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Join the Barna team! We're hiring a Digital Marketing Director in the DFW area. Use your digital marketing skills to help reach more Christian leaders than ever before. Read more and apply here; https://lnkd.in/gaxkcMuv We’re #hiring. Know anyone who might be interested?

Barna data shows that the percentage of pastors who say their church is “very effective” at outreach has essentially disappeared, dropping from 13 percent to 1 percent between 2015 and 2023. How can churches revive the urgency to fulfill the Great Commission and support their pastors in the process? The State of Pastors, Volume 2—the new report from Barna created with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, RightNow Media and World Impact Inc.—will help both pastors and non-pastors better understand the obstacles faced by ministry professionals and how to be a force of encouragement to pastors as they lead. Learn more at Barna.com/stateofpastors.

In the latest episode of the Motherhood Today podcast, Dr. Anita Phillips (trauma therapist, life coach, author and minister) sits down with Barna CEO David Kinnaman to discuss motherhood and mental health. Speaking from both personal and professional experience, Dr. Phillips shares on a variety of topics, including: moving from rules to relationship with children, breaking the cycle of generational trauma, how a parents’ mental health impacts how they interact with their child and the unique challenges moms of color face. Listen to the full episode here or wherever you subscribe to podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gCw7rmCk

One week ago, Barna was joined by a number of guest experts to discuss new research on how the U.S. pastorate is faring in a post-pandemic world. The State of Pastors Summit—sponsored by World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, RightNow Media, World Impact Inc. and Gloo—explored new data surrounding the well-being of pastors and how we can best support them as they lead their congregations. Check out some of the highlights from last week's webcast here:

New Barna data shows a positive jump in the percentage of pastors who said they feel more confident in their calling compared to when they first entered ministry. From 2022 to 2023, there was a 16 percent increase in this area. This data comes from our new research report, The State of Pastors, Volume 2, created in partnership with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual, RightNow Media and World Impact, Inc. Read more about positive trends with pastors here: https://lnkd.in/eicNzxXF

New Barna research shows that the early years of being a pastor can take an enormous toll. Data reveals that pastors under 45 are struggling with their mental, physical and spiritual health to a far greater degree than pastors over 45. Of those who said they feel energized by ministry work, older pastors (56%) outpaced and doubled younger pastors (28%) in that sentiment. Explore the challenges pastors are facing and uncover how they can best be supported when you get The State of Pastors, Volume 2, our new report created with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, RightNow Media and World Impact Inc. https://lnkd.in/exf3TT_v

Ninety-eight percent of the pastors we studied acknowledge it’s at least somewhat true that their mental health is important. But when presented with a list of services people often turn to for mental, spiritual or personal guidance, the majority of pastors (52%) say they’re using none of them (some examples include mentors, counselors, therapists, life coaches and spiritual advisors). This #BarnaHighlight comes from The State of Pastors, Volume 2, created in partnership with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, RightNow Media and World Impact Inc. It explores how U.S. pastors are faring in a variety of areas. Get your copy today or watch The State of Pastors Summit webcast replay at Barna.com/stateofpastors for a limited time.

Our free State of Pastors webcast was only a sample of our new research report The State of Pastors, Volume 2. If you weren’t able to attend live, we’re offering a full replay of the event for a limited time at barna.com/stateofpastors.

The Motherhood Today podcast launched last week. Catch up on the first episode with The MomCo by MOPS International's Mandy Arioto and Barna CEO David Kinnaman. Whether you're a pastor, church leader or mom, this podcast is filled with practical insights from ministry and thought leaders to help you support and better understand the state of motherhood today. Listen and subscribe today: https://lnkd.in/gCw7rmCk

Back in 2021, Barna discovered that nearly four in 10 pastors had considered quitting full-time ministry in the past year, a number that rose even higher in 2022. New data shows that some hopeful changes have taken place. This article features data from our newest report, The State of Pastors, Volume 2—created in partnership with World Vision, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, RightNow Media and World Impact Inc.—to offer an updated view of pastors’ confidence and security in their role.