Thank God for revival!

Bishop Claion Grandison shares his thoughts on the recent Bible Society report ‘The Quiet Revival’, and outlines how God is moving amongst the younger generation in NTCG

The recent report by the Bible Society, ‘The Quiet Revival’, offers an insightful glimpse into the current state of faith across England and Wales. Contrary to the common narrative of religious decline, the report reveals a vibrant and growing Christian presence. With 12% of adults attending church monthly and 67% of churchgoers actively reading the Bible throughout the week, we are witnessing a movement that is alive, dynamic, and full of promise.

One of the most compelling aspects of this revival is its diversity. The fact that 32% of churchgoers aged 18 to 54 come from ethnic minority backgrounds highlights the inclusive and universal appeal of the Gospel. The Church is becoming more representative of the rich, cultural tapestry of our nation, embodying the biblical vision of a community drawn ‘from every nation, tribe, people and language’.

Equally uplifting is the spiritual curiosity evident among younger generations. The report shows that 35% of 18- to 24-year-olds believe in God or a ‘higher power’ – an impressive statistic in a society often considered secular.

In addition, nearly 80% of churchgoers express a desire to make a difference in the world. This reflects a deeply rooted sense of mission and service. The Church is not merely a place of worship, but a community of change-makers seeking to positively impact society. However, the report does not shy away from the challenges. One notable concern is that 35% of 18- to 34-year-olds feel unequipped to confidently explain the Scriptures. This reveals a pressing need for deeper discipleship and theological training, especially among young believers.

Nevertheless, hope remains high. Encouragingly, 34% of 18- to 24-year-olds, who do not currently attend church, say they would consider going if invited. This speaks volumes about the power of personal invitation and relational evangelism. People are open; it’s up to us to reach out.

The New Testament Church of God’s theme for 2025, CONNECT, is a timely and fitting call to action. Statistics show that more than half of 18- to 34-year-old churchgoers feel a greater sense of community and connection than their non-churchgoing peers. In a society still recovering from the mental and emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, this sense of belonging is invaluable, presenting a unique opportunity for the Church to build on existing momentum. 

There is a clear spiritual awakening taking place, especially among our youth. At the beginning of the year, over 300 NTCG young people gathered in Northampton for a day of prayer, while overall attendance and involvement in national events have increased by over 30%.

The recent appointment of the youngest National Men’s Ministry Director, at 34, has in just two and a half years resulted in a significant increase in younger men and students joining our national conferences, with overall attendance growing by over 80%! The ministry has subsequently seen greater community engagement among men.

Equally represented are the women of our church, who continue to be the largest and fastest-growing group, offering hope, empowerment, and a safe space to connect.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT), ‘There is a wide-open door for a great work here.’ The Quiet Revival is growing louder, and we are standing on the threshold of significant spiritual renewal.

During my leadership tenure, the New Testament Church of God has embraced this opportunity with focused energy. One major initiative has been a strategic campaign to identify, train, and promote emerging young leaders. A key part of this strategy is our partnership with St Mellitus College, where selected young people are placed on a year-long theological discernment track, after which several have considered further theological training. This opportunity, offered at no cost to NTCG students, has already empowered a number of future leaders, equipping them with the theological grounding necessary for ministry in today’s world.

The Church’s mission to cultivate theologically sound leadership has never been more relevant. As we grapple with the concerns raised in the report, particularly the lack of scriptural confidence among young believers, initiatives like this are vital. In combination with the training provided by our Leadership Training Centre, we are developing a new generation of theologically informed, confident and compassionate leaders.

The Quiet Revival is no longer quiet. It’s a movement gaining momentum, its voice echoing through baptisms in community parks; gospel music on outdoor stages; market stalls transformed into hubs for evangelism and prayer; peaceful Christian demonstrations for justice on local high streets; believers flooding their neighbourhoods on Good Friday to spark meaningful conversations over coffee around the theme ‘What’s Good?’; and, over in south-east London, a barber shop hosts sessions called Thursday Night Jollof, where mainly Black men – churched and unchurched – have deep discussions about spirituality, health and mental well-being over a plate or two of jollof rice and jerk chicken.

The Spirit of God is moving. The Church is rising. The revival is real.
Viva la Revival.

Claion Grandison
Administrative Bishop, New Testament Church of God, England and Wales