We cannot presume a base of generally agreed upon truths. Though most people in Canada say they believe in God, and a surprisingly high percentage say they have faith in the Christian message, many have little to undergird those professed beliefs. Even a rudimentary knowledge of the Bible is missing, as we have a generation that, unlike the previous generation, had little religious teaching growing up. People are skeptical of organized religion and they mistrust religious leaders. On the other hand, people have a real spiritual hunger.
Youths seem to have an openness to spiritual answers much greater than even a decade ago.
A church congregation that is genuine in its Christianity, offers a loving, caring community and exhibits patience and tolerance over things that aren't sin, can do much to reach this sort of society with the life-giving gospel. The key word seems to be authenticity. People will respond when they see a genuine faith, reflected in a humble, caring heart. We know we aren't perfect, and never will be, in the flesh. In every sense of the word we are saved by the graciousness of God.