The Quiet Revival was misjudged, but Gen Z’s openness wasn’t. Let’s turn their spirituality into gospel conversations

In March, Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report was pulled after concerns over skewed data. That may cause some to feel sceptical about the 64% of Gen Z who reportedly are ‘spiritually open’. But it shouldn’t.

Those of us who work with younger people see the signs every day. Scroll through social media, sit in a classroom, or listen in on everyday conversations, and it becomes clear - Gen Z is still asking spiritual questions. Still searching for meaning. Still reaching for something beyond themselves. The data may be debated. But the hunger isn’t. 

There is, however, one tension: We’re using the word ‘spiritual’ without a shared definition. And that can get us in some sticky situations. 

Gen Z doesn’t need less spirituality. They need something real to anchor it in

I learned this the hard way when my friend Harriet attended a prayer course at our church. I was excited at what felt like an open door, like something was already stirring. After the first evening, she casually said: “I pray to the universe.”

What surprised me most wasn’t what she said, but it was my own response. I admit, I completely froze. Should I affirm that? Should I challenge it? Should I warn her?

I mumbled something like “be careful” and, instead of leaning in, I shut things down. I realised I’d been trained to present the gospel clearly, but not to have a real conversation with someone who saw themselves as spiritual. The reality is: this is exactly where many in Gen Z are starting.

If we hope to engage this generation meaningfully with the gospel, we must start where every cross-cultural missionary begins: by learning to speak a new language. If we don’t take time to understand what people mean by spiritual, we risk answering questions they’re not asking, or offering scripted gospel presentations that miss where their search really lies. 

The four faces of Gen Z spirituality

When Gen Z says, “I’m spiritual,” here are four ideas of what they might really mean:

1. Vague spirituality: “I’m not an atheist, I believe there’s something more out there.” Or, “I think there are some forces out there connecting everything, I just don’t know what they are.”

These individuals are open, but it’s important to note that they also trend toward the passive. We can’t assume that just because they say they are spiritual, that also means they are seeking. 

2. Self-help spirituality: “I’m manifesting. I trust the universe.” Or, “Sometimes I read my nan’s old Bible to become the best version of me.”

These individuals are mixing pop psychology, new-age ideas, and sometimes Christianity as a pathway to feel better, do better, and be better. It feels empowering, but it also puts pressure on the self. It can quickly grow heavy because you become the source. The solution. The saviour. 

3. Church-refuser spirituality: “I believe in God, just not organised religion.”

People who say this are often shaped by hurt or disappointment. They are still open, but have a highly individualised understanding of the Christian life. 

4. Power-centred spirituality: “I’m exploring different spiritual practices.”

This is a sincere pursuit, but it’s focused on accessing power and control. And while it can feel empowering, not every spiritual door leads to light. Some open us up to confusion, heaviness, even spiritual oppression. In the search for power, we can connect with things that enslave us. 

Why words matter

Once we’ve taken the time to listen and understand what someone means when they say they’re spiritual, we discover they aren’t closed, they’re searching. They’re asking questions about meaning, identity, connection and purpose. And that means if someone already identifies as spiritual, we don’t shut that down, we start where they are. Not as critics, but as missionaries. 

This is no new approach. In Acts 17, Paul stands in a culture full of spiritual confusion and says: “You are very religious…” (v22) He doesn’t dismiss his audience; he builds a bridge. He finds common ground. 

You believe there’s something more? So do we.

You feel everything is connected? So do we.

You sense there’s something bigger than you? We agree.

Then he gently reframes it: There is a God, and ”in him we live and move and have our being” (v28).

Instead of putting people on the defensive and cutting at the roots of what they hold dear, let’s start where they are, learn their language and listen for how the gospel meets their deepest needs. 

Four conversation starters

If you’re talking with a friend who says they’re spiritual, you don’t need a script - you need curiosity. Here are four questions and statements that move the conversation deeper:

1. “What do you mean by spiritual? 

Help your friend define what they’ve never had to articulate. If they are spiritual but not seeking, you can say: “I believe we are all spiritual. We all have a spirit or soul that longs to connect with God.” 

2. “Have you ever prayed?”

This shifts spirituality from abstract to personal. Is this individual actively participating in their own spiritual life, or just using it as a label? If they are praying to the universe, you can follow up with curiosity, honesty and clarity:

“How did you come to believe the universe has your best interests in mind?”

“Has anyone ever explained why Christians pray to God the Father, not the universe?”

“Would you be open to try praying to Jesus for 14 days and see what difference it makes? Can I show you the basics of Christian prayer? 

3. “Tell me about your experience with God and church.”

Listen before you respond. There’s often a story behind their “I’m not religious” stance.

You can say: “I believe spirituality is not something we were meant to do alone, and although my church is not perfect, there are some things about God I can only understand by being part of His family. Would you be open to coming along and trying it for yourself?”

4. “It sounds like you want to connect with something bigger than yourself — someone who can help you. Can I introduce you to Jesus?”

This is the shift: we find common ground, move with the Holy Spirit and take opportunities to gently challenge. You can say: “Jesus isn’t an idea, but a person. Not impersonal energy, but one who seeks us out. I think He’s trying to get your attention. WOuld you like to meet Him?”

A better way forward

Thinking back to my conversation with Harriet, I realise that I didn’t need a perfect answer, but a willingness to listen. To ask questions. To explore what she meant. Harriet didn’t have a strong conviction behind her comment that she prayed to the universe. She only had the beginnings of a belief that there was something more out there.

So when someone says they’re spiritual, don’t push them away or run from the conversation.  Lean in. Gen Z doesn’t need less spirituality. They need something real to anchor it in. Because the longing to connect, to find meaning, to reach beyond ourselves is not wrong. It’s human.

If you’d like more questions to keep conversations going, download The Faith-Sharing Fastracker: 20 Questions to stir any soul, anytime, anywhere. Available at: starttostir.com/fasttracker