A Note from Hixon Frank
Hey Church!
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “Do not remember the past events;
pay no attention to things of old.
19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert.
I have received a lot of feedback about this series of articles looking at the Generations. Most of it very positive! The point of these writings is simple…. we need each other and each generation brings unique perspectives to the life of GABC!
Today we look at Generation X! They are now in their mid-40’s to late-50’s and have been referred to as the “MTV Generation” or as “Latchkey Kids.”
As MTV proclaimed on its first day on air: “video killed the radio star.” Gen Xers, might be particularly familiar with this reference, especially given that they are sometimes referred to as the “MTV Generation.” Generation X is the group that grew up with punk rock, early hip-hop, and grunge; they know what Teen Spirit “smells like” and what transpired when Ferris Bueller had a day off. This is a cohort that witnessed the personal computing revolution firsthand, including the early battles between IBM and Apple. They came of age during the Reagan and Bush Sr. years. Later, during 9/11, it was largely Gen X firefighters and police that responded to the crisis.
(Visual Capitalist, 2024)
The “Latchkey” nickname for Gen X finds its roots in the dramatic increase of “single parent” homes, divorces, and “double income” households, resulting in a much larger number of children arriving home after school than previous generations (figuratively using their own “keys” to enter their empty house). So, the term “latchkey kid” was born.
- Greatest Generation (b.1900-1925) (99-124 y/o)
- Silent Generation (b.1925-1945) (79-99 y/o)
- Baby Boomers (b.1945-1964) (60-79 y/o)
- Generation X (b. 1964-1980) (44-60y/o)
- Millennials (b. 1980-1995) (29-44 y/o)
- Generation Z (b.1995-2010) (14-29y/o)
- Generation Alpha (b.2010-now) (birth-14 y/o)
Generation X is kind of the “middle child” of Generations. It is sandwiched between Baby Boomers and Millennials and is sometimes overlooked because of the economic power and sheer numbers of the Boomers and the cultural uniqueness of the Millennials. But Gen X possesses several defining characteristics and arguably has seen the most change of any of the generations we will look at, certainly during their formative years.
1. “Jason and Amy Gen X” (popular names in 1974) are typically defined by their adaptability and resilience. So much of their core development happened amid rising divorce rates, societal shifts (Viet Nam, Watergate, Roe v Wade, drug culture, 70’s promiscuity, the Cold War, etc.), and economic volatility. In fact, from 1965-1982, there were four economic recessions, two severe energy shortages (remember gas lines at the pumps?), and the unprecedented peacetime implementation of wage and price controls. It was, according to one prominent economist, “the greatest failure of American macroeconomic policy in the postwar period” and it has had lasting effects on an entire generation. (Siegel, 1994). But I digress!
2. In the midst of all of this, “Jason and Amy” adapted and are typically no-nonsense, pragmatic, steady, and self-reliant in life and work. Having seen seismic changes in our culture, Jason and Amy had to remain focused on taking care of themselves.
3. “Jason and Amy Gen X” were also part of the last generation to:
- … grow up without cell phones and personal computers. When a “phone was a phone” and “google” was sold in 28 volume sets called Encyclopedias. (My Dad bought the family a set of Encyclopedias for over $500! (that’s $2,265 today!) He called it and investment in our future!”)
- … know what a card catalogue is at the library, how to drive a standard transmission car, and watch the flag wave on screen at the “end of a broadcast day.”
- … play on playgrounds with cement as padding, slide down metal slides that were “hotter than the surface of the sun,” know what “Yard Darts or Jarts” are and have had BB gun fights….with friends!
- … have “emergency drills” at school where we would hide under our desks. And not for tornadoes, or “active shooters,” but in case of nuclear explosion. Not that it would have done much good, but we were ready! Remember?
4. “Jason and Amy Gen X” witnessed the advent of personal computers, the internet, and mobile technology. So, they have assumed the role of bridge between their parents who have little or no technical savvy, and their kids who grew up with it. This unique positioning has given them a dual fluency in both analog and digital worlds. (Fortune 2017)
5. While not fully rebellious, “Jason and Amy Gen X” have a healthy suspicion of institutions with a lot of power or authority. Being exposed to national events like the Watergate scandal, the Vietnam War, and various political upheavals, they tend to distrust institutions and traditional structures. Church events like the rise of the Moral Majority, downfalls of evangelists Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, and Oral Roberts resulted in a strong bent towards authenticity and transparency, both in personal relationships, at the workplace, and in church. Gen Xers value honesty and direct communication, often rolling their eyes at catchy but shallow corporate jargon and superficial niceties.
6. “Jason and Amy Gen X” are known for a desire for work-life balance. Unlike their Baby Boomer predecessors, who are often characterized by their work-centric lifestyles, they prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their careers. (Britannica, 2024) Believing success is defined by more than their bank accounts, they, more than the previous generations, are willing to change jobs and locations if they are not in balance with their life goals. According to some research, individualism is a defining feature of Gen X—this is exemplified by the generation’s pronounced entrepreneurialism. After all, Google, Amazon, YouTube, PayPal, Tesla, and other iconic companies wouldn’t exist without Gen Xers. (Visual Capitalist, 2024)
7. “Jason and Amy Gen X” encourage independence in their children, but also make greater efforts to be more present and involved than the previous generation, often motivated by a desire to provide stability and support that they may have lacked. (Streep 2002) They also popularized “play dates” in an effort to socialize their kids, yet keep them safe at the same time.
Now…. If Jason and Amy grew up in church, they likely…
- … were part of the rise in Contemporary Christian Music! Their parents had Elvis and Johnny Cash as their versions of contemporary Christian Music. Born out the “Jesus Movement” (Late 60’s to Mid 70’s), and gaining mainstream acceptance, Christian Music was transformed with people like Keith Green, Phil Keaggy, Dallas Holm, the Imperials, Petra, The Rez Band, all the way up to Rich Mullins (personal favorite), Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith.
- … went to a youth group that had camps, retreats, and separate activities apart from their parents. These youth groups probably had music and fellowships that were completely different than the rest of the church in terms of enjoyment, intensity, and style. That may have contributed to the high “church drop-out rate” (some say as high as 80%) after high school.
- … helped bring on the advent of the Youth Ministries as a churchwide focus, demonstrative worship leaders, and parachurch ministries to “reach people that churches seemed reluctant to reach.” These groups include Youth for Christ, Youth with a Mission, and Young Life. (all started with Boomers but really caught fire with Gen X)
GABC needs Gen Xers like Jason and Amy who are adaptable and emphasize authenticity. They bring wonderful pragmatism, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the things of the Lord.
The verse (Isaiah 43:18-19) at the top of the page describes God doing something new! Gen Xers are often willing to embrace the new things with open eyes and discernment.
Green Acres has 2,498 Gen Xers among us….and we are better for it!
You have been prayed for today!
Your Gen X Associate Pastor,
Hixon