One of the blessings of my role is that on most Sundays, I get to travel to new churches, to experience their worship, and meet new friends. When you attend a new church, there are many things to experience. The layout of the sanctuary, the music, the liturgy. Often, I look around for who makes up the church. While I am used to seeing graying congregations, this year I noticed a few more younger attendees.

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit a couple of churches that I served years ago. It’s always good to see old friends, and to celebrate the new ministry they are doing. In more familiar settings, I realized there may actually be something happening; there were more young people present, mostly twenty-somethings, than in the past.

Some are there with new babies and children. Others are worshipping alongside parents and grandparents. But even more striking was the number of young singles. Some I knew, with long histories in the church. Others were brand new to the community and new to church. Yet all seemed to be drawn by the same desire, to experience the fullness of what the church offers: the holy, community, and mission.

Unlike what I expected, they didn’t rush out after the last song; they stayed to chat, building genuine connections beyond small talk. They volunteered on workdays, helped with Vacation Bible School, and offered their gifts in music.

This phenomenon has been dubbed the “quiet revival.” Unlike Millennials, who in their twenties looked for connection at church in special young adult ministries, research tells us Gen Z is looking to be part of the church itself. They are coming to encounter God, to find a spiritual center, and to belong to a community of faith.

In an anxious world, worship offers a place for healing. Among the complexities of social media, the church offers true connections. In the midst of relentless change, the church reminds us of the eternal nature of God.

As the church, I invite you to lean into this moment. First start with prayer, are you praying regularly for God to lead you to encounter new people, especially young people? Every revival begins with prayer.

Some of this group may have returned to college campuses, but you can keep connected through notes and emails and maybe a few special treats. But others will remain in our communities; continue to include them, and find simple ways to share life together.

Next, open the doors, literally! Keep them open as long as the weather allows, and when that’s not possible, find another way to signal that your church is open and welcoming.

Offer your best to God each week in worship. This doesn’t mean perfection, but sincerity. Bring your gifts, your gratitude, and your openness before God. Let your faith be a witness to God’s presence in your life.

And finally, take time and listen. Don’t settle for a quick hello during the time of greeting. Sometimes at church, we are all so busy doing our “thing” that we don’t take time to be present with people. So slow down and connect. Each person who comes has a story, take time to listen.

Each of these steps may seem small, but together they create space for God to move among us. The “quiet revival” is not about programs or trends; it is about people who are hungry for God, showing up and finding a place where they can belong. It’s an opportunity to nurture a new generation of faith, while also rediscovering the life and hope that have always been at the heart of the church.

This is the first article in a three-part series on the “Quiet Revival.”