An email I received yesterday from Christianity Today carried this striking headline: “Historic Shift: How Younger Generations Are Re-engaging with the Church.” It referred to new research from the Barna Group in the USA, revealing a surprising and encouraging trend – that young people (Millennials and Gen Z) are now attending church more frequently than before, and more often than older generations.
For decades, older adults – Boomers and the so-called Elders – were the most reliable churchgoers. But today, that pattern appears to be shifting. The very generations once labelled as disinterested in faith are showing the highest levels of regular attendance.
This is wonderful news! And it reminded me of a similar report released earlier this year by the Bible Society in the UK, titled The Quiet Revival. The findings point to a remarkable increase in church attendance among young adults, particularly young men. In 2018, only 4% of 18–24-year-olds attended church at least once a month; now, that number has risen to 16%. The report also highlights that the church in the UK is becoming increasingly diverse, with nearly one in five churchgoers (19%) coming from an ethnic minority background. This renewed engagement with church life is accompanied by a rise in Bible interest and reading. Some 67% of churchgoing Christians now read the Bible weekly outside of church services.
Dr Rob Barward-Symmons, one of the Report’s authors, suggests that this trend may reflect a growing hunger for meaning and hope in an age of mental health challenges, loneliness, and existential searching – particularly among young people. He notes that churchgoers consistently report higher levels of life satisfaction and community connection, and are less likely to experience anxiety or depression than non-churchgoers.
We can, and should, give thanks to the Lord of the harvest for these wonderful reports. These are not mere statistics — they are signs of the Spirit’s quiet work in hearts around the world. In a culture where many faiths and worldviews compete for people’s attention, these stories remind us that when spiritually thirsty people encounter Jesus Christ, they discover a hope and satisfaction that no other pursuit can provide. As Blaise Pascal once wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God the Creator.” And in the words of St Augustine, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.”
It is one of our greatest privileges, as children of God, to continue praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in these days – to seek a fresh revival of faith in our land. Many faithful saints have prayed long and earnestly for such renewal. Could it be that these signs – of young people returning to church, of hearts rekindled in Scripture and worship – are an answer to those prayers?
Let us pray that what is happening in the UK and the USA will also take root here in New Zealand. The same Lord who moves hearts there is at work here too, and He loves the people of this nation no less. May we see an increasing number of people, especially the younger generation, turning to Christ and joining our church communities. What a cause for rejoicing and praise that would be!
As I write these reflections, the Market Morning Committee and volunteers are putting the finishing touches in the Parish Hall for Market Morning tomorrow. Please note the times: 8:30 am – 12 noon. Let’s pray for the Lord’s abundant blessing — for fine weather, good health, and a wonderful turnout from the wider community. More importantly, may this event become an opportunity for us to show Christ’s love in word and deed, letting people know that Jesus loves them.
Please also keep in prayer other needs and upcoming events in our church life:
Amos Mahyambe and family depart today for Zimbabwe as they accompany the repatriation of the body of Amos’s mother-in-law. Pray for safe travels, comfort in their grief, and provision for all their needs.
Junitha Samuel is away in India with her family, continuing treatment for her health condition. She remains hopeful, positive, and trusting in the Lord’s faithfulness. She has asked me to convey her heartfelt thanks for the church family’s ongoing support and prayers.
Upcoming events:
Corporate Prayer Gathering – Nov 22 (final one for the year)
Newcomers Luncheon – Nov 23
Combined Service and Shared Lunch – Nov 30
Men’s Breakfast – Dec 6
Rising Voices Children’s Choir Mini Concert – Dec 6
Messy Church – Dec 7
(Please see the posters below for more details.)
And finally, do look forward to the summer edition of The Courier, which will be released at the end of this month.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:24–26
