(Gen X = 51 million Americans born between 1965 and 1976. Gen Y = 75 million born 1977-1998, or almost as many as the 76 million Baby Boomers born 1946-1964.)
Gen XY, then, would be those aged 11 to 44. Young adult ministries usually focus on 20-30 or 20-40 year-olds.
I am finding generational labels less and less useful, especially when I realize her descriptions of each generation made Gen X and Gen Y sound basically alike, except for age. In fact, many of her descriptors sounded on target for Boomers, as well, such as diverse, rebellious, lacking regard for institutions, multi-taskers and technophiles.
Changing reality has touched us all. Even if we didn’t grow up with computers and iPods in the cradle, the vast majority of us rely on them now. The flaws of inherited institutions are turning many toward self-definition. And if we have our eyes open, we have all had to deal with diversity of every sort.
The key to any ministry targeting an age cohort, it seems to me, is to understand where in the lifecycle that cohort currently finds itself. Just as “Depression Babies” are having to deal with aging, retirement, financial stress, distant families, and isolation, so young adults are dealing with new — or not-yet-launched — careers, thanks to the recession, new responsibilities, socializing, family formations, military duty, separation from home, and others.
Factors such as these seem to reflect one’s current age, not one’s generational identity. When Gen X moves thoroughly out of young adult range (their youngest are already 33), they will face mid-life issues.
As you plan your young adults ministry, ask a question such as: If I graduated from college two years ago into the maw of a recession and I still haven’t launched my intended career, what do I bring to God? What do I bring to the faith community? What do I need?
Tom Ehrich is a writer, church consultant, and Episcopal priest based in New York. He is the publisher of On a Journey, and the founder of the Church Wellness Project www.churchwellness.com.
