The pioneers in generational theory and study was Bill Strauss and Neal Howe in the late 1980's/early 90's. Their book on Gen X is the standard in the field. Though much of their data came from a population of college educated white core.  Which underrepresented ethnic/immigrant  impact on the culture and faith identities. Yes, the mainline church has much to reflect upon in its lost generations. As retired military I still encounter ex-Presbyterians in their 60's/70's, Vietnam war vets,  who never forgave the church for turning its back on them and the embrace of Jane Fonda and Angela Davis in that era .  As the current PCUSA continues to do so with our Afgan and Iraq vets whom the church has little to say and little to offer.  The average age of people i served in Iraq as 19, and the established church had very little to offer in the way of ministry or hope,
     
    It is not so much people born between XXX and XXX are some monolithic group with broad group- think attitudes and ideas about faith, God, Christ, but all seek meaning and purpose for their lives, they seek faith and a spirituality that connects them to a Savior and others in community. That is irrespective age of age or demographic group.  Two suggestion to the church. Quit talking about Sex and whom is more blessed or saved than others, you do not know what you are talking about, and no one outside your echo-chamber is listening.  Two, quit talking about GAs, synods, presbyteries, boards, study  groups,  who gets power, who has it, and who wants it. Again no one outside the dysfunctional family cares about your internal issues. Do something for the Lord, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, then you can pontificate on ethics and morals all you want. And maybe some will listen.

P.W. Gregory

chalfont, pa