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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Reverend Hannah VanMeter, serving as both the Ohio State University campus pastor and a pastor at Short North Church, reports a resurgence of faith among Gen Z students, aged 13 to 28, at the university. Contrary to trends showing young people turning away from religion, VanMeter observes a renewed interest in faith as a source of belonging and hope.

“This generation has experienced so much unrest — political, social, and through the pandemic,” VanMeter said. “They’re striving for community and authenticity. And a religious community can be a great place to find that.”

Her ministry, SNC at OSU, stands out as one of the few full-time, on-campus United Methodist ministries at Ohio State, noted for its inclusivity and affirming nature. VanMeter and her team engage with students weekly on the Oval, offering donuts, conversation, and compassion. “Who doesn’t love a free donut?” she said with a laugh. “But really, it’s about reminding students they matter.”

VanMeter emphasizes that faith begins with belonging. “We tell students they don’t have to have it all figured out to walk through our doors,” she said.

“They want honesty, they want truth, and they want to be seen for who they are.”

Her approach has attracted a diverse group of students, including those who grew up in church, those who left organized religion, and many experiencing faith for the first time. “Some have been hurt by the church,” she said. “When they realize faith can be welcoming and safe, it’s life-changing.”

Students are also exploring deeper questions about spirituality and the world. “They want to know why things happen — why there’s war, injustice, and pain,” VanMeter said. “They’re not satisfied with easy answers. They want conversation, not condemnation.”

VanMeter believes that open dialogue strengthens faith.

“We talk about the hard stuff,” she said. “We explore the questions together. Faith and doubt can coexist.”

Mental health is a significant aspect of her ministry’s message. “Jesus modeled rest and care — he prayed alone, took naps, and encouraged his disciples to do the same,” she said. “You can love Jesus and go to therapy. You can pray and take your medication. Both things can be true.”

Inclusivity is crucial to VanMeter’s ministry. “If you’re LGBTQ+, from another background, or just figuring out who you are — you belong here,” she said. “We want every student to know they are a beloved child of God.”

Despite the noise of social media, VanMeter sees hope. “There’s a lot of noise online, but also a lot of people using those platforms to rediscover faith,” she said. “For some, it’s like falling in love with it again.”

VanMeter is inspired by the changes she observes at Ohio State. “Gen Z is stabilizing the decline in religion,” she said. “They’re not going back to how things were — they’re building something new. They care deeply about inclusion, truth, and love. That gives me so much hope.”