Responding to the Quiet Revival: A Call for Humble, Intercultural Church Leadership

Recently, the Bible Society released research pointing to what is described as a “quiet revival” happening in the UK. It shows signs of renewed spiritual interest, particularly among young people. This is exciting news, but how we respond as the Church is critical. A wrong response could push this movement away instead of helping it grow.

Let’s explore what this means for the Church today, especially in light of Gen Z’s unique character, and how we can respond with wisdom, humility, and an intercultural heart.

What is the Quiet Revival?

The Bible Society research points to a growing spiritual curiosity—especially among Gen Z. Young people are asking deep questions about life, faith, identity, and meaning. Many are open to exploring the Bible and Christian spirituality, but often in churches and outside of traditional church settings.

This revival isn’t loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s visible on Sundays in churches, but often it doesn’t show in big public decisions. Instead, it’s found in quiet conversations, online spaces, and personal moments of reflection. It’s a gentle, steady awakening of spiritual curiosity.

How Not to Respond

We must be careful not to fall into old patterns.

1. Don’t bring 19th and 20th century power dynamics into the conversation.

In previous centuries, Christianity in the West often operated from a place of cultural dominance. Churches held power, and Christian leaders often assumed they had the final say in everything which is the very opposite of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes, this confidence turned into arrogance and control, bullying people into believing rather than loving them into relationship. We do not need a transactional approach to relationships, but a long-term covenant relationship

We can’t repeat that mistake. Gen Z will not stay in churches that act like it’s still the 1800s. They want authenticity, humility, and diversity.

Understanding Gen Z. This may not always apply to all.

·      They’re mobile. They move between cities, jobs, social platforms, and ideas quickly. We need to be flexible in how and where we do church.

·      They’re multicultural. Gen Z lives in a world full of cultures, languages, and viewpoints. A church that reflects only one culture will feel out of step with their everyday life.

·      They care about truth and justice. They don’t just want information—they want transformation. They care about how faith impacts real-world issues like racism, poverty, and climate.

·      They are skeptical of institutions. Gen Z is not anti-faith, but many are unsure about organized religion. They’ve heard and seen scandals, hypocrisy, and exclusion. They’re looking for faith that is real, just, and compassionate—not controlling or performative.

So, How Should We Respond?

1. Think Interculturally.

The future church must be shaped by all cultures, not just one. We need to listen, learn, and lead together across cultures. That’s what intercultural means—not just being in the same room, but sharing power, worship, leadership, and vision.

2. Come with Humility.

This isn’t the time for showmanship. It’s the time to serve, to listen, and to walk alongside those exploring faith. Humility invites people in. Pride shuts the door.

3. Meet Gen Z where they are.

That might be on TikTok, in cafés, in WhatsApp groups, or in quiet corners of school libraries. We must be flexible and creative, building community both online and offline.

4.Learn, connect, and grow—together.

This is exactly why we at ICCTG run the Intercultural Church and City Transformation (ICCT) Gathering. It’s a space for leaders across the UK to learn how to respond wisely to the changes in our culture. At ICCT, we explore practical tools for building churches that reflect the diversity of the Kingdom of God, and respond with grace and relevance to the questions people are asking today. You can read our London 2024 ICCT Gathering report and reflections by clicking the link

Our next gathering- Save the Date: Manchester 2026 National ICCT Gathering

February 5–6, 2026

Theme: Imago Dei – Made in the Image and Likeness of God

(Genesis 1:26)

At this gathering, we’ll explore how every person, every culture, language, and background reflects the image of God. It will be a space for reflection, worship, learning, and strategy for real transformation in our churches and cities.

Final Thought

This quiet revival is already happening. But we must meet it with quiet strength, humble hearts, and intercultural unity. Not with power. Not with performance. But with Christ-like love and deep listening.

The future of the Church could be more beautiful than we imagined if we’re willing to change how we lead.