5 ways you can respond to the Quiet Revival

Something is shifting. 

At Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS), we have the privilege of partnering with thousands of churches and Christian leaders across the country to make mission happen. For years, we have heard stories of openness, curiosity, people arriving at church without invitation. Something subtle but significant is happening. 

As the Bible Society’s Quiet Revival research continues to be debated, we believe that the local church is critical in this ‘something’ that God is doing. 

The good news is we don’t need to reinvent the wheel – your church may already be doing much of what follows – but now is the time to be intentional. 

1. Welcomers

We recently had someone turn up at church who had never been before. His first question to our welcomer was: “Am I allowed in?”

Imagine if there had been no one there. Would he have dared enter? Thankfully he was assured that he was most welcome, guided to a seat and settled in. 

Let’s ensure our welcomers:

• Read the person: Everyone is different. Those who look at you probably want some form of engagement, those who don’t might prefer to slip by unnoticed. 

• Stick around: Newcomers may not arrive on time. Our visitor arrived 15 minutes late. Thankfully the welcomers were still on the door. 

• Finish the job: Check someone has engaged the newcomer after the service, and if not, do so yourself. 

2. Congregations 

Welcoming people is everyone’s responsibility, not just a team’s. Explore ways that everyone can welcome newcomers. Some ideas:

• Don’t sit in the back few rows of pew/chairs – leave these accessible for newcomers to slip in.

• Be friendly – smile at anyone you don’t know.

• After the service, speak to someone new rather than those you already know. 

3. Services

People are looking for fully caffeinated Christianity – for “meaning, wonder, depth and challenge”, as Glen Scrivener puts it. Let’s be sure that is what we are offering. Staples such as confession, creed and communion all help us go deep, as does thoughtful preaching. But what about silence, stillness and intercession; imagery, incense and imagination?

People are looking for authenticity. Let us be churches where difficult questions are welcomed and tough realities embraced, without offering solutions too quickly. 

4. Communities

Recently, I was sad to hear of a young lady who had attended a church for nearly two years and was about to give up. Why? Because, although she loved the services, she hadn’t made any friends.

We may feel our church is welcoming – but we may be so well connected with each other that it is hard for anyone else to integrate. Some studies suggest that newcomers need to connect with six people within six months of joining a church for them to stay. Community isn’t just a nice word, it’s a necessity.

5. Journeys

Scrivener says many are “full of curiosity, short on understanding”. When someone explores faith, we need to commit to journeying with them.

Courses such as Hope Explored and 3-2-1 help people engage deeply with relevant issues and big picture biblical narratives. But we also need to go further. On recent Alpha courses, we’ve noticed fewer people becoming Christians, but many wanting to explore further. So, think about one-to-one Bible reading, home groups, The Prayer Course and so on. 

Now is the time to be prepared. Let’s commit to helping people discover the good news at the heart of our faith.

James is hosting a free webinar on how to respond to the quiet revival. Visit cpas.org.uk/quietrevival to sign up