N Norfolk pastor affirms Gen Z church boost

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The world of Christianity has been witnessing a remarkable phenomenon in recent years. Despite the common perception that church attendance is on the decline, a recent survey by the Bible Society has unveiled a surprising surge in church attendance over the last six years. This trend is particularly noticeable among the Gen Z age group, comprising individuals between 18 and 25 years old. For church leaders like Ian Savory, who serves as the leader at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham, this statistics reflects his own experience and observations. As a matter of fact, Ian has been thrilled to see the growth and enthusiasm of young people in his church, which has led to a thriving youth group and three baptisms on Easter Sunday.

The Quiet Revival survey, commissioned by the Bible Society and conducted by YouGov, provides a comprehensive insight into the changing landscape of church attendance. The survey reveals that church attendance has increased by 50% over the last six years, defying the current narrative of church decline. One of the most striking aspects of the survey is the dramatic growth of church attendance among young adults, particularly young men. In 2018, only 4% of 18-24-year-olds reported attending church at least monthly, whereas today, this figure has risen to 16%. The survey also highlights the significant increase in church attendance among young men, from 4% to 21%, and young women, from 3% to 12%. These statistics not only demonstrate the growing interest in Christianity among young people but also underscore the potential for churches to tap into this demographic and nourish their spiritual growth.

Ian Savory’s experience at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham is a testament to the Quiet Revival survey’s findings. As the leader of the church, Ian has witnessed firsthand the growth and enthusiasm of young people in his congregation. The church’s youth group is thriving, and the recent baptisms on Easter Sunday are a powerful indication of the impact that the church is having on the lives of young people. Ian’s excitement about the survey’s results is palpable, and he believes that it reflects the genuine hunger and thirst for spiritual growth among young people. For Ian, the survey’s findings are not just statistics; they represent real people who are seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith in meaningful ways.

The Quiet Revival survey has far-reaching implications for churches and Christian communities. It suggests that the conventional wisdom about church decline may be overstated, and that there are, in fact, many people, especially young adults, who are searching for spiritual meaning and connection. The survey’s findings also underscore the importance of churches being intentional about reaching out to young people and creating spaces for them to explore their faith. For Ian and his team at Lighthouse Community Church, the survey’s results are a clarion call to continue investing in the lives of young people and to create an environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and discipleship. As Ian so eloquently puts it, “Please God, pour your spirit out on your church and make us fit for mission in north Norfolk.”

The Quiet Revival survey also highlights the need for churches to re-examine their mission and purpose. In an era where many churches are struggling to maintain their membership and relevance, the survey’s findings offer a glimmer of hope. It suggests that churches can experience growth and vitality by being intentional about reaching out to young people and creating spaces for them to explore their faith. For Ian, this means being willing to ask tough questions about the church’s mission and purpose, and being open to new and innovative ways of engaging with the community. As he so aptly puts it, “Sometimes in church life, we need to ask whether we are about mission, standing still, or even if our churches are at end-of-life care. Are we here for ourselves or for the mission Christ gave us?” These are profound questions that require careful consideration and reflection, and the Quiet Revival survey offers a timely reminder of the need for churches to be missional and outward-focused.

As the Christian community in north Norfolk and beyond continues to grapple with the implications of the Quiet Revival survey, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation about what the future holds. For Ian and his team at Lighthouse Community Church, the survey’s findings are a powerful reminder of the importance of being intentional about reaching out to young people and creating spaces for them to explore their faith. As they continue to invest in the lives of young people and create an environment that is conducive to spiritual growth and discipleship, they are confident that God will pour out his spirit on the church and make it fit for mission. The Quiet Revival survey may be just the beginning of a new era of growth and vitality for churches in north Norfolk and beyond, and it will be exciting to see how the Christian community responds to the challenge and opportunity that it presents.