George Barna is a professor at Arizona Christian University and Director of Research at the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, focusing on worldview assessment and development, and cultural transformation. He is also the Senior Research Fellow at Family Research Council’s Center for Biblical Worldview. He was the founder of The Barna Group (which he sold in 2009), the Barna Institute, the American Culture and Faith Institute, and Metaformation. Through these entities, he has conducted groundbreaking research on worldview, cultural transformation, ministry applications, spiritual development, and politics. He has provided research and strategy for several hundred parachurch ministries, thousands of Christian churches, the U.S. military and Fortune 500 companies. Having begun his research career in the political arena, he has provided polling for numerous political campaigns and has provided polling and strategy to four presidential candidates.

Raising Spiritual Champions is the 60th book that Barna has authored or co-authored. His books have addressed social and religious trends, worldview, leadership, spiritual development, church dynamics, and cultural transformation.
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Prior to joining the faculty of ACU, Barna taught at several universities and seminaries, served as the teaching pastor of a large, multi-ethnic church, pastored a house church, and helped to start several churches. After graduating summa cum laude from Boston College, Barna earned two master’s degrees from Rutgers University and received a doctorate from Dallas Baptist University. Barna and his wife, Nancy, attended high school, college, and graduate school together before marrying in the Princeton University Chapel in 1978.

They have three adopted daughters and three grandchildren and currently live on the central California coast and in the Phoenix area. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, relaxing at the beach or on a cruise, watching the NY Yankees, playing bass guitar and listening to the blues, hanging out with his blind dog, Ray Charles, visiting comedy clubs or watching comedy specials, and reading novels.

Michael, who served as Vice President of Advancement at SGA from 1997-2003, was named President of SGA in May of 2017.

Michael began his career as an account manager and supervisor at highly respected international advertising agencies from 1986 to 1995, serving major consumer brands. He later moved to nonprofit agency leadership at KMA Direct Communications and Douglas Shaw and Associates, where he served as Senior Vice President for 11 years before rejoining SGA.

Michael is building on the solid biblical and ministry foundation laid by Peter Deyneka and Bob Provost, who will continue to serve as an advisor to Michael as President Emeritus.