Myth 1: Generation X (born 1965-1983) has radically different needs from those of Boomers (born 1946-1964). We have found that once 20-somethings get married and have a child, they begin to look and act very much like Boomers. Those who wanted music cafés and coffee bars become more interested in the nursery. This shouldn’t shock us. After all, the Woodstock generation that grew up gave us the Reagan era. The postmodern mind is real and here to stay. But there is a difference between the philosophical moorings and the sociological pilgrimage of GenXers. We must understand the philosophical change but hold loosely to what it takes to reach folks stylistically at various stages of life. Practically, a lot of what we learned in the 1980s and 1990s about what appeals to the unchurched still works.

Myth #2: The key is to be seeker-targeted. People assume that if you fashion a church that is seeker-targeted, seekers will come. They think that if you offer topical messages, casual dress, drama, drums, and Starbucks coffee, the church will grow. The reality is that seeker services are nothing more than a tool in the hands of those who do the inviting. Being seeker-targeted is not about style—or Starbucks. It’s about building relationships and earning the right to talk about spiritual things. It’s about creating entry points to support the evangelistic efforts of believers to fulfill the Great Commission through the local church.

Myth #3: Everyone needs small groups. If you study Scripture, you discover that community is taught, but there’s not one program or method for achieving it. Yes, there were house churches in the New Testament, but cell groups had more to do with the nature of the growth and culture of the early church than with methodology. Small groups are great, but they’re not for everyone. What’s important is the assimilation, community, and pastoral care of people. Instead of small groups, what may be needed is one-on-one mentoring or community spirit built around ministry activities.

Myth #4: People today don’t want to say, sign, or give anything. Today’s seekers want to experience the sacred. What they’re looking for, though, is more experiential than cerebral. Instead of thinking their way into feeling, they often feel their way into thinking. As a result, worship services must offer more moments that engage the soul and expose it to the holy. Instead of services with the theme “Reasons to Believe the Bible,” we must shift to “This is the Bible.”

Source: “Engaging Evangelism,” Building Church Leaders, (Christianity Today: Carol Stream, IL, 2001), p. 5.

• 60% of worshipers in US congregations “have invited to worship service in the past year a friend or relative who does not currently attend anywhere.”
• 24% of worshipers in US congregations “feel at ease talking about their faith and seek opportunities to do so.”
• 23% of worshipers in US congregations “are involved in outreach or evangelistic activities in their congregation.”
• 22% of worshipers in US congregations “report reaching those who do not attend as one of three most valued aspects of their congregation.”