- Website: TrueFace.org
- Instagram: @truefacelife
- Facebook: TrueFace Community
- Email Britney: brittany@trueface.org (Arizona residents only for counseling)
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