equipping the church to understand the next generation
A strategic partnership helping churches better understand today’s teens and the future of youth ministry.
Why CIY and Barna Are Partnering
CIY and Barna are partnering to help churches better understand today’s students and respond with clarity, confidence, and faithfulness.
For Immediate Release — January 15, 2026
Barna and Christ In Youth Announce Strategic Partnership
[Joplin, MO] – Jan 15, 2026 – Two organizations with nearly a century of collective experience helping local churches reach the next generation have come together in a strategic working relationship. Christ In Youth (CIY) and Barna recently agreed to a multi-year partnership which will focus on helping churches and youth pastors better understand the emerging generation, beginning with a look at the state of youth ministry in the United States.
The partnership looks to produce research and resources for church leaders, fueling pastors’ and parents’ ability to grasp motivations and desires of today’s teens. As Gen Alpha (youth born between the early 2010’s and mid-2020’s) approaches their teen years, they will become the primary audience of youth ministries for the next decade. The two organizations believe that understanding their motivations, and how to activate them for ministry, will be crucial for the future of the church.
CIY president Jayson French said of Barna’s ability to resource churches,
Barna’s ability to mix hardcore scholarship with practical tactics sets them apart. Their findings are not only interesting but also empowering. They listen and think well, asking the right questions so that church leaders have the best answers."
“Today’s teenagers are coming of age in a world unlike any generation before them,”
says David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group.
“Research helps us understand their hopes, challenges, and spiritual curiosity so Christian leaders and parents can be better equipped to connect meaningfully with young people and prepare for the future.”
Barna and CIY anticipate the first resource from this partnership will be published soon, with more to follow. Find out more, and access joint content as it becomes available, at https://www.barna.com/barna-x-ciy/
Christ In Youth, headquartered in Joplin, MO, exists to call youth to Christ and into lives of Kingdom Work through His Church.
Barna, based out of Dallas, TX, seeks to help Christian leaders understand the times and know what to do.
[Joplin, MO] – Jan 15, 2026 – Two organizations with nearly a century of collective experience helping local churches reach the next generation have come together in a strategic working relationship. Christ In Youth (CIY) and Barna recently agreed to a multi-year partnership which will focus on helping churches and youth pastors better understand the emerging generation, beginning with a look at the state of youth ministry in the United States.
The partnership looks to produce research and resources for church leaders, fueling pastors’ and parents’ ability to grasp motivations and desires of today’s teens. As Gen Alpha (youth born between the early 2010’s and mid-2020’s) approaches their teen years, they will become the primary audience of youth ministries for the next decade. The two organizations believe that understanding their motivations, and how to activate them for ministry, will be crucial for the future of the church.
CIY president Jayson French said of Barna’s ability to resource churches,
Barna’s ability to mix hardcore scholarship with practical tactics sets them apart. Their findings are not only interesting but also empowering. They listen and think well, asking the right questions so that church leaders have the best answers."
“Today’s teenagers are coming of age in a world unlike any generation before them,”
says David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group.
“Research helps us understand their hopes, challenges, and spiritual curiosity so Christian leaders and parents can be better equipped to connect meaningfully with young people and prepare for the future.”
Barna and CIY anticipate the first resource from this partnership will be published soon, with more to follow. Find out more, and access joint content as it becomes available, at https://www.barna.com/barna-x-ciy/
Christ In Youth, headquartered in Joplin, MO, exists to call youth to Christ and into lives of Kingdom Work through His Church.
Barna, based out of Dallas, TX, seeks to help Christian leaders understand the times and know what to do.
What to Expect
First release coming soon
- State of Youth Ministry Research
- Tools & Resources for Church Leaders
- Insights into Gen Alpha
- And more!
About the Organizations
Christ in Youth (CIY) is a nonprofit organization that partners with local churches by creating impactful events, trips, and resources designed to generate lasting momentum for your ministry. Since 1968, CIY has helped students know Jesus, grow in their faith, and live as Kingdom Workers. From preteens to middle and high school students, CIY creates environments where the Gospel is clearly proclaimed and life transformation can take root.
Barna Group is a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture. For more than 40 years, Barna has provided data-driven insights to pastors, ministry leaders, and organizations seeking to understand trends shaping the Church. Through rigorous research and practical reporting, Barna equips leaders with trusted information to make informed decisions and better engage the next generation.