A Light for the City in a Time of Revival

I'm always excited to share what's happening in our church and the wider world. Today, I want to talk about some fascinating research that confirms what many of us have been sensing: God is on the move!

The "Quiet Revival" report, recently published by the Bible Society, offers an encouraging

snapshot of the current state of the church in England and Wales. This study, conducted by

YouGov, one of the UK's leading research agencies, has been tracking religious trends since 2018. Using large, representative samples, it gives us a reliable picture of what's really going on. And the big news? Despite predictions of decline, the church is actually growing, especially among young adults!

This is so exciting for us at Emmanuel, as our vision is to be a light for the city, reflecting

Jesus, the light of the world. Our purpose is to be a visible and transformative presence in

Plymouth, shining the hope of Christ into our community. The Quiet Revival’s findings align

beautifully with our own journey and call.

A Growing and Changing Church

The report reveals some amazing trends. Church attendance has risen significantly,

particularly among young adults. Back in 2018, only 4% of 18-24 year olds were attending

church regularly, but now that's jumped to 16%! Overall, churchgoing Christians have

increased from 8% of the population in 2018 to 12% today. It's not just numbers, though; the

church is also becoming more diverse, with a growing number of young people from different ethnic backgrounds finding a spiritual home.

Here at Emmanuel, we value being Hungry for more of God, Hopeful in His promises, and Holy in our lives. It's so encouraging to see that the Quiet Revival highlights a vibrant faith

characterized by a hunger for spiritual growth and a deep engagement with the Bible. This

resonates with our own commitment to growing as disciples (Priority 1) and seeking spiritual

transformation.

A Church of Belonging and Purpose

One of the most heartening findings of the report is the positive impact of church involvement. It turns out that being part of a church community is linked to greater life satisfaction, a stronger sense of belonging, and decreased anxiety and depression, especially among young adults. In a world that can often feel isolating, the church provides a vital space for connection and healing, which ties in perfectly with our emphasis on pastoral care (Priority 2).

The Quiet Revival also shows that churchgoers are more likely to be active in their

communities. They're more involved in volunteering, charitable giving, and working to make a positive difference. This confirms our belief in being a transformative presence in Plymouth (Goal 6), working for the common good and addressing the needs around us.

Embracing the Revival at Emmanuel

So, how do we respond to this exciting news? The Quiet Revival report suggests a few key

things:

• Deepen our discipleship: With so many new people joining us, let's focus on helping

  everyone grow in their understanding of the Bible and their faith.

• Connect the generations: We can learn so much from each other! Creating opportunities for older and younger folks to share their experiences and wisdom will enrich us all.

• Prioritise relationships: The report emphasizes the power of authentic connections in

  bringing people to faith and supporting their journey. Let's continue to build strong

  relationships within our church family and reach out to others with the love of Christ.

A Bright Future Together

The Quiet Revival is a reminder that God is at work, even when we least expect it. As

Emmanuel Church, we have a vital role to play in Plymouth, and this is a time of incredible

opportunity. Let's embrace this season with open hearts, bold faith, and a renewed

commitment to being a light for our city!