What would you say if I told you that revival is happening right now across much of the Western world?
According to the Bible Society in the UK, there’s a noticeable uptick in church growth and renewed engagement with Christianity—especially among younger people. Their data suggests that church attendance is growing in nearly every age group, except those between 45 and 64 years old.
[You can read the full report here, or check out some excellent reflections from Glen Scrivener and Gavin Ortlund, who’ve been unpacking what this could mean for the wider church.]
But how does that news land with you?
Are you excited? Surprised? Skeptical? Maybe even a bit jealous?
Whatever your reaction, we shouldn’t be surprised that the gospel is still bearing fruit around the world. We shouldn’t be surprised when people begin to see through the emptiness of atheism, consumerism, or hedonism. And we certainly shouldn’t be surprised to see God at work—calling the world He loves back to Himself.
This is exactly what He promises through the prophet Isaiah:
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10–11)
We see this promise fulfilled throughout the Book of Acts, as Jesus’ followers bear witness to His life, death, and resurrection. Sometimes it’s dramatic—like the mass conversions following Peter’s sermon at Pentecost:
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:40–41)
Other times, it’s slower and quieter—seen in the daily life of a faithful, Jesus loving community:
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46–47)
It seems there is a quiet but growing awakening to Jesus—even here in our own communities. You may not read about it in the paper or see it on the evening news. But God is still at work.
So, let’s not be surprised. Instead, let’s be prepared.
Prepared to speak of Jesus.
To give generously.
To serve wholeheartedly.
To pray continually.
And to welcome warmly those whom God is drawing to Himself.
Grace & peace,
Andrew
eNews - 16th May 2025