The Barna Group is a Ventura, Calif.-based research company whose research often focuses on the ways faith and culture intersect.

Kinnaman is best-selling co-author of the book “unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About  Christianity” (2008). During our brief  interview Kinnaman talked about why he wrote the book and some of the lessons Christian churches can glean from it.

Somewhere along the way, I think my “parent” hat and my “reporter” hat meshed together because I began asking him questions from a parent’s viewpoint. At that point, I think our conversation became more indepth than just the typical interview and I came away with some lessons learned about what today’s youths are saying about the Church and the adults who have helped guide their way thus far.

Really interesting information.

If you haven’t already done so, get that book. 

I also got to sit in on a youth ministers’ luncheon hosted by OC’s Dudley Chancey, associate professor of youth ministry. At the luncheon, Kinnaman talked about his latest book “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church … and Rethinking Faith.”

Kinnaman expounded some on the research findings detailed in “You Lost Me” and I think it is quite interesting material for anyone who is a parent or church leader or simply someone who loves young people and wants to see them grow in the Christian faith.

I’ll have a story this Saturday about Kinnaman, his research compiled in “unChristian” and how the Church can use this important research data.  My story will also include his thoughts on the controversy that arose over the part of the book that dealt with how young people see the Church as anti-gay.

And if you haven’t already heard, Kinnamon will be speaking tonight at 7 p.m. in the Hardeman Auditorium on the OC campus, 2501 E Memorial Road. He’ll be talking about research compiled in “You Lost Me.” 

The presentation is free and open to the public.  

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

Before the interview, I got a copy of “Unbroken,” the book chronicling Zamperini’s amazing life but I wasn’t able to finish it before his visit.

I’m finishing it up now and I have been amazed at how many people have read the book or are in the middle of reading it. Everywhere I go, people are talking about the book. When I have it with me, which I frequently do, someone stops me to say that they have read it and it is a great book.

It is a best-seller by Laura Hillenbrand who earned accolades from Zamperini about how well she captured his story, which includes the account of how he came to give his life to the Lord.

Anyway, it just blows my mind about the many ways the book has served as a connecting point for me and so many people.

I guess that’s what good books are supposed to do.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor    

Incidentally, I don’t believe in happenstance. I believe that many of our encounters are divinely orchestrated. Another way to look at it is seeing each encounter through a spiritual lense.  It is in that context that I say that I was so touched by Mr. Zamperini and what he had to say about his faith journey. There were lots of spiritual lessons gleaned from that interview.

John P. Kee and New Life will present “a night of praise and worship” at 7 p.m. at the church. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert is free.

I liked Kee (pictured) back in the days when he was with Commissioned and his music continues to draw people.

More Christian concerts are on the horizon.

Check this out:

Sept. 16 — Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, 7:30 p.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S Pennsylvania. Tickets are $20, available at the church on day of the concert, by phone at (800) 965-9324 or online at www.iTickets.com.  

Sept. 18 — Andrew Peterson, 6:30 p.m. at Covenant Community Church, 2250 N Mustang Road (now Yukon Parkway) in Yukon. 354-9338.

Sept. 19 — Sanctus Real, 7:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Energy Center at the State Fair. Admission is free with paid admission to the fair. Information: www.okstatefair.com.

Sept. 24 — FFH, 6 p.m. at Southern Hills Baptist Church, 8601 S Pennsylvania. Information: 682-1636.

Sept. 24 — Ivan Parker, 6:30 p.m. at Del City High School auditorium, 1900 S Sunnylane Road. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $15 for general admission and $10 for balcony. Tickets available at the door. 677-2330. 

Oct. 8 — Third Day, Peter Furler of the Newsboys and Trevor Morgan,  7 p.m. at the Mabee Center on the Oral Roberts University campus, 7777 S Lewis in Tulsa. www.iTickets.com; www.mabeecenter.com.

Oct. 27 — Brandon Heath and Dave Barnes,  Tulsa Convention Center. www.iTickets.com.

Nov. 5 — Gaither Homecoming Tour featuring the Gaither Vocal Band,  the Isaacs, Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie, Gordon Mote and others, 6 p.m. at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. www.mabeecenter.com.

Nov. 12 — Two Friends Tour featuring Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant, 7 p.m. at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. www.mabeecenter.com.

Nov. 17 — Rock and Worship Roadshow featuring MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Hawk Nelson, Group 1 Crew, Matt Maher and Disciple, 7 p.m. at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. www.iTickets.com. 

There are more, I’m sure, but these are the concerts I know of right now. If you know of one that’s not on my list, give me a shout-out. Eventually as they come up, we’ll print these in the paper and I don’t want to miss anyone.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Forgive us, Lord, when we stumble and look only toward the pleasures of this life. Amen.