Growing Faith Newsletter Summer 2025

Something to inspire…

You may already have heard about ‘the Quiet Revival’ that is breaking out across the UK. Over the past five years there has been huge growth in the number of 18-24 year old’s attending church, with the biggest increase amongst young men. There has also been an increase in the number of ‘parents of under 18’s’ attending church, which implies more children have been coming too.

Some of these new attenders will have come along as a result of being invited by a friend or family member, but we are hearing many stories of young people wandering into churches not knowing what they are coming to or why… but just feeling like they need to!

The questions then for us are; Do people know they can come to our churches? Do they know that they can ask questions? Do we have things for them to take away so they can explore faith further and deepen their understanding?

Many amongst the current younger generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) have grown up having no contact with church, and that comes both with new opportunities and challenges; opportunities because they don’t have preconceived ideas of what church is like, and challenges because they have no idea what to expect! In many cases they have questions like; what should I wear? Do you have to pay to ‘join’? Am I allowed to just turn up?

At the link below, Scripture Union outline some key highlights from the Bible Society report entitled ‘the Quiet Revival’ alongside some stories of what they have seen across the country. You can also sign up and receive a pdf of Scripture Unions ‘Top Tips for welcoming Gen Alpha and Gen Z seekers to your Church.’

In July, The Church of England is also hosting a webinar exploring some of the opportunities for church growth identified in recent research. You can sign up for that here;

Learn more…

What is Growing Faith?

“Discover a vibrant, interactive online platform filled with engaging activities and thought-provoking discussion points—all created to help you place children and young people at the heart of all you do. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your approach, this resource will guide and inspire you every step of the way.”

The new ‘What is Growing Faith?’ resource launched with a webinar on 17 June. A recording will be made available soon. Click below for more info.

Connect… Get in touch for a chat!

If you would value a conversation around Growing Faith, or vision and opportunities around children, youth and families ministry more generally, please email james.henney@covenry.anglican.org

James is the Diocese of Coventry Growing Faith Enabler, and would be happy to come to your church and meet with clergy and/or lay volunteers. James has experience of facilitating workshops introducing the concepts of Growing Faith, and helping leadership teams plan vision and strategy.

Something to take away…

Difference for Young People and Children.

The difference course can be an incredible tool for helping young people to find their own voice and grow in confidence using it – whilst also learning the power of listening to others. The course encourages three habits; Be Curious (Wonder Why), Be Present (Be Real), Reimagine (Hope Together). These Habits will help young people to listen well, process ideas and concepts and express their own thoughts.

The 7 session Difference course for Youth can be found here;

The exciting new ‘Difference for Primary Schools’ will be launching this summer, and you can sign up for more information here