For the last three years, we have been enjoying God's revival work in Leicester. There has been an awareness among us of a genuine increase of interest in Christianity, particularly among the Gen Z community. Our own experiences in Leicester are now being reflected more broadly in the UK.
Today's report of a survey carried out by YouGov, (a secular
polling organisation), suggests that we are experiencing nationwide revival. The
report calls it ‘Quiet Revival’. This is partly to do with the fact that much
of what is being reported has not been previously identified, and certainly not
reflected on by a national media largely antagonistic towards Christianity.
Here are some of the main findings from the report, which
can be accessed in its entirety through this link: Quiet Revival
- Large numbers of young adults, male and female, have started going to church, reading the Bible regularly, practising prayer and worshipping Jesus Christ as God. A new generation is finding hope in the Christian message and in established Christian communities.
- Over 2 million more people are attending church that last measured 6 years ago.
- In 2018, just 4% of 18–24-year-olds said they attended church at least monthly. Today this has risen to 16%, with young men increasing from 4% to 21%, and young women from 3% to 12%.
- With young people, struggling with mental health, loneliness and a loss of meaning in life, Church appears to be offering an answer. Churchgoers are more likely than non-churchgoers to report higher life satisfaction and a greater feeling of connection to their community than non-churchgoers. Interestingly, there appears to be no improved mental health among other faiths.
- 31% of non-churchgoers say they would attend church if invited by a friend or family member, rising to 34% among 18–24-year-olds.
- Over half of non-churchgoers (56%) would be happy for a Christian friend to pray for them, while 18% say they would be interested in learning more about the Bible.
By comparing the new data with that taken in 2018, we can
clearly see the amazing statistical differences. From just 4% of young men aged
18 to 24 attending church in 2018, we now see a remarkable 21%. In his recent
lecture, Sir Gareth Southgate identifies a lost generation of young men, captured
on their smartphones with a continuous diet of gaming, gambling and pornography.
This report shows that thankfully, many are finding their way out of that dark
valley and onto higher ground.
In her 1967 vision, Jean Darnall saw towns and cities up and
down our nation catching a revival fire. Leicester has been an early firestarter,
but there are many more beginning to burn. Bring on the quiet revival!
