Bible Society Research - a boost for Churches

It was hugely encouraging today to read research from the Bible Society which shows a massive rise in church attendance in the UK. What was especially encouraging was the increase in 18 to 24-year-olds who are attending church.

For us, as a ministry, it highlights the need for churches to be prepared to answer some of the difficult questions that will be posed by Gen Z. I believe that the church's traditional response to the LGBTQ+ community has caused significant harm to building relationship with the younger generation. Many young people came to the church looking for community, hope, and truth. However, they often encountered a message that felt more exclusive than inclusive. The conversation around sexuality and gender was often a battleground, rather than an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Perhaps we need to consider a new way of engaging with Gen Z. Instead of focusing on condemnation or judgment, we need to build a culture of compassion combined with truth. Churches must continue to hold to the Christian understanding of marriage and identity (as defined by the Bible,) but we must also be willing to listen to the experiences of young people, to empathise with their struggles, and to meet them where they are (but not leave them there!)

The rise in church attendance among 18- to 24-year-olds is a hopeful sign, but it also comes with a responsibility. If we are to effectively reach this generation, we need to do more than simply quote Scripture—we need to show that we are willing to engage in real relationships with them. That means acknowledging the complexities of their lives and being prepared to walk with them in their spiritual journey to truth.

Is your church a space where people are welcomed and invited into honest conversations? Are we showing people that the gospel is not just a set of rules to be followed, but the good news of a Saviour who loves them unconditionally? By doing so, we can help build understanding and trust that allows us to speak the truth in love.

What a unique opportunity this research presents to us. With so many young people looking for meaning and connection, we have a chance to offer something that is countercultural—a message of grace, hope, and transformation. But to do this, we must be willing to rethink how we approach difficult topics like gender and sexuality. We must be a community where people are not just heard, but also loved, respected, and invited into the fullness of the life that God offers.

You can download the full research from the Bible Society here