Archive

ChurchPulse Weekly Conversations: John Mark Comer on Cultural Trends for the Future Church

Helpful or Hurtful—How Practicing Christians View Race’s Impact on Their Lives

When it comes to getting ahead in life, do practicing Christians think of their race as something that has helped or hindered them? Today's article features recent data from Beyond Diversity, exploring whether or not practicing Christians from various racial backgrounds think their race offers them an advantage in life, as well as how they feel when the term "white privilege" is mentioned.

22% of Americans Say the 2020 Election Negatively Impacted a Close Relationship

Despite the 2020 presidential election having officially come to a close months ago, many Americans still feel wary around loved ones when it comes to engaging in political conversations. Though differing political ideology and party affiliation are common denominators in relationships wounded in last year’s election, a recent Barna survey allows us to explore how other demographics and factors—including church engagement—correlate with relational impact.

Did 2020 Shift Americans' Perceptions of U.S. History?

Data collected in 2019 showed that Christians are far more likely than all American adults to view the U.S. as historically blessed and chosen by God, a Christian nation and a leader to the rest of the world. But that was before the events of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a racial justice uprising and an extremely divisive election season. In January of 2021, Barna once again polled U.S. adults to see if their perceptions of the nation had shifted or stayed put since 2019. Today’s article offers a breakdown of what has and hasn’t changed.

ChurchPulse Weekly Conversations: Nona Jones on Having Better Conversations About Racism

State of the Bible 2021: Five Key Findings

Since 2011, our team at Barna has worked alongside our friends at American Bible Society to track the State of the Bible, representing one of the largest data sets on how the population perceives and engages the Bible. This article offers five notable findings from American Bible Society’s State of the Bible 2021 report.

ChurchPulse Weekly Conversations: Raymond Chang on Racial Justice

On a recent episode of ChurchPulse Weekly, host Carey Nieuwhof is joined by Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative.

A Year Out: How COVID-19 Has Impacted Practicing Christians

Over the past 12 months, America has witnessed the sobering effects of COVID-19 on every aspect of life. This article looks back at Barna research showing the year’s impact on levels of anxiety, life milestones and hope for the future among Americans, with a specific focus on practicing Christians.

Half of Gen Z Feel Bad About the Amount of Time Spent on Screens

Screens are everywhere. Whether at work, school or home, no generation is exempt from tech's influence in this digital age, especially as society moves further into a COVID-shaped reality that has necessitated an even greater dependence on devices. While utilizing technology and media has its benefits, turning to devices too often can have harmful repercussions as well—and recent Barna data show that at least the younger generations (namely, Gen Z) are speaking up about their ambivalent relationship with technology.

For Black Americans, the Black Church Counters Feelings of Political Powerlessness

In a week that includes both the national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, we're releasing a first glimpse into Barna's research from the State of the Black Church project. Today's article examines the political posture of the Black Church, as well as the Black community’s perceptions of its influence.

The State of the Black Church: A Q&A About Church Engagement & Politics

Year in Review: Barna’s Top 10 Releases of 2020

To close out 2020, here are Barna’s 10 most-visited releases from the year. The stories are a reflection of what our nation and the Church has walked through over the past 365 days, covering somber findings, stark divides, moments of healing and glimmers of hope for the coming year.

Alpha USA on the Promise of Digital Evangelism Environments

Guest Column: Amy Crouch's 3 Tips for Turning Boredom into Wonder

Technology Promises Connection, but Gen Z Sees a Paradox

The information revolution has transformed the way everyone lives—but especially the youngest generations. Recent Barna data show that the average American teen receives their first smartphone at around 12 to 13 years of age and their first tablet around age 11. The U.S. childhood and adolescent experience is mediated by screens, both in and outside the home. In light of this, how should teens and their families respond to the new force shaping their lives? 

3 Things Church Leaders Must Know as They Navigate Election Season

As the U.S. presidential election looms, pastors might wonder how to lead well during this time of increased tension. If our data on the tug-of-war for their engagement is any indication, they likely feel there is no way to win with all of their congregants. Today’s article offers three research insights to help pastors understand the current climate and thoughtfully guide their church through this divided moment.

Is It Possible to Balance Work, Family and Love?

Recent Barna data collected on working couple in America show that the majority of American working couples believe they can maintain their individual careers and still come together to raise a healthy family, all while staying in love. But what does it actually take to make this dream a reality? Today's article takes a look at how U.S. adults and practicing Christians respond to this question.

White Christians Have Become Even Less Motivated to Address Racial Injustice

One might assume that the events of 2020 have increased awareness of racial injustice in the United States and motivation to address it. But the story isn’t so straightforward, new Barna research (conducted in partnership with Dynata) suggests. Yes, there are signs the past year has clarified how Americans think about racial injustice—but that doesn’t mean they see the issue, or their role within it, with greater urgency. In the Church especially, there is a sense that people are doubling down on divides.