Awakening Across Europe

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Following nearly a decade of pews sitting empty and many houses of faith closing their doors, churches have begun to report more visitors, deeper questions, and a renewed expectancy that God is up to something. Local leaders describe this not as a fleeting trend, but as a legitimate season of spiritual renewal — and the accompanying stories offer compelling evidence of revival in progress.

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Spiritual renewal should fill the Church with hope.

“I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19b

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For decades, the story of Christianity in the UK has been largely framed in terms of decline. Yet the latest research from Bible Society, captured in The Quiet Revival, (McAleer & Barward-Symmons, 2025) tells a strikingly different story — and it is one that should deeply encourage churches, believers, and leaders.

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This revival is “quiet”: understated, relational, and deeply rooted in genuine spiritual searching. But the soil is far more fertile for the planting of Gospel seeds than many have assumed. Shall we plant these seeds together?

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Notice the signs of revival—and be ready to participate!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” Isaiah 43:19a

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What makes this moment especially hopeful is not just that people are returning to church, but how they are arriving. Drawing on research, listening to church members, and observing the missional landscape, five key trends point us to a remarkable Gospel opportunity.

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1. The spiritually open.

Belief is back on the table, and the world is hungry.

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Confident atheism is continuing to decline. Younger generations are less interested in dismissing faith outright and far more interested in spiritual meaning, transcendence, and purpose. This moment calls for confident Churches that are welcoming, grounded, and clear about the hope of the Gospel. These will find many seekers, already asking the questions to which Jesus is the only answer.

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2. The unexplainable.

God encounters are leading people to faith. 

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Research shows that 28% of new adult Christians say a spiritual experience prompted them to explore faith (Eyte, 2026; The 28% figure appears in article commentary about The Quiet Revival study and is not explicitly listed in the publicly available PDF of the report). Dreams, moments of unexplainable peace, answered prayers, and miraculous encounters are no longer rare anecdotes — they are becoming common entry points.

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Expect people to arrive with questions like, “What was that?” rather than, “Is God real?” Many feel they have already brushed up against something—Someone—beyond themselves. 

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3. Gospel opportunities.

Will the Church connect the dots?

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The cost-of-living crisis, global conflict on the doorstep, political instability and civil unrest is unlikely to ease in 2026 and 2027. Churches will remain at the forefront of compassionate response.

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Yet only a fraction of those who receive charity from a church are invited into a journey of faith. Where Jesus’ gentle welcome is offered — many do respond.

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This opportunity is especially clear among families. A research study in 2020 showed that 74% of parents with children under five had attended a church activity within the previous 12 months (HOPE Together, 2020). We expect this number to have grown since that time. Churches providing food, and supporting families will grow significantly when they compassionately join the dots between generous service and sharing the Gospel story.

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4. Booming Bible engagement.

The Word, rediscovered as beautiful.

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Bible sales have increased by 87% in recent years (Williams, 2025), and many seekers arrive at church having already studied Scripture for themselves. This is particularly true among younger generations, who are drawn to Good News that’s not only emotionally compelling but intellectually credible and morally serious. They are not asking the church to dilute its message, but to communicate it clearly and honestly.

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Churches that keep the substance of the Gospel unchanged while learning to speak the language of today’s culture—will flourish. Many will point to reading the Bible as a pivotal moment in their faith journey.

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5. Discipleship questions and challenges.

The harvest is growing — we have to nurture it.

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With more people coming to faith through diverse, unexpected pathways, discipleship will become the next defining challenge. New believers need the most help establishing spiritual disciplines and finding meaningful community. Without this, many drift away — not because belief fades, but because belonging never fully forms.

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But this challenge brings renewal with it. Churches will likely be moved invest more in early spiritual formation, empowering spiritual fathers and mothers to walk alongside new believers. his in turn will bring greater flourishing to God’s people as a whole and healthy body.

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Stepping into a season of hope.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13

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God is already at work, often beyond the church’s expectations and plans. The trends shaping 2026 do not call for panic or reinvention, but for attentiveness, courage, and trust. And the church — imperfect, local, and hopeful — is once again becoming a place where seekers encounter Good News.

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What we are witnessing — from the Southwest of England to Zagreb — is not simply event attendance or program success. It’s the fresh movement of God’s Spirit in the heart of communities. The sense of expectancy across churches and cities around the world is unmistakable. God is awakening His church — and the world is beginning to notice. Are you ready?

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How to Pray for Revival Across Europe

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1.    Spiritually Open Hearts
Pray that many seekers across Europe would be drawn to the festivals with ready hearts and respond to Jesus.

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2.    Clear and Courageous Gospel Witness
Pray that the Good News would be communicated with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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3.    Genuine Encounters with God
As spiritual experiences draw many toward faith, pray that the Holy Spirit would move powerfully, bringing conviction, healing, and true revelation.

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4.    Strong Church Partnership and Discipleship
Pray for unity among local churches and effective follow-up, that every decision leads to lasting transformation.

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5.    Enduring Fruit and Renewal
Pray that these outreaches would not be isolated moments, but catalysts for sustained renewal across Europe.

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References:

McAleer, Rhiannon, and Rob Barward-Symmons. (2025). The Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendance. Swindon: The Bible Society. ISBN 978-0564039814.

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Eyte, C. (2026, January 13). Christian Daily International. Quoting Phil Knox, Evangelism and missiology senior specialist for the UK Evangelical Alliance in reference to “The Quiet Revival.”

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HOPE Together, Church of England, & Evangelical Alliance. (2020). Talking Toddlers: Research conducted by Savanta ComRes. HOPE Together.

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Williams, D. (2025, March 19). Bible sales surge by 87% as Generation Z rediscovers faith. Christian Today.

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Note:

These themes are sourced from Phil Knox (Evangelical Alliance) and his work.