A quiet revival and a generous future

For decades, the story of Christianity in the UK has been one of slow decline - pews emptying, churches closing and faith fading from public view. But something unexpected is happening.

A new report from Bible Society, The Quiet Revival, reveals a surprising truth: church attendance is rising again, especially among young adults. In fact, 18–24 year olds are now the second most likely age group to attend church regularly. Even more remarkably, young men are showing up in significant numbers, with 21% attending monthly, up from just 4% in 2018.

This isn’t just a statistical anomaly. It’s a sign of deeper spiritual movement. And when we read this alongside our latest Generosity Report, a compelling picture emerges: the Church in the UK is being renewed - by a quiet return to faith, community and sacrificial generosity.

Young, faithful and generous

At the heart of both reports is the same group: young adults. While they’re often portrayed as disengaged or disillusioned, the data tells a different story. This generation is spiritually curious, hungry for meaning and willing to invest their time, energy, and resources in what matters.

The Quiet Revival shows young people exploring prayer, attending church and seeking deeper community. The Generosity Report shows this same demographic reshaping how they give - prioritising relational giving, cause-driven action and a strong desire to make a difference.

The takeaway? Younger Christians aren’t less generous. They’re differently generous. They don’t give out of obligation but out of conviction. They give where they belong, where they believe in the mission and where they see hope.

Generosity flows from discipleship

Both reports affirm vital biblical principles around spiritual practice, flowing from a deepening walk with Jesus. The Quiet Revival highlights a need for deeper discipleship, especially around the reading of Scripture. Many young believers are eager but uncertain. They are keen to engage but need help from their community in their use of the Bible.

This echoes a key insight from the Generosity Report: when people grow in discipleship, generosity follows. As Christians engage more intentionally with the Bible and community, they begin to see giving not as a transaction, but as worship. A joyful response to God’s grace.

This is where the Church has an incredible opportunity. When we equip people to understand God’s Word and invite them into whole-life generosity, we don’t just teach stewardship - we foster overall spiritual maturity.

Hope, wellbeing and connection

The Quiet Revival also reveals a link between churchgoing and wellbeing. Churchgoers report higher life satisfaction, deeper community connection and lower levels of anxiety and depression than the wider population. These effects are most noticeable among young adults - those often facing the sharpest mental health challenges.

And it doesn’t stop at personal wellbeing. Churchgoers are significantly more likely to volunteer, give financially, donate to food banks and get involved in social action. These findings mirror one of the key takeaways from the Generosity Report: generosity, when practiced and talked about in community has the power to transform churches, not just individuals.

In an age of fragmentation and isolation, the Church is becoming a place of restoration. A community of belonging. A people marked by hope and known for their generosity.

Relationships matter most

One of the most striking findings in both reports is the power of relationships. In The Quiet Revival, a third of young adults say they would attend church if invited by a friend. Similarly, the Generosity Report shows that people are most likely to give when they’re connected, when they trust the people they are giving to and understand the story behind the need.

In other words, generosity grows in relationship. This is good news for churches of all sizes. You don’t need to have every box ticked to inspire generosity. You simply need real stories built around trust and integrity. And a community where people know they matter and have value.

A cultural moment to engage

The narrative is shifting. It feels like we’re witnessing a move of God - not one defined by headlines or celebrity conversions, but by a quiet, grassroots revival. It is happening in local churches. In conversations. In young adults who are discovering Jesus, joining communities and giving generously.

The Church in the UK has not been silenced - it’s singing a new song. And generosity is part of the melody.

If you want to understand more about this rising movement of generosity, we invite you to explore the full picture in Stewardship’s Generosity Report 2025 and the Bible Society’s Quiet Revival. Both are filled with insight, stories and practical wisdom for churches, ministries and individuals across the UK.

Download the Generosity Report