Never Mind the Buzzwords

We are living in what some are calling a “quiet revival.” For leaders who’ve been around the block, stick with me…this isn’t just a buzzword. I promise.

Young people today are statistically more spiritually curious. Nearly half say they believe in God. Prayer is increasing. Young people are turning up at church unexpectedly—many even dragging their parents with them. Radical stories of dreams, conversions, and healing are emerging across the UK. There are genuine signs that God is stirring a generation back to Himself.

The opportunity is here.

And yet… an awkward—but urgent—question remains: Do our strategies and spiritual practices actually reflect the multigenerational Church God is calling us to be?

Spiritual curiosity isn’t fading—it’s forming. The opportunity is real. So, how do we respond?

For leaders who have heard plenty of buzzwords before “next gen,” “revival,” “Joshua generation”…thank you for sticking with me this far. Hang in there. I believe there is something here for us to grapple with as leaders. I promise.

I have the privilege of helping church leaders reimagine how they minister to young people. Unfortunately, I often discover that, for many, the conversation is less about a genuine burden for the next generation and more about a numbers game—bums on seats.

What’s that? “Ministry is about people, not numbers.” I hear you say…

We’ve all said it. But let’s be honest—it’s easier said than lived.

If we aren’t intentionally and genuinely making space for the next generation, we’re not fully living out what God intended the Church to be: His family, spanning every age and stage of life.

If we want our churches to flourish across generations, we must examine not just what we hope for—but how we are building. Like any builder, it’s easy to cling to tools that once worked. But today requires fresh approaches, new tools, and renewed courage. The Church has formed many characteristics—some inspiring, some frustrating—but one thing is certain: it is meant to be multigenerational.

Here are three questions I believe will help us reach young people more effectively today. There are certainly more honest questions I could ask—but you’re probably already losing focus. Well done for getting this far; in all honesty, I’d probably have dropped out by now… So let’s stick with three.

1. Are we showing up where young people actually are… or just waiting for them to stumble in?

Young people are at home, online, on social media, across various gaming platforms, in gyms, cafés, sports clubs, and public spaces. Meanwhile, most church outreach still happens on church premises. Sunday gatherings, youth groups/Alpha, and Bible studies are vital—but primarily for those already connected. Are we intentionally creating spaces that welcome unchurched young people, or are we simply hoping they’ll fit into what already exists?

Jesus didn’t say, “Wait for them to come and then make disciples.” He said, “Go.”

If rising curiosity statistics lull us into comfort, we risk squandering a moment God is creating. Are we in danger of waiting for the ‘quiet revival’… perhaps for all the wrong reasons? The question isn’t just, “Are they actually coming?” It remains, “Are we actually going?”

2. Are we counting hands… or building courage?

A lack of volunteers is often cited as the biggest challenge in youth ministry. Yet even where volunteers exist, confidence can be low—especially when it comes to praying with young people or leading spiritual conversations.

What if the breakthrough we need isn’t more people—but braver people?

Many young people say they would attend church if invited by a trusted friend. Churches often encourage invitation and prayer. Encouragement alone won’t cut it—greater courage will.

Are we equipping young people and leaders to talk about Jesus naturally, confidently, and relationally? Are we helping them move from passive belief to courageous witness?

We don’t just need bigger teams. We need confident disciples.

3. Do we really know how young people see us… or are we still guessing?

Don’t write yourself off before you start. There is a growing hunger for truth and the supernatural. Don’t assume negativity.

Misaligned perceptions certainly existed in my generation (don’t judge me—I’m a millennial…).

Here’s the surprise: you are not starting 3–0 down anymore. Many young people view their local church positively—often more positively than we assume. The door isn’t closed.

However, liking isn’t knowing.

Churches often overestimate how much young people understand about faith—or underestimate how many feel quietly disconnected. We assume they’re “not interested,” when in reality they may be curious but have never encountered someone who makes faith relatable, authentic, and tangible in everyday life.

If we want hearts—not just attendance—we must move from assumption to intentional relationship. Openness alone does not create discipleship.

So, returning full circle to my original question: Do our strategies and spiritual practices actually reflect the multigenerational Church God is calling us to be?

May this “quiet revival” stir you—not soothe you. May it provoke courage, not comfort. May you refuse apathy toward the hearts of young people. May you carry a burden not just to see them walk into your church buildings—but to see them walk in step with the Holy Spirit, becoming who God is calling them to be.

Never mind the buzzwords. The opportunity is here...

Now, let’s build accordingly.