39 | David Kinnaman on Spiritual Backstories, Deconstruction & Resilience
Jan 2, 2024
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David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, joins hosts to discuss spiritual openness, deconstruction, and the importance of understanding people's spiritual backstories. They explore the challenges facing the church on the West Coast, the decline of religious affiliation, and the rise of deconstruction among those with a Christian backstory. The chapter emphasizes the need for authenticity and the role of Christian communities in discovering identity. They also express gratitude towards resilient pastors and introduce the Resilient Pastor Video Series as a valuable resource.
72% of Americans are spiritually open, presenting an opportunity for churches to engage with the spiritually curious.
Churches can foster healing and connection by encouraging storytelling through exploring and expressing individuals' faith backstories.
Deep dives
High Spiritual Openness Among Americans
According to Barna research, 72% of Americans are either very open or moderately open spiritually, indicating a significant opportunity for churches to engage with the spiritually curious. Even younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, exhibit similar levels of openness. This openness is attributed to a shift in perceptions brought about by experiences like the pandemic, leading many to be more open to God and spirituality in general.
The Power of Backstories
Backstories have become critical in fostering meaningful conversations about faith and spirituality. Barna research reveals that 71% of adults are comfortable sharing their faith stories, and 51% enjoy sharing these stories when asked. By helping individuals explore and express their backstories, churches can provide a safe space where people are truly seen and known, facilitating healing and connection. Encouraging laypeople to share their stories during public worship and integrating personality assessments to aid self-discovery and community-building are practical ways to create this environment of storytelling.
Challenges of Deconstruction and Loss of Faith
While there is spiritual openness among many, pastors and church leaders must also grapple with the challenges of deconstruction and the loss of faith. Approximately 50% of Americans are currently deconstructing their childhood faith. Factors contributing to this phenomenon include disillusionment with Christian leaders, a perception of emotional manipulation within conversion experiences, and an increasing skepticism towards traditional religious institutions. To address this, leaders must help individuals navigate their doubts, develop a resilient faith, and create communities where people are seen, known, and experience true healing.
Posture of Curiosity and Creating Safe Spaces
In response to an increasingly spiritually open culture, pastors and church leaders are called to adopt a posture of curiosity and active listening. Rather than relying solely on new methods, programs, or techniques, leaders should embrace a community-oriented approach that prioritizes creating safe spaces for people to share their stories and encounter God. This involves weaving personal testimonies into public worship, helping individuals articulate their own faith backstories, and engaging in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By fostering a community committed to knowing and seeing its members, churches can offer a compelling alternative to the algorithms and personalization of the secular world.
David Kinnaman (CEO, Barna Group) joins Glenn Packiam, Rich Villodas and Sharon Hodde Miller to explore current trends in spiritual openness, the factors that contribute to people distancing themselves from the Church and how understanding people's spiritual backstories can be a gateway for meaningful faith conversations.