My children are part of the group known as Generation X (1965 – 1980). While no individual in this age group fits fully into the stereotypes, it can be helpful to know some of the things they often share. They are a much more diverse group than the Baby Boomers. Having watched their parents work hard & long, they often were left on their own. At times, they have been called the “latch key” generation. Perhaps because of that, they have worked hard at a better balance between job & family. As a group, they tend to value diversity & accept change more readily than the previous generation. They are comfortable with technology. As the Baby Boomers begin to retire, Gen Xers are moving more & more into leadership positions. They may find the overpowering size & power of the Baby Boomers to be a source of irritation & a block to advancement. They are often better educated than the preceding generation. They grew up in the context of the Cold War, Watergate, AIDS, financial disasters, wars in Bosnia, Afghanistan, & Iraq. They are familiar with job changes, layoffs, restructuring, outsourcing, etc., & have been forced to be adaptable. Sometimes, they have been called the “sandwich” generation caught between the Baby Boomers & and the Millennials, two generations which largely do not understand each other. Often they find themselves interpreting each group to the other. They are, as a whole, creative, & able to receive input while retaining independent thinking & action. You may know Gen Xers who don’t fit any of these patterns, but many of their peers do. In general, they are less active in church than previous generations, seeing religion more privately. Perhaps the question for us is, “How can we help them see the church as a resource for good in the world around them & for the family life they value?”