Keep praying as we hear more stories about churches growing and pray for revival in the younger generations.
It has been so encouraging to read The Quiet Revival research released by the Bible Society in April 2025 which documents that Church decline in England and Wales has not only stopped, but the Church is growing, as Gen Z leads an exciting turnaround in church attendance. Church attendance has risen by 50% over the last six years, resulting in over two million more people going to church with 16% of 18–24-year-olds (Gen Z) attending church and more men going to church than women. The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendance
Fusion have also released research which reveals that 50% of students think that the bible is relevant in today’s world; a third of non-Christian students would like to read the bible with a friend and 10 % of non-Christian students would like to read a bible but don’t have a copy What do today’s students think about the Bible_.pdf.
And now, we have heard many reports are coming in from all denominations of the rise in church attendance over Easter this year. On the Pray for England WhatsApp group, we had story after story recounting the numbers baptisms taking place in small, medium and larger churches right across England (Pray for England is a networking group for leaders). On our WPC Revival prayer hour on Wednesday 23 April, more stories were shared of how the numbers of those getting baptised have risen markedly this year.
These reports and research surveys are so encouraging – for this is what we have been praying for many years! I recount back in 2015 when we called leaders together asking the question ‘what is God saying to us in England at this time and what is our response? We came out of that 24 hours and issued The Mill Gathering Statement: We believe God is preparing us for an unparalleled spiritual harvest. We also believe that there is going to be a great increase in turbulence and uncertainty as the Lord continues to shake the nations. He is calling us to mobilise prayer and be ready for action. This is a time of awakening: a time when many will come to know Jesus and a time when many will come back to the church. This is not like anything we have experienced in our nations before…. We must purify and humble ourselves; prepare ourselves; proclaim Jesus…. It is time to pray for God’s mercy to triumph over His judgement on us His church and our nations; for the whole church to awaken; for the unity of God’s people; for the release of God’s Word and Spirit and for a revival generation.
As these green shoots appear across our nations let us continue to call out for God’s mercy, His protection, that many people will discover the truth about Jesus and for boldness for us all to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Jane Holloway is the National Prayer Director at the World Prayer Centre.
