Generation X-The First Truly Postmodern Generation
GenXers are those born between 1965 and 1981. They are also often referred to as Baby Busters. There are 38 million GenXers in America, and they are marked by the following items:
Over 50% come from broken homes.
Their median income declined by 11% in the 80's, while for all other age groups it rose by 6.5%.
58% of Gen Xers still live with their parents.
They are twice as likely to drink "to get drunk", and three times as likely to commit suicide as the Boomer generation.
They are personified in the pop singer Madonna, ever changing and ungrounded, sensation with substance.
They are searching for authenticity. They prefer honesty over politeness. They are more drawn to honest failure than trumped up success.
Their ideals and concerns are demonstrated in the novels of Douglas Coupland.
They desire strong relationships. They are longing for the close family they never had. Their TV show is not "Father Knows Best", it is "Friends."
81% of them don't believe in absolute truth.
"The Church and Generation X"
Members of Generation X usually will not come to the church in the traditional steps associated with the Boomer and Builder generations. For GenXers, the conversion process will bring them into community before they come to Christ
The Postmodern Conversion Process
Discontentment with life
Confusion over meaning
Contact with Christians
Conversion to Community
Commitment to Christ
Commitment to the Ministry of Reconciliation