The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has commissioned a major national survey to identify the trends shaping evangelicalism in the United States and to assess how evangelicals engage the public square, including patterns of behavior, communication and social issues. The survey is being conducted in partnership with the Barna Group, which designed the study and will lead the research and analysis.  

As “evangelical” is increasingly perceived as both a theological and political term, the study seeks to hear directly from evangelicals about how they understand their beliefs, identity and engagement in the public square. Additionally, the study includes responses from Americans who do not identify as evangelical, capturing their perceptions of evangelicals in the current cultural context. In a moment of growing fragmentation around political and cultural issues, the initiative reflects the NAE’s commitment to listen carefully to the diverse experiences, convictions and cultural postures shaping evangelical life across the country.  

“This is a pivotal moment in the future of the evangelical movement,” said Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. “Evangelicals have long been on the frontlines of social entrepreneurship for the health of our nation. To continue leading with hope and healing, we need a clear understanding of how evangelicals see their faith, identity and public engagement today.”

The research will examine key dimensions of contemporary evangelical life — from cultural posture and identity questions to whether evangelicalism is viewed more as a theological or political movement. It will also explore digital habits, media consumption, engagement with Christian influencers and social issue priorities.  

The study will survey 4,000 U.S. adults and is scheduled for completion at the end of this month. Drawing on decades of religious and cultural research, Barna will bring a rigorous, nuanced analysis to identify emerging trends that can guide future conversations, resources and initiatives for evangelical leaders and communities. The survey will use a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults and will include respondents across regions, ethnic backgrounds, denominations and age groups.   

“Evangelical identity is being tested and reshaped in real time,” said David Kinnaman, chief executive officer of the Barna Group. “This research will surface the trends and tensions shaping the movement and provide a foundation for thoughtful, informed leadership.” 

Results will be shared in phases beginning this fall. Over the next two years, the NAE will also host gatherings for evangelical leaders and media professionals to engage the research and strengthen collaboration.  

This project reinforces the NAE’s commitment to offering resources that help evangelicals foster thriving communities and navigate complexity with biblical clarity. 

About the National Association of Evangelicals 

Founded in 1942, the National Association of Evangelicals includes around 40 denominations and thousands of churches, schools and nonprofits, and serves a constituency of millions. The NAE provides resources, connection and influence to help evangelicals foster thriving communities and navigate complexity with biblical clarity. For more information about the NAE, visit NAE.org.  

About the Barna Group 

Since 1984, Barna Group has conducted more than 2 million interviews over the course of thousands of studies and has become a go-to source for insights about faith, culture, leadership, vocation and generations. Barna is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization. For more information about Barna, visit Barna.org.