ll tell you what I dont understand, my retired neighbor said, his voice low and barely audible. Young people. Their value system is...well, I dont know what it is. Going to church certainly doesnt seem to be a priority.

I was standing on the edge of my driveway, having just arrived home from Sunday morning service. My after-church visit with him had been a tradition since Id moved to Ottawa 10 years ago, but Id never seen Ben so discouraged, even after a low turnout like the one wed had this morning at church.

I just dont know, Steve. Maybe its our fault. Maybe my generation let you down.

The comment surprised me so much that I didnt know what to say. I began to stammer a reply, but he put his hand up.

Im sorry, Steve, but I think Ill pass on our coffee. I dont know why Im so discouraged today, but Im feeling a burden to pray about it. Next week, though.

I sighed with frustration. It wasnt that simple. For the 55 million North Americans born between 1965 and 1978 (ages 26-39), only 15 percent of this generation formerly known as X (see sidebar) consider themselves Christians. But beyond the stereotypes lay some obscure truths. If Christians  could  just  tap  into  the nerve center of my generation, they would see a group of spiritual seekers tired of moral relativism and hungry for a personal relationship with God.

When Douglas Couplands book Generation X came out in 1991, he provided more than a label for the emerging group. Businesses and market groups, led by the Baby Boomers, responded with snobbish indignation. A Washington Post headline was indicative of this attitude: THE BORING TWENTIES: GROW UP, CRYBABIES.   

By the mid-nineties, the pendulum had swung. A 1997 Time magazine article labeled us this way: Slackers? Hardly. The so-called Generation X turns out to be full of go-getters who are doing itbut their way.

Both sides missed the point, however, and traditional organizations suffered a drastic decline in attendance. Churches. Political parties. Community groups. If this generation was the first pluggedin generation to the world of technology, it was also the first to unplug itself from the institutions that defined our culture throughout most of the 20th century.

The important question for on mission Christians then becomes obvious. How can we reach such a cynical generation?

The answer is surprisingly simple. Most of what youve heard about my generation is wrong. Heres a list of misperceptions about us, the truth behind the stereotype and the proper response for on mission Christians.

Myth 1. We are not interested in religion.
Truth: We arent interested in religion, but we are interested in spiritual things. Most Gen Xers are seekers, but the majority grew up without ever attending a church service. I cant tell you how many times Ive heard a fellow Gen Xer say, Well, I believe in God, but I dont believe in organized religion.

Response: Talk with Xers about your relationship with Jesus, and emphasize that Christianity is not about rules but a loving relationship with Him.

Myth 2. We are too me oriented.
Truth: We hate labels. The last thing I want is to be part of your target market. Xers recognize people for their uniqueness, but were slower to trust than previous generations. When I was in elementary school, most of my friends lived in a typical nuclear family. By the time I went to college the divorce rate had exploded, and many of us were forced to rely on ourselves.

Response: God is the first one to recognize our uniqueness (Psalm 139). Emphasize that He has a special plan for each of our lives, and never underestimate the need for a Fathers love, an aspect of our relationship with God that is especially poignant to those of my generation.

Myth 3. We are too cynical.
Truth: We are, but with good reason. I still remember hearing about Iran-Contra, Jimmy Swaggart and other scandals surrounding my youth. The media began to change in the early 80s with the addition of cable and the increasing tendency toward sensationalism in the news. Without the protection of a nuclear family, and with the push for both parents to be working, we were often left alone. Its sad, but the true nurturer of my generation was too often the popular media, and the one thing we learned from them was dont trust anyone.

Response: An on mission Christian who lives out his or her faith, who truly walks the walk, will make a huge impact on any Xer. Integrity is vital to us, since most Xers believe that the church is full of hypocrites. Show us that youre real, even with your flaws, and you will find us not only receptive but eager to learn about Christ.

Here are a few more tips for on mission Christians to keep in mind when ministering to Generation X.

Gen Xers are relational. Invite them out with a few of your Christian friends or to a small Bible study first. I belong to a church plant that ministers almost exclusively to my generation. Being a relatively small group (70) helps, but there is a consistent effort to integrate our lives with each other outside the building. If Xers feel like youre trying to win them for the Lord, theyll walk away.

Xers are practical. A fix-it generation, were like a middle child. Dont tell me about your faith, show me how it affects your life. For churches, Xers who have toddlers expect there to be a nursery and resources for their children. 

Xers are interested in living now. More than 60 percent of my generation carry personal debt. We arent interested in heaven if we have to experience hell now. Focus on the day-to-day joys of living for Christ, and you will pique our interest.

Xers love music. Exciting, upbeat worship is a natural draw for us. A great draw to any Xer is a Christian concert. If the music program in your church is lacking, dont be afraid to update the music. If necessary, offer another, contemporary service.

Above all, be real. Xers dont have a problem with flawed individuals, but they cant stomach self-righteousness. There is a deep- seated guilt in my generation. We are deathly afraid that once people find out what were really like, theyll reject us. Make every effort to reassure Xers that they are loved, faults and all.

For the majority of Generation X, the thought of attending church remains an impractical waste of time, and evangelizing such a group may at first seem a little like climbing Mount Everest. Truly though, its not. My generation is spiritually starving, and the rise of interest in the New Age and the Occult is indicative of that. On mission Christians who understand this have a wonderful opportunity. Dont give up on us, and trust that God will give you wisdom as you reach out. Jesus has already done the hard part. All Christians have to do is follow through.

Steve Burns is a writer living in Ottawa, Ontario.