It started with a hard “yes” in the middle of doubt—and turned into something no one expected.
In this episode of Gen Z Unplugged, we sit down with Abigail DeJarnatt and Allie Paris of Counteract USA to unpack the unexpected story behind a movement that’s reaching young people across the country. What started with one reluctant “yes” quickly turned into something much bigger—answering a question so many are afraid to ask: why is Gen Z walking away from faith?
From losing friends to deconstruction, to wrestling with calling, identity, and purpose, this conversation dives into the real tension young Christians are facing today. But it doesn’t stop there—this is also about rebuilding: forming bold community, speaking truth with courage, and living out faith when it actually costs something.
If you’ve ever felt alone in what you believe—or unsure how to stand firm in today’s culture—this episode is for you.
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Abigail founded Counteract USA in June 2021 in Northwest Arkansas after watching her peers in Gen Z struggle with hopelessness and the deconstruction of their faith. Though once in pursuit of a career as a professional choreographer, God changed the calling on Abigail’s life and ignited a passion within her to equip her generation of Christians to stand upon the truth of the Word of God and counteract the narratives of our culture with the hope of the gospel of Jesus.
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Allie joined Counteract USA in 2021, quickly realizing that taking Counteract USA from an idea to an organization was exactly what God was calling her to–what stood out to her about Counteract USA is that the gospel was the “why” behind every meeting and conversation. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Allie continues to make it “happen,” serving Counteract USA tirelessly to reach her generation for Christ.
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1:16 — Welcome + Meet Counteract USA
2:11 — The Moment Everything Changed: Friends Leaving the Faith
3:34 — Why Cultural Issues Are Actually Spiritual Battles
4:16 — Discovering the Answers Were Always in Scripture
5:21 — Running from the Calling (and Why It Didn’t Work)
6:36 — Surrendering the Plan: Career, Relationship, Everything
7:44 — Starting Over—and Finding Unexpected Peace
9:14 — “You’re the Only One”: The Isolation of Gen Z Christians
10:14 — From Conversations to Community
11:16 — When the Movement Became Bigger Than Expected
Learn more about Counteract USA here: https://counteractusa.org/
GenZ Unplugged is the official podcast for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Rotating hosts are Lauren Husmann, Catherine Hendershott, Rachel Hurley, and Hannah Faulkner. Producer is Sandra Scarlatoiu.
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