Published Article

HeadlineUK churches see 56% growth in attendance driven by young people

Short HeadlineSurge in Gen Z at Church

StandfirstThe number of Gen Zs regularly attending church has increased by 12% in the past 6 years.

“As a young person, I think it’s the best thing I can have.”

It might be surprising, but this is how Luke Whelan, 27, views church. Luke became a Christian last month and got baptized alongside 70 other people in one night in north London church, Hillsong.

Luke reflects on his decision to become a Christian and commit to church. “Being a young person is about trying to impress people, to look good, to feel good all the time.” He said, its exhausting really, there’s so much you’ve got to juggle”.

 Coming into church simplified my whole life.”

Luke Whelan, Journalist

Luke describes the difference between his life before and after going to church and the value of the community he’s found there.

“Prior to having God and church in my life I felt very isolated. It was frankly a really difficult time for me.

Luke Whelan, Journalist

But new data suggests Luke’s story is part of a much broader trend of young people turning to church across London and the UK. In just 5 major London churches, over 500 people are baptized and become Christians every year.

The Bible Society’s report The Quiet Revival reveals that UK church attendance has by grown 56% from 2018 to 2024 according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the organization.

They say the largest growth in figures is due to Gen Z, where the number of 16–24-year-olds regularly attending church has jumped from 4% to 16%.

Faith, family and phones: the reasons behind the growth

Reverend Fergus Buttler-Gallie, believes there are many reasons why this ‘quiet revival’ is being seen now:

“First and foremost it’s the work of the Holy Spirit. There is a great hunger for meaning, the world has become less certain and old certainties have collapsed.”

Fergus Buttler-Gallie, Reverend and writer

In many ways, it’s a generational shift. People reject the orthodoxies of their parents and for many in Gen X is that religion is over – of course that isn’t true.

Fergus also credits the rise of social media, saying that the easier spread of information means people with “no personal link” to the church can now discover and engage with it more quickly than before.

The Reverend notes that the growth in church attendance is partly thanks to the efforts of those already within the church:
“Where it’s happening is often due to the hard work of clergy, ministers, and other Christians on the ground,” he said.

Fergus Butler-Gallie argues that the new statistics follow a difficult few months for the Church of England, during which public attitudes were less encouraging.

However, he believes recent scandals—including cover-ups and the resignations of senior church figures—have not deterred people from connecting with their local congregations:

“Generally, people were anti the institutional idea of the church and mistrusted the Church of England,” he said, “but in the form of their local church, it’s viewed positively—and that’s what this data shows.”

These statistics are significant for UK churches, especially after many pointed to decline in 2023.

Yet new, younger Christians like Luke believe the growth in young churchgoers has been a long time in the making.

“I think after Covid-19, a lot of young people felt the isolation and the need for community, meaning, and purpose—which can be found in church,” he said.