In this special 9-week series, listeners will hear from three different groups—GenX paired with Millennials, Gen Z, and Boomers with a mix of the Silent Generation. Their conversations cover a variety of topics including technology, unity in the Church, racism, and parenting. Grouped by similar ages, these 12 individuals share their unique views, opinions, and convictions based on their generational upbringing and views of the world. Ranging from ages 16 to 81, we’re covering 5 different generations with 16 different guests.
In this episode, our Generation Z group discusses polarity in the church, optimism (or lack of) for unity, whether society is less racist today compared to generations before, whether they consider themselves patriotic, and if they see the USA as a Christian nation.
Brandon Allon
Brandon Allon has been a photographer for seven years, four of which have been with Seacoast. A third-generation photographer, he has also traveled to five countries outside the United States. Before photography, Brandon spent ten years in music — an experience that took him all the way to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Outside of his creative pursuits, he enjoys running and table tennis.
Laela Griffin
Laela Griffin is a recent high school graduate living in a small mountain town in North Carolina. She loves the outdoors, serving others, and traveling, and plans to attend Appalachian State University next year to major in Business. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Laela is so passionate about root beer that she once crashed her car over it.
Hayes Herlong
Hayes Herlong is a 24-year-old from Charleston with a love for Jesus, surfing, adventure, and her one-eyed cat. She is currently pursuing ministry through the Residency Program at Seacoast Church, where she serves in youth ministry and is passionate about helping middle and high school students know Jesus and grow in their faith — a community she has called home for many years.
Hayes also has a deep heart for global missions, having served internationally in Haiti, Togo, and Zambia, as well as stateside in Orlando and New York City. She loves learning about new cultures, meeting new people, and stepping into experiences that stretch her faith. That adventurous spirit once led her to jump and swing off the 420-foot bridge at Victoria Falls. Whether serving students, traveling the world, or trying something completely new, Hayes hopes her love for the Lord, people, and adventure will continue leading her to places where she can share the Gospel — and maybe keep her mom just a little nervous along the way.
Abel Walters
Abel Walters is an 18-year-old rising senior at Palmetto Christian Academy and a recent graduate of 412 Leadership at Seacoast, where he now serves primarily on the prayer team and the teaching team in Custom. He has a passion for mission and ministry that he feels God has placed on his heart. Abel has played basketball all four years of high school, including travel ball, and also loves golf. His music taste skews older than his years — something his younger brothers don't quite understand yet.
Abel is the oldest of four boys and the third of seven children overall. He's a big-time movie lover who will happily spend hours making the case for why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came remarkably close to being one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. He also loves to travel and surf, and is likely the family member most enthusiastic about an impromptu trip — even when the rest of the family finds it slightly miserable.
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Producer/Editor/host: Joey Svendsen
Sound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver
