The Barna Faith and Culture Report podcast explores the intersection of Christian faith and today’s rapidly changing culture, featuring the latest research insights alongside conversations with leading thinkers and practitioners. Each episode helps Christian leaders make sense of what’s happening and respond with clarity, wisdom, and practical action.
Publisher
Barna Group
Category
education · religion & spirituality · society & culture
13 | Chuck DeGroat on Cultivating Character in a Narcissistic Age
In this season finale, David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde sit down with Chuck DeGroat, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, licensed therapist, and author of the new book Who You’re Becoming, to explore new Barna data on trust in church leaders—including that celebrity pastors score just 30 out of 100 among U.S. adults, ranking above only politicians (26) and far below Christian pastors overall (55). Together, they unpack why narcissism is less...
17 Sept 2026
12 | Pete Scazzero on Emotionally Healthy Success
In this episode, David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde sit down with Pete Scazzero, pastor, bestselling author, and co-founder of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, to explore new Barna data on pastoral flourishing—including that pastors score just 67 out of 100 on relational well-being, far below practicing Christians at 85. Together, they unpack why "spaciousness" is the missing ingredient in most leaders' lives, where the church's broken definition of success came from over the last 50 years, a...
27 Aug 2026
11 | Tara-Leigh Cobble on Bible Engagement & Learning to Love Scripture
In this episode, David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde sit down with Tara-Leigh Cobble, best-selling author, creator and host of The Bible Recap, and founder of D-Group International, to explore new Barna data on Bible engagement—including that 42% of U.S. adults now say they read the Bible weekly, up 12 points from the 15-year low of 30% in 2024. Together, they unpack the difference between reading Scripture and being formed by it, why Tara-Leigh finished her first read-through of the whole Bibl...
13 Aug 2026
10 | Carey Nieuwhof on AI, Authenticity & the Future Church
In this episode, Ashley LaLonde and David Kinnaman sit down with Carey Nieuwhof, bestselling author, podcaster, and founder of the Art of Leadership Academy, to explore new Barna data on AI and the church—including that 41% of pastors say AI has helped them with Bible comprehension and study. Together, they unpack why authenticity and a pastor's own voice matter more than ever in an AI-assisted sermon, Carey's litmus test for when AI use has gone too far ("if you're uncomfortable disclosing h...
30 Jul 2026
09 | Dr. Anita Phillips on Mental Health, Emotional Honesty & Love That Leads
In this episode, Ashley LaLonde sits down with Dr. Anita Phillips, trauma therapist, pastor, and author of The Garden Within, to explore new Barna data on the emotional health of young adults — including that 38% of 18–24-year-olds say they constantly feel critical of themselves, afraid to fail, and anxious about important decisions. Together, they unpack why fear, obligation, and guilt have too often stood in for love in Christian discipleship, what it looks like to lead from love instead, a...
15 Jul 2026
08 | Rethinking Evangelism in an Age of Quiet Belief
In this episode, David Kinnaman sits down with Ashley LaLonde, Barna's Head of Insights, to explore new data showing that 80% of Americans believe there's a spiritual or supernatural dimension to life. Together, they unpack what it looks like to live an invitational life instead of delivering a rehearsed pitch, and why prayer, honesty, and proximity to people outside the church are becoming the most powerful tools for gospel conversations today. Episode Links Download this free resource to di...
1 Jul 2026
07 | Mike Kelsey on Leading Through Pressure & Political Division
In this episode, Ashley LaLonde sits down with Mike Kelsey, pastor at McLean Bible Church in the DC metro area, to explore new Barna data on pastoral burnout — including that 38% of pastors who have considered leaving full-time ministry cite political divisions as a primary reason. Together, they unpack what it looks like to lead a multi-ethnic congregation through charged cultural moments, the difference between righteous anger and algorithm-driven outrage, and why the church must choose to ...
18 Jun 2026
06 | Bryan Loritts on Fatherhood, Faith & Raising the Next Generation
In this episode, David Kinnaman sits down with pastor, author, and speaker Bryan Loritts to explore new Barna data on men and church attendance, including a striking finding that 62% of married dads are now the most consistent churchgoers of any parent group, outpacing married moms by 15 points. Together, they unpack what's driving men back to church. Bryan brings both the data and the lived experience, sharing what he's learned raising three young adult sons, why the moments that stick are n...
11 Jun 2026
05 | Dr. Frank Newport on the Religious Revival Among Young Men
In this episode, David Kinnaman sits down with Dr. Frank Newport, Gallup Senior Scientist and former Editor-in-Chief of the Gallup Poll, to explore new Barna and Gallup data on a striking rise in religiosity among young men — including a 14-point jump in those who say religion is "very important" and a 15-point rise in male church attendance. But perhaps the most surprising finding: the longstanding gender gap in faith among 18–29-year-olds has virtually disappeared. Together, they unpack wha...
28 May 2026
04 | Christine Caine on Evangelism, Spiritual Openness & the Rise of a Flourishing Faith
In this episode, David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde sit down with evangelist, author, and activist Christine Caine to explore new Barna data on faith commitment in America — including a striking 20-point drop in Christians who say their faith is "very important" to their lives. But Christine sees something different beneath that number: the quiet death of cultural Christianity and a global surge in genuine spiritual hunger. Together, they unpack why this moment may be the most open era for the...
14 May 2026
03 | Jo Saxton on Motherhood, Spiritual Formation & Discipleship in the In-Between
In this episode, Ashley LaLonde sits down with pastor, author and leadership coach Jo Saxton to explore new Barna data on motherhood and spiritual formation — including why 53% of teenagers name their mom as their most trusted source for guidance on faith. Together, they unpack the everyday "in-between" moments where faith is formed, the difference between performing faith and living it, and what it means to be a faithful spiritual parent in a culture of eroded trust.
30 Apr 2026
02 | Andy Crouch on the Future of AI, Faith & Spiritual Formation
In this episode, David Kinnaman and Ashley Lalonde sit down with Andy Crouch to explore new Barna data on AI adoption among Christians and pastors, and what it reveals about the future of faith and culture. Together, they unpack the rise of “easy everywhere” technology, the growing influence of AI in Bible study and why human formation still requires something technology can’t provide. You’ll also hear why practices like silence, solitude and focused attention matter more than ever—and ...
16 Apr 2026
01 | Faith Trends in America: Why Commitment to Jesus Is Rising
In this debut episode of the Faith & Culture Report, David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde explore a surprising shift in the spiritual landscape: 66% of U.S. adults say they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus—and that number is rising. Drawing on new Barna research, this conversation examines growing spiritual openness, changing faith trends in America and what these shifts mean for the future of the Church. This episode sets the foundation for a new kind of conversation—one grounded in d...
2 Apr 2026
Introducing the Faith and Culture Report Podcast
Join David Kinnaman and Ashley LaLonde from Barna Group as they explore the latest insights at the intersection of faith and culture. Each episode brings together data, stories, and expert voices to help you lead with clarity and confidence in a changing world.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
4.5 / 5
4 ratings
Contact The Barna Faith and Culture Report
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
