The Geometric Church

Reimagining Ministry for Gen Alpha

Barna, in partnership with Christ In Youth, surveyed 1,500 U.S. teens ages 13–18 to understand what's actually shaping faith in this generation. Our research goes beyond attendance numbers to ask a harder question: what does it take for faith to take root? What's inside: Six pathways to faith activation — and what sets activated teens apart A profile of the Faith-Activated teen: how they think, what they do, and what the church can learn Data on teen identity, belonging, and what they actually want from their faith community The role of family, mentors, and digital life in shaping Gen Alpha spirituality Practical implications for ministry leaders ready to close the activation gap Who this is for: Youth pastors and ministry directors Church leaders thinking about next-generation discipleship Christian educators and campus ministers Parents navigating faith conversations with teenagers Three in four teens say they worry about their future — financial stability, their place in the world, what comes next. They're spiritually open and searching. The question is whether the church is ready to meet them there. Digital License for Teams: If you would like to be able to download and share this report with up to 10 people on your team, choose our digital license for teams!

Faith for the Curious Bundle

Engage Authentically. Lead Impactfully. In a world that is increasingly spiritually curious, churches and small groups have a unique opportunity to connect meaningfully with those seeking faith. This bundle is your guide to fostering authentic relationships and cultivating a culture of curiosity and openness. What’s Included: The Faith for the Curious book Both the leader and small group course In-depth video sessions led by Mark Matlock. Practical tools and downloadable resources. Actionable insights from Barna’s latest research. Step-by-step guidance to engage authentically with spiritual seekers.

Faith for Exiles

Negative perceptions. Church dropouts. Prodigals and nomads. It’s easy to become discouraged by all that’s going wrong when it comes to Christianity and the emerging generation. Yet what’s going right? In fact, signs of hope are springing up all around. In Faith for Exiles, the author of unChristian and You Lost Me unveils major new Barna research that uncovers what’s working—five practices that contribute to resilience. Enter the world of resilient young adult Christians, learn how they are sustaining faith, and find hope in all that God is doing among young disciples today. This practical and thought-provoking book reveals findings from a groundbreaking three-year research study. Barna president David Kinnaman teams up with former executive director of Youth Specialties Mark Matlock to help you: Make sense of chaotic cultural changes and respond with compassion to the next generation of believers. Recognize the biblical concept of exile as an essential framework for following Christ today. Discover five research-based practices that cultivate faithfulness in digital Babylon.Prepare young Christians to be on mission with Jesus in the world. Empower Jesus followers of all ages to thrive in our current exile. Format: paperback

Faith Forward CEOs

In partnership with C12 Business Forums, Barna’s new report surfaces how CEOs who lead with faith are navigating today’s cultural, organizational, and spiritual challenges differently. Why This Report Matters: In a world of rapid change, what does it mean to lead with faith? Our research explores exactly that. Based on survey responses from hundreds of senior executives, the report reveals how faith-forward CEOs shape culture, make decisions, and lead with conviction. Key Insights: Clarity of Calling: A significant share of faith-forward CEOs say their sense of purpose gives them resilience in crisis. Values-Driven Culture: Those who lead with faith report higher alignment among their executive teams around ethics and mission. Faith & Risk: Faith-forward leaders take certain types of risks, especially those involving long-term vision or mission alignment that secular peers may avoid. Loneliness, Support, and Community: Many express that leading from faith brings isolation; the ecosystems that support them matter.

The State of Today's Family

Discover how modern families are changing - and how the church can support their resilience.Families have always shaped values, nurtured habits, and influenced faith across generations. But today’s households look different than ever before—marriages are delayed, parenting is being redefined, and countless cultural voices compete for attention. In The State of Today’s Family, Barna uncovers the realities families face inside and outside the Church—and what leaders can do to help them thrive. What you’ll learn: Why the traditional nuclear family is no longer the norm—and what that means for ministry. How financial stress, career shifts and mental health challenges are reshaping marriage and parenthood. Where churches often overlook singles, single parents and blended families. The key traits of resilient families—and how to strengthen more of them. This study is both a reality check and a hopeful roadmap. Packed with surprising data and practical insights, it equips you to understand modern families and help them flourish with faith and resilience. Stronger families make a stronger Church.- The Digital Bundle is designed leaders to share with their team. It includes digital access for up to 10 team members

How to Grow a Thriving Church

15 Essential Practices for Nurturing, Sending, and Leading Your People Rethink what it means to measure church health. For too long, churches have relied on giving and attendance as the ultimate scorecard. While important, these lagging indicators don’t tell the whole story of your church’s health. That’s why Barna created the 15 Thriving Church Practices—a holistic framework to help you see, measure, and strengthen the areas that truly matter. With these practices, you and your team will: Go beyond numbers to understand the heart of your ministry Identify where your church is thriving and where it needs growth Track meaningful metrics that align with long-term spiritual impact Gather your leaders, pray together, and begin the journey toward a thriving church. Success isn’t just measured by who shows up—it’s found in transformed lives and a vibrant faith community.

The Relationships of Today's Pastors

10 Insights on Marriage, Parenting & the Personal Connections Shaping Life in Ministry In The Relationships of Today's Pastors, Barna examines the personal side of pastoral life - marriage, parenting, friendships and the often-invisible layers of connection that sustain leaders in ministry. This new research report goes beyond the pulpit to explore how pastors are really doing in their closest relationships. Backed by fresh Barna data, expert insights and thoughtful analysis, this timely resource equips pastors, ministry leaders and those who support them with a deeper understanding of the relational realities of church leadership. Inside, you’ll discover: - New data on pastors’ relational satisfaction and overall flourishing - Insights into ministry marriage dynamics and communication - The top priorities - and pressures - pastors face as parents - Where pastors find support - and where gaps still exist Who's it for?Whether you’re leading a church, part of a pastor’s family or serving those in ministry, this report offers practical wisdom and a powerful reminder: thriving churches are led by flourishing pastors and flourishing pastors are formed through healthy relationships. Format: paperback, digital. Full color, infographics, 80 pages. *Digital products are nonrefundable

Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being

A Faith-Based Response to a Generation Under Pressure Anxiety, loneliness, and depression are on the rise among Gen Z, leaving young people searching for hope and healing. While mental health challenges have been well-documented, less is known about how to effectively support young people—and the role that faith can play in their well-being. Produced by Barna Group in partnership with the Harold C. Smith Foundation, this report equips Christian leaders, ministries, and parents with practical tools to foster resilience, connection, and purpose in the next generation. What’s Inside? Six Research-Backed Practices – Learn how creating meaningful relationships, encouraging purpose, and providing tech-free spaces can transform mental well-being. Expert Insights & Case Studies – Featuring research from psychologists, ministry leaders, and real-world examples of faith-based mental health support. Faith-Based Tools for Healing & Growth – Practical, actionable strategies to help young people navigate mental health challenges with a foundation of faith. For Christian leaders, youth workers, parents, and anyone invested in Gen Z’s future, this report provides research-driven insights and actionable solutions to help the next generation thrive. All proceeds from this report will support Christian non-profits that help Gen Z's well-being and further the reach of this report. Format: digital, paperback. Full color, infographics, 94 pages. Email us at barnagroup@barna.org for a bulk purchase order or multi-user license quote.