Archive

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.

COVID-19 Conversations: Derwin Gray and Darryn Scheske on Race and Reopening

National conversations this summer have largely remained focused on racial tensions in the U.S. and the increase of COVID-19 cases across the country. In a recent ChurchPulse Weekly episode, hosts Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman sit down with pastors Derwin Gray (Transformation Church in Charlotte, NC) and Darryn Scheske (Heartland Church in Indianapolis, IN) to discuss issues of race and faith as well as their plans for keeping their churches closed for in-person worship during this season of disruption.

87 Percent of Practicing Christians See the U.S. as a Leader to the World

While the Fourth of July offers a time for the U.S. to celebrate the Declaration of Independence, it also provides space for us to look back on our country’s history—the good and the bad—to shape the lens with which we envision its future. Recent Barna data might deepen this crucial reflection during a season of disruption and change in the nation.

COVID-19 Conversations: Pastors Share on Family Time and Reopening Church

In this week’s ChurchPulse Weekly episode, podcast hosts Carey Nieuwhof and David Kinnaman chat with Jennie and Levi Lusko about addressing racial justice from the pulpit and as a family, how the current moment provides churches and families the chance to reboot and keeping the church doors closed even after being permitted to reopen.

Black Practicing Christians Are Twice as Likely as Their White Peers to See a Race Problem

Over the last few weeks in the United States, the Black community and its allies have spoken out against the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Powerful and at times contentious protests have taken place in every state and even other nations to call attention to racial inequality and police violence. Though the reach of these demonstrations and related actions are unprecedented, the divides they expose are not new.

Common Ground, Hard Truths & Next Steps: A Panel on Racial Justice

Church Leaders Share on Welcoming Congregants Back for In-Person Worship

As the United States begins to reopen cities one phase at a time, church leaders are facing a new challenge which poses many questions, including should we reopen, and if so, how? While an ease of social distancing guidelines in certain areas allows congregants to once again gather for worship in their usual church building, are people ready to come back for Sunday services?

How Research Can Help Us to See Someone Else’s Point of View

Let's Talk Technology: Barna Resources that Explore Findings from the Digital Age

10 Data-Driven Resources to Help Pastors Lead on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Year in Review: Barna’s Top 10 Releases of 2019

Barna conducts tens of thousands of interviews every year, attempting to make sense of public opinion, cultural trends and religious identity. This year, our most-discussed research and reports were those that strengthened our profile of young adults—not just in the United States but in 25 countries around the globe—and had a particular focus on understanding the forces shaping the future of evangelism and discipleship. To wrap up 2019, we’ve compiled our 10 most popular releases of the year.

Guest Column: The Evangelical Identity Crisis

U.S. Adults See Evangelicals Through a Political Lens

While, according to Barna’s categorization, evangelicals only make up about 6 percent of the U.S. population, this religious group has assumed a unique place in national discourse. As the U.S. enters another heated election year, a new Barna report shows Americans seem to increasingly view evangelicals through a political lens, which leads to mixed feelings toward this religious group. Our research has developed a pronounced portrait of this Christian minority over the years, but for this study our aim was different. We set out to understand how the general public understands evangelicals.

What Is the Church’s Role in Racial Reconciliation?

This August, historians note, marks 400 years since slavery began in the United States. As our country nears this anniversary, many are taking time to reflect on the history of racial injustice in America and their responsibility in healing the wounds of inequality that have been inflicted on black Americans over the last four centuries. A new report, Where Do We Go from Here?, represents the first of several new Barna efforts to study race and the Church and assesses what practicing Christians feel should be done to repair the damage.

U.S. Adults Believe Hate Speech Has Increased—Mainly Online

Reported incidents of hate speech and hate crimes in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years. In light of this, Barna sought to explore personal opinions about or experiences with such interactions, attacks or crimes.

Half of Practicing Christians Say History of Slavery Still Impacts the U.S.

In recent years, there has been contentious debate about the injustices that black Americans still experience in their daily lives. In light of this, Barna set out to explore issues related to the treatment of black Americans and other ethnic minorities in this new study on race and equality in America.