The "silent revival" phenomenon: Generation Z is returning to churches

There is an unprecedented growth in interest in Christianity among young people in the UK. According to a report by the Bible Society, the year 2025 has been marked by a «quiet revival» manifested in an increase in church attendance, especially among Generation Z. These changes are accompanied by record sales of Bibles: the UK’s largest Christian publisher, SPCK Group, has recorded a doubling of sales of the holy books since 2019.

Christian Today reports that sales of Bibles in the UK in 2025 have reached an all-time high. Lauren Windle, publishing director at SPCK Group, expresses excitement about the growing interest of young people in the Church and the Word of God. For those just beginning their journey in the Christian faith, she says, the Bible is becoming the first purchase at the bookstore. Windle hopes this growing congregation will also turn to Christian thinkers and scholars to further understand and live according to God’s Word.

This begs the question: what is driving Generation Z toward the Church? One theory suggests that the younger generation, having grown up in an age of social media and instant access to everything, is facing a sense of emptiness. Despite the seeming fullness of life, where «the world lies at their fingertips,» it’s not enough. According to Windle, the pursuit of material goods, whether it’s more subscribers, a better body, or a higher salary, ultimately shows that what people often desire is not what is truly fulfilling. Perhaps they are looking for something outside of themselves and find it in the deeper sense of security and fulfillment promised by Jesus.

Another significant factor is the changing perception of the Church. For previous generations, the Church was often associated with judgment and traumatic memories of systemic problems and aggressive preaching. However, the Church has changed significantly over the past twenty years. Today’s generation is not burdened by these negative biases. They see their favorite athletes and musicians openly thanking God, and the Christians they encounter are more likely to demonstrate the love of Christ rather than threaten punishment for bad behavior. An anonymous post on Platform X quoted in a Christian Today article reads, «Recently started attending church again after 30 years. Forgot how nice everyone is. And all the moralizing, judgmental preaching is gone. It’s a real oasis in the middle of the week.»

It is also noted that Generation Z, contrary to popular belief, is not afraid of discipline if it leads to goals that inspire them. This is the generation of the «5 a.m. club,» protein targets, and «habit accumulation» principles. They understand that consistency is more important than intensity. That’s why the Christian faith may be attractive to them: it promises great rewards, both heavenly and earthly, to those who follow Jesus. It is not about the «prosperity gospel» but about the spiritual gifts and fruits of the Spirit — peace, gentleness, self-control — which many seek in their own strength, but which God gives in abundance. Daily spiritual routines are not seen as a chore, but as a challenge they are willing to accept.

And perhaps the most intriguing aspect mentioned by Lauren Windle: what if this is not the result of human effort at all? What if social factors, changed perceptions of the Church are just a backdrop, but in reality God Himself is calling and people are listening? Perhaps people have dreams about the need to attend church, or are attracted to music from church buildings. These are not clever sermons or well timed Christmas concerts, but, according to Windle, «the work of God.» The challenge for the Church in this case is to be ready with open arms to offer a warm welcome.

As a reminder, in Medellin, Colombia, the Serbian Orthodox parish of Holy Trinity hosted the baptism of six young people who had completed months of catechetical training. This event, which took place over the weekend of January 17-18, was an important milestone for the small but growing Orthodox community in the region.