Barry Meguiar urges students to view back-to-school season as a defining opportunity to share their faith

PHOENIX — As students prepare to return to classrooms, Founder and President of IgniteAmerica, Barry Meguiar, is encouraging Gen Z Christians to view the back-to-school season as a defining opportunity to establish their identity in Christ and engage in meaningful conversations about faith.

A recent LifeWay research study highlighted that Gen Z churchgoers attend worship services more frequently than any other generation. The study also found that two-thirds intentionally build friendships with non-Christians in order to share their faith, reflecting a growing desire among young believers to engage others with the Gospel.

For many students, the opening weeks of school shape friendships, routines and personal priorities for the year. Meguiar said those early interactions also create opportunities to demonstrate Christian character and speak openly about faith.

IgniteAmerica points to See You at the Pole on Sept. 23 as a national student-led prayer event that encourages young people to gather around school flagpoles before classes begin. The annual event highlights student leadership in prayer and often sparks broader conversations about faith and spiritual encouragement on campuses.

The ministry also equips students through Ignite NextGen, an online initiative designed to help Gen Z Christians confidently share their faith through social media. Its free digital resource, “From Scroll to Soul,” offers practical guidance for navigating online culture and moving from passive scrolling to intentional faith conversations.

Students can access “From Scroll to Soul” here: https://igniteamerica.com/nextgen/.

“Back-to-school is more than a change in schedules. It is a fresh opportunity for students to influence their generation with hope, courage and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. When young believers understand that their everyday conversations matter, they can become powerful witnesses both in the classroom and online,” said Meguiar.

According to the ministry, many Gen Z Christians want to share their beliefs but worry about appearing awkward or insincere online. “From Scroll to Soul” addresses those concerns by encouraging authentic, relationship-centered conversations rather than performative posts.

“Students today have extraordinary influence through friendships and digital platforms. We want to help them use that influence with confidence, authenticity and biblical truth so their generation encounters the hope found in Christ,” Meguiar said.

As another academic year begins, IgniteAmerica encourages parents, churches and youth leaders to equip students with practical resources that strengthen their faith and prepare them to engage classmates with compassion and conviction.

IgniteAmerica is a national movement founded by Barry Meguiar dedicated to equipping Christians to share their faith and spark revival across the United States. Through resources, community connections and practical tools, IgniteAmerica seeks to move everyone, every day, closer to Jesus.​ Find out more at https://igniteamerica.com/.

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