All Renewal articles
-
InterviewsDr Andrew Ollerton: ‘You won’t understand the Bible on your own’
Dr Andrew Ollerton, theologian, author and the mind behind The Bible Course, sits down with Sam Hailes to reflect on his call to make scripture accessible, his friendship with Bear Grylls, and why the church must seize a once-in-a-generation moment of spiritual openness
-
InterviewsCan you go from atheist to Christian in 12 weeks? Meet the friends who turned Alpha into a social experiment
When Jay Painter became a Christian, he took a novel approach to sharing his faith with his best friend. He convinced Lewis Rebaudo to join him on an Alpha course – and documented the journey on Instagram. Would Lewis find faith too? We spoke to them both to find out
-
Magazine FeaturesHow Jesus found an entire family
One person walks into an ancient church in Venice and emerges with questions he cannot shake. Another unexpectedly feels compelled to open a Bible. Another discovers a peace she cannot explain. This is the story of a remarkable chain reaction of events that are transforming parents, daughters, fiances and friends, one life at a time
-
OpinionWant to see mass baptisms in your town? Unite, pray and love one another
More than 1,000 people from five churches have gathered on Bournemouth beach to celebrate 132 mass baptisms over two weekends. Rev Tim Matthews says there’s no special secret to the growth they’re seeing - just ten years of church leaders learning to love one another as Jesus commanded them to
-
OpinionThe Quiet Revival was misjudged, but Gen Z’s openness wasn’t. Let’s turn their spirituality into gospel conversations
When Darin Stevens’ friend told him she “prayed to the universe”, he was unsure how to respond. Many young people say they are as spiritual, but misunderstanding what they mean risks missing vital opportunities for gospel conversations. Here, he shares how to point young seekers toward Jesus
-
News AnalysisWas the Quiet Revival fake news?
Bible Society’s groundbreaking Quiet Revival report has been withdrawn after YouGov admitted data collection errors. Emma Fowle explores what happened and the implications for those who were encouraged by its findings
-
OpinionStudents attending 8am chapel services? At this Oxford college, it’s not strange
In a recent column for The Spectator, author Bijan Omrani recalled his days at the University of Oxford in the 1990s when college chapels were deserted. Today it’s a different story, says Rev Dr Robert Wainwright. Students are seeking something substantial - and finding it in early morning, traditional church
-
OpinionEven if it isn’t a quiet revival, our church is still growing
In just a few years, Victor Oladele’s small local church has grown from around 30 adults to two Sunday services - with a significant number of young people coming through his doors. It’s not revival, but it is definitely something, he says, and that must not be denied
-
OpinionAmong the people I meet seeking faith, the problem isn’t Christianity — it’s what people think Christianity is
In her conversations with those exploring Christianity, Rio Summers has found that the greatest barriers to faith aren’t hostility or disbelief, but misguided assumptions. Here, she explores the questions she encounters most often — and what they reveal about how Christianity is being misunderstood today
-
OpinionBible Society say their Quiet Revival report was wrong. Now what?
YouGov has admitted the data that suggested a massive increase in church attendance among young people was flawed. It’s bad news. But we shouldn’t lose hope, says Sam Hailes. It might not be a Quiet Revival, but many other stories and statistics from across the UK suggest we are living in an exciting new era
-
OpinionMake Christianity weird again
In striving to be ‘normal’, the Church has committed a grave missional error, says Tim Alford. If we want to reach a spiritually open generation, it’s time to make space for people to encounter God – even if it looks weird
-
Real Life‘We’ve seen more than 1,000 people become Christians in the last 12 months’
God is calling us to equip the next generation, says Josh Green, co-founder of Gen Zeal. If only we’re brave enough to take Him at his word and believe He can do more than we can imagine
-
Real Life‘Our university just experienced a 10-day outpouring of the Holy Spirit’
What began as a normal Wednesday morning chapel service quickly became a 10-day spiritual awakening at Southeastern University. Here, the university’s chief of staff shares the story of the transformative move of God they witnessed
-
OpinionThe Bible comeback: How a restless generation is rediscovering the good book
The evidence is in, says Rev Pat Allerton. Young people are turning back to scripture in their search for truth
-
OpinionThe Quiet Revival is happening. We have the stats – and the stories too
Responding to Pew’s criticism of Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report, Mark Woods points to data that reinforces YouGov’s findings of a Christian resurgence in the UK, including recent research from Pew themselves
-
OpinionThe era of aggressive atheism is over. Can someone please tell the apologists?
Common objections to Christianity are undergoing a dramatic transformation. Today’s seekers are less bothered by science or suffering and far more interested in whether faith can be trusted with their lives. A new approach is needed, says Rio Summers. The old apologetic playbook is starting to feel out of date
-
Real Life‘We saw 903 people saved at our church last year. I believe it’s only the beginning’
Just because it’s quiet, doesn’t mean it’s not revival. Now is the time for churches to disciple well, pray harder and believe God for more. Because he’s only just getting started, says Luke Hancorn
-
OpinionHow the good news about Jesus is making headlines in mainstream media
The mainstream media coverage of growing Bible sales and Gen Zers returning to church has continued apace in 2026, says Lani Charlwood of Christians in Media. It’s right we celebrate what God has done – and continue to tell the story of his goodness that more might be won for him
-
OpinionThe quiet revival is making Christians more confident than ever in sharing Jesus
New research shows that young Christians in particular are increasing in confidence when it comes to sharing their faith. It’s a challenge to older Christians not to let cyncism, criticism or indifference dull their passion for the gospel, says Gareth Russell
-
OpinionBible sales have hit record highs in Britain – and I’ve got 3 theories on what’s driving the increase
For Gen Z, the daily discipline of scripture reading is not a chore to be avoided, but a challenge to be embraced, says SPCK’s publishing director Lauren Windle
