Churches discouraged by a generation disillusioned with the church could take heart in the words of its loving critic Sarah Cunningham.

Cunningham, the twentysomething author of "Dear Church: An Introduction to a Disillusioned Generation," told members of the national Baptist Communicators Association in April that "I know personally the church is not going to die in our generation." She knows this "not just from personal experience," but also from the promise of Matt. 16:18, which says in part, "the gates of Hades will not overcome" the church.

At the same time, she listed some warnings from research among her generation, most of whom she admits are turned off by organized religion, and are dropping out of "the church" even if they are not leaving "the faith."

She said church leaders should see this disillusionment as an opportunity rather than a crisis. Instead of the paralyzed hand wringing that often accompanies crisis, we should grab the opportunity to innovate and connect.

To connect with twentysomethings, this young author says some very important things. These are not just her opinions, but come from wide research among her peers.

Respect and embrace diversity. While you may think "diversity" is all about race, it is much broader. It includes diverse opinions, ways of doing things and ways of seeing the world. It includes the ability to work easily with and appreciate others who hold opposite views.

Seeking to involve the next generation does not mean gaining their support of what you are doing. It means supporting their ideas, too.

Twentysomethings expect authenticity. They like reality TV with "raw presentation of the truth." Authenticity means letting your feelings show. Don't be flashing a commercial smile in the pulpit when you're telling a story of pain.

Allow God to be mysterious. "Conversion is more than a 'repeat after me' prayer," she said. Keep stories personal and real.

Young people embrace change more easily than their parents, but you still need to "Tell them what's coming." It's alright to admit transition won't be easy. They are not after "easy" and in fact, we demand too little of them.

They like Rom. 5:3-5 that says "we rejoice in our sufferings" because they know suffering for Christ brings fruit.

Twentysomethings are leading billion dollar companies. They are at the root of much innovation and lead the charge toward unlimited possibilities of the future. Embrace, challenge, affirm, trust and expect more of them and you may just retain that generation for the Church.