Surge in Church Attendance Sparks Optimism Among UK Evangelicals
New insights from the Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report are offering a fresh perspective on church attendance in the UK, bringing a wave of optimism among evangelical leaders. The comprehensive study, conducted by YouGov, surveyed 13,000 individuals and presents a narrative contrary to the notion of declining UK church attendance.
The data reveals a notable increase in adult church attendance, rising from 8% to 12% over the past six years, translating to an addition of over 2 million attendees. The most significant growth was observed among the 18 to 24-year-old demographic, where attendance surged from 4% to 16%, with young men experiencing the most dramatic rise, jumping from 4% to 21%.
Writing on the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches website, John Stevens, an evangelical leader, attributes this trend to a deeper spiritual search among youth. He mentioned, “Young people say they are more spiritual … those who attend church report higher life satisfaction and connection to their communities.”
Stevens comments on how secular liberalism has fallen short of its promises, leading to increased loneliness and mental health issues. He notes that young men, in particular, are turning to the church as a refuge amidst societal pressures, including criticisms of ‘toxic masculinity’ and the challenge of self-identity.
This spiritual curiosity is drawing people not only to evangelical congregations but also to Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, appealing to those seeking tradition and transcendence. Stevens remarked, “The lesson is that people want substance not superficiality.”
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of the Bible Society, emphasized the study’s importance, stating that it should “transform the perception of Christianity and churchgoing in England and Wales.” He added, “Far from being on a slippery slope to extinction, the Church is alive and growing and making a positive difference to individuals and society.”
Dr Rhiannon McAleer, a co-author of the report, observed that while some traditional denominations are facing decline, there is a notable expansion in Catholic and Pentecostal communities, which presents a contrasting narrative to the church’s perceived decline.
The report notes that Catholics now account for 31% of UK churchgoers, a rise from 23% in 2018, while Pentecostal representation has climbed from 4% to 10%. Conversely, the proportion of Anglicans has decreased from 41% to 34%.
Across the Atlantic, similar trends are visible. The American Bible Society’s State of the Bible: USA 2025 report shows an uptick in Bible engagement, especially among men and younger generations. In the US, 41% of adults engage with the Bible at least thrice a year outside of church settings, up from 38% previously, with Gen Z and millennials showing increased engagement.
Despite these positive trends, Stevens urges caution, noting that UK church growth is also influenced by migration and population growth. He stresses the need for “re-evangelising the indigenous population,” while acknowledging that church attendance does not necessarily equate to genuine Christian faith.
Stevens also highlighted the potential for a spiritual shift in Britain, driven by a newfound openness among young people, especially men. He concluded by encouraging prayer for a transition from a ‘quiet revival’ to a “mighty revival,” emphasizing the role of the sovereign Spirit in evangelism and church growth.
“These signs of new evangelical life in the UK are an encouragement for us to have confidence in the Gospel and to persevere in Gospel ministry,” Stevens stated.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
