Episode 270 - Understanding the Times with Barna Group’s David Kinnaman
Oct 24, 2023
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David Kinnaman, President of the Barna Group, discusses the role of entrepreneurs in understanding the times. They talk about challenges in entrepreneurship, opportunities for collaboration between clergy and entrepreneurs, importance of research in faith and work, nationalism, revivals, generative AI, and the power of Scripture.
Faith-driven entrepreneurs should understand their calling and the opportunities God has given them.
Entrepreneurs need to find a supportive community to overcome loneliness and challenges.
A deeper theology of technology is necessary to navigate the impact of AI on faith and society.
Deep dives
The Changing Church and the Role of Entrepreneurs
This podcast episode discusses the drastic changes in the church and how entrepreneurs can play a unique role in helping. The guest, David Kenneman, CEO of the Barna Group, shares insights on the importance of adding value through creating things and the challenges of balancing identity and money. He emphasizes the need for faith-driven entrepreneurs to understand their calling and the opportunities God has given them. Kenneman also highlights the importance of having a solid root in Christ and the need for entrepreneurs to be winners and learners rather than winners and losers.
The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship and the Power of Community
The podcast explores the inherent loneliness of the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of finding a supportive community. Kenneman discusses the Faith-Driven Entrepreneur's Ministry, which seeks to equip entrepreneurs in recognizing the unique opportunities God has placed before them. He stresses the need for entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and offers stories of taking broken things and making them new. Kenneman encourages listeners to join the community and find support and encouragement along their entrepreneurial path.
The Influence of Technology and Entertainment on Faith in Society
Kenneman discusses the influence of technology and entertainment on faith in society, particularly in Silicon Valley. He highlights the growing presence of faith-driven employee resource groups in major technology companies and the opportunities and challenges they face. Kenneman encourages entrepreneurs to understand the significance of these industries in shaping how people experience the world and the need for a deeper theology of technology.
The Revivals and the Importance of Confession in Transformation
While Kenneman acknowledges his limited knowledge on historical revivals, he emphasizes the importance of confession of sin in transformational revivals. He shares personal experiences of immersing himself in scripture reading, seeking mentorship, counseling, and spiritual direction as key factors in his own discipleship journey. Kenneman also highlights the transformative power of scriptural passages, particularly in the book of 2 Corinthians, and the comfort and hope it provides in times of despair.
The Future of AI in the Church
Kenneman sees AI as more of a foe than a friend to the church, primarily due to the church's slower adoption and understanding of technology. He believes a deeper theology of technology is needed, and that Christians should live distinctively Christian lives in the midst of technological advancements. However, Kenneman does recognize the positive ways AI can be used and encourages thoughtful consideration of its impact on faith and society.
