What does it really take to understand, mentor, and disciple young adults today? In this episode of the No Regrets Leadership Podcast, Albo Esilaba sits down with Dr. Steve Argue, associate professor of Youth, Family, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, for a practical conversation about emerging adulthood, Gen Z, faith, mentoring, and intergenerational ministry. Steve challenges leaders to move beyond generational stereotypes and behavior modification and instead become curious about the stories, pressures, and transitions shaping young adults today. He explains why simply having lived through your own 20s does not mean you fully understand what young adults experience today. Rapid changes in technology, culture, work, relationships, education, and faith mean that today's emerging adults are navigating a very different environment. The conversation explores how churches and leaders can create genuine belonging, give young adults meaningful agency, adapt ministry expectations to more fluid lives, and develop relationships built on trust rather than assumptions. Steve also introduces ideas from his upcoming book, Own Your Twenties, which draws from research with emerging adults across the United States. He explains how young adults often navigate significant transitions involving identity, relationships, responsibility, self-care, faith, and their sense of purpose. Many young adults feel as though they are falling behind. Steve offers another possibility: what if they are not behind at all, but are learning how to navigate a new stage of life—and their lives are actually right on time? For parents, pastors, mentors, ministry leaders, employers, and anyone who cares about the next generation, this episode provides practical encouragement for building stronger relationships with young adults. The challenge for every leader is simple but important: How can we show up where young adults need us the most?
