A quiet spiritual awakening is gaining momentum, says Billy Hallowell. But with it comes a challenge for the Church. Are you prepared to disciple new believers?
Something absolutely incredible is happening across the globe, as God’s hand continues to move in the most unlikely of places.
While hints of revival and spiritual resurgence seem to be emerging on college campuses, in Hollywood, among popular sports figures — and even through legal systems — there’s also a warning for the Church that some might miss amid the excitement of renewed spiritual fervor.
As more people start asking the right questions, make commitments to Christ, and embark on newfound spiritual journeys, there’s an overarching question that every believer, pastor, and church leader must immediately ask: Are we prepared to meet this monumental moment?
Before we answer that question, though, let’s review some of what we’re seeing unfold.
At a time when culture seemed to be teetering on the edge of a total abyss of insanity and immorality, an about-face appears to signal a return to some semblance of cultural sanity. In the UK, gender madness was dealt a bit of a blow when the Supreme Court recently ruled that gender is defined by biological sex, not gender. And in the US, President Donald Trump has made it a point to defend women’s rights, taking the shocking step of issuing an executive order tackling this very subject. And who could overlook the stunning US Supreme Court decision in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that legalised abortion across the land?
These are cultural and political issues that intersect with Christian ethics. Though important, the more essential developments are happening inside human hearts and minds. And there was an undeniable shift in this arena in February 2023 when the Asbury Revival made international headlines. What began as a typical chapel service at Asbury University in Kentucky evolved into a multi-week, nonstop worship service. The spectacle attracted tens of thousands of people from around the world, and seemed to ignite other similar moves of God around the nation.
Around this time, the movie Jesus Revolution was released and stunned the box office — a film that retold the spiritual revival during the so-called “Jesus movement” in the 1970s.
Mix that in with the mass baptisms that started unfolding on college campuses, prisons, and other venues, and it was clear that God was doing something special.
Now is the time for Christians to come alongside the new flock of curious individuals
Some might have dismissed the elation over these events as being based on mere anecdotal reports, but soon surveys and statistics began to catch up with these moving stories. In 2024, Bible sales reportedly soared, with one metric indicating a 22 per cent increase. This year, the American Bible Society also announced a significant increase in Bible use and scripture engagement among men and younger Americans — two key demographic groups. The organisation’s State of the Bible research found that the percentage of Bible users increased from 38 per cent to 41 per cent, resulting in an uptick of around 10 million adults reading scripture.
These statistics and events are phenomenal and collectively provide evidence God is fast at work. But, coming back to our earlier warning: Is the church ready?
Other surveys show stunningly low proportions of Americans have a healthy biblical worldview, meaning their understanding of scripture is sadly lacking. And, tragically, too many churches have lost their way, abandoning scripture for the whim of the self.
Now is the time for Christians, pastors, and churches to be prepared to come alongside the new flock of curious individuals seeking true spiritual healing and eternal life. We must each ask ourselves: are we ready, willing, prepared, and equipped to disciple them?
This is a pressing moment — one that demands we each do a self-assessment and step up to the plate.
1 Peter 3:15 reads, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
The best way to be prepared to give this reason is to get in the Word, have a healthy prayer life, and build upon the Lord’s truth. We’re in a powerful moment. Now is the time to ensure our individual and institutional spiritual health helps foster truth in others.
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