This week, Barna is presenting a five-part daily video series featuring Barna president David Kinnaman and Director of Insights Mark Matlock, as they discuss Five Essential Conversations About Ministry to the Next Generation. First, they explored why half of Millennials have stopped streaming digital worship services during the pandemic.

Now, Kinnaman and Matlock look at the present moment through the lens of some of the research they shared in Faith for Exiles. Specifically, they focus on data about young people they describe as Prodigals—who do not identify as Christian, despite having attended church or having considered themselves to be Christian in the past.

What can the Church do to reach out to this segment of young adults and keep individuals from leaving the Church during this crucial time? Watch part 2 of 5 below to find out.

Reaching out to the next generation is of key importance, especially in a season of uncertainty and rapid changes. The first step Matlock recommends to welcome Prodigals back into the Church and encourage all young people to stay engaged is to forge deeper connections. These stronger ties will yield insights into how pastors can best support and disciple these young adults.