THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The author of a new book on why young Christians are leaving the church will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 19, in Overton Hall at California Lutheran University.

David Kinnaman of Ventura will discuss his book “You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church … and Rethinking Faith,” which was released in October. In it, he uses research to show how pastors, church leaders and parents have failed youth and why this will have long-term consequences for young adults and churches. With the help of contributors from across the Christian spectrum, Kinnaman offers adults ideas for passing on a lasting faith and provides young people with suggestions for developing and maintaining faith throughout their lives.

Based on a new nationwide study conducted by the Barna Group of 18- to 29-year-olds with a Christian background, the book counters persistent myths about young dropouts. Kinnaman is the president of Barna.

Kinnaman also wrote the 2007 book “unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity.” In it, he discusses young people’s negative perceptions of Christianity and what can be done to reverse them.

Since joining Barna in 1995, Kinnaman has designed and analyzed nearly 500 projects for a variety of clients including Columbia House, Easter Seals, Habitat for Humanity and NBC Universal. He wrote the Barna report “Teens and the Supernatural.” He is frequently quoted on the firm’s research in major media outlets including USA Today, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. He also speaks frequently on trends, teenagers, vocation, young leaders and generational changes.

The son of a pastor, Kinnaman has worked with teenagers and provided strategic consulting for congregations. He graduated from Biola University, where he served as student chaplain.

Overton Hall is south of Memorial Parkway near Regent Avenue on the Thousand Oaks campus.

CLU’s Campus Ministry Office is sponsoring the free event. For more information, contact Jesse McClain at jmcclain@callutheran.edu or Campus Ministry at 805-493-3228.