2025 Church Trends UPDATE: The Gen Z Revival is Real (New Data) + The Mental Health Crisis

68% of male 18 to 34 year old 68% of male 18 to 34 year old churchgoers say they feel close to churchgoers say they feel close to churchgoers say they feel close to people in their local area. 68% people in their local area. 68% people in their local area. 68% of 18 to 34 year old men say that they of 18 to 34 year old men say that they of 18 to 34 year old men say that they feel close to people in their community feel close to people in their community feel close to people in their community compared to 27% compared to 27% compared to 27% of non-churchgoers their age. So if you of non-churchgoers their age. So if you of non-churchgoers their age. So if you don't go to church, you're alone. If you don't go to church, you're alone. If you don't go to church, you're alone. If you go to church, almost 70% are like, go to church, almost 70% are like, go to church, almost 70% are like, "Yeah, I feel connected." In other "Yeah, I feel connected." In other "Yeah, I feel connected." In other words, a sense of closeness to other words, a sense of closeness to other words, a sense of closeness to other people doubles when a young adult people doubles when a young adult people doubles when a young adult attends and gets involved in a local attends and gets involved in a local attends and gets involved in a local church. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff church. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff church. Welcome to the Carrie New Hoff Leadership Podcast. It's Carrie here and Leadership Podcast. It's Carrie here and Leadership Podcast. It's Carrie here and I hope our time together today helps you I hope our time together today helps you I hope our time together today helps you thrive in life and leadership. Hey, thrive in life and leadership. Hey, thrive in life and leadership. Hey, wherever you're listening or watching, wherever you're listening or watching, wherever you're listening or watching, we're so glad to have you. We are doing we're so glad to have you. We are doing we're so glad to have you. We are doing an update today. Something I've never an update today. Something I've never an update today. Something I've never Well, actually, I did this about 5 years Well, actually, I did this about 5 years Well, actually, I did this about 5 years ago. Every year I release church trends ago. Every year I release church trends ago. Every year I release church trends and we do this in January. I've done it and we do this in January. I've done it and we do this in January. I've done it for almost a decade where I spend the for almost a decade where I spend the for almost a decade where I spend the year just kind of looking around, year just kind of looking around, year just kind of looking around, noticing what I can find and then I noticing what I can find and then I noticing what I can find and then I identify anywhere between five and maybe identify anywhere between five and maybe identify anywhere between five and maybe eight or nine church trends that leaders eight or nine church trends that leaders eight or nine church trends that leaders should pay attention to for the year.

should pay attention to for the year. should pay attention to for the year. So, we released ours in January as we do So, we released ours in January as we do So, we released ours in January as we do every year, but this year 2025 has been every year, but this year 2025 has been every year, but this year 2025 has been a year of incredible change. And so what a year of incredible change. And so what a year of incredible change. And so what I'm doing today in the podcast on I'm doing today in the podcast on I'm doing today in the podcast on YouTube is I'm updating the church YouTube is I'm updating the church YouTube is I'm updating the church trends because rarely have I seen things trends because rarely have I seen things trends because rarely have I seen things change this quickly. And the good news change this quickly. And the good news change this quickly. And the good news is um is positive. It's really really is um is positive. It's really really is um is positive. It's really really positive. So that's what we're going to positive. So that's what we're going to positive. So that's what we're going to dive into. So if you remember my 2025 dive into. So if you remember my 2025 dive into. So if you remember my 2025 church trends report, uh well all kinds church trends report, uh well all kinds church trends report, uh well all kinds of new data showing that Gen Z church of new data showing that Gen Z church of new data showing that Gen Z church attendance has actually quadrupled in attendance has actually quadrupled in attendance has actually quadrupled in the last six years and is on this the last six years and is on this the last six years and is on this massive upswing. young men are leading massive upswing. young men are leading massive upswing. young men are leading the charge. In the UK, 21% of Gen Z men the charge. In the UK, 21% of Gen Z men the charge. In the UK, 21% of Gen Z men are attending church. It's like, what? are attending church. It's like, what? are attending church. It's like, what? Um, so, you know, we've seen a lot of Um, so, you know, we've seen a lot of Um, so, you know, we've seen a lot of anecdotes and in January, we had a lot anecdotes and in January, we had a lot anecdotes and in January, we had a lot of anecdotes, but now we've got numbers, of anecdotes, but now we've got numbers, of anecdotes, but now we've got numbers, actual numbers. I'm going to share them actual numbers. I'm going to share them actual numbers. I'm going to share them with you. I'm going to update it. I'm with you. I'm going to update it. I'm with you. I'm going to update it. I'm also going to review all five church also going to review all five church also going to review all five church trends. So, you know, realize lots of trends. So, you know, realize lots of trends. So, you know, realize lots of you have read them, watched them, you you have read them, watched them, you you have read them, watched them, you know, heard about them, but you probably know, heard about them, but you probably know, heard about them, but you probably haven't committed them to memory. So, haven't committed them to memory. So, haven't committed them to memory. So, we'll go through them. And then the we'll go through them. And then the we'll go through them. And then the other one I want to uh update, the first other one I want to uh update, the first other one I want to uh update, the first one is Gen Z, you know, is in revival one is Gen Z, you know, is in revival one is Gen Z, you know, is in revival and retreat at the same time. The second and retreat at the same time. The second and retreat at the same time. The second one I really want to drill down on in one I really want to drill down on in one I really want to drill down on in the podcast today is on AI. Uh there was the podcast today is on AI. Uh there was the podcast today is on AI. Uh there was a mental health crisis trend that I a mental health crisis trend that I a mental health crisis trend that I identified and um well, there's a shift identified and um well, there's a shift identified and um well, there's a shift in that too that I think is really in that too that I think is really in that too that I think is really interesting and has long-term interesting and has long-term interesting and has long-term implications for church leaders. So the implications for church leaders. So the implications for church leaders. So the theme today, as much as in January I theme today, as much as in January I theme today, as much as in January I said, you know, Gen Z is in revival and said, you know, Gen Z is in revival and said, you know, Gen Z is in revival and retreat, it looks like revival is

retreat, it looks like revival is retreat, it looks like revival is winning and there's all kinds of data to winning and there's all kinds of data to winning and there's all kinds of data to back that up. Now, real quick before we back that up. Now, real quick before we back that up. Now, real quick before we dive into this episode, I'd love to dive into this episode, I'd love to dive into this episode, I'd love to invite you to join the conversation invite you to join the conversation invite you to join the conversation around it in my Art of Leadership around it in my Art of Leadership around it in my Art of Leadership Academy. You've been part of a podcast Academy. You've been part of a podcast Academy. You've been part of a podcast audience for years, a lot of you. Some audience for years, a lot of you. Some audience for years, a lot of you. Some of you are brand new and welcome. But of you are brand new and welcome. But of you are brand new and welcome. But what if you could actually become part what if you could actually become part what if you could actually become part of a community where we discuss these of a community where we discuss these of a community where we discuss these things? I mean, we try to bring you things? I mean, we try to bring you things? I mean, we try to bring you things of substance every time we launch things of substance every time we launch things of substance every time we launch an episode. And yeah, you can comment on an episode. And yeah, you can comment on an episode. And yeah, you can comment on social or you can comment on YouTube, social or you can comment on YouTube, social or you can comment on YouTube, but what if you're with a group of but what if you're with a group of but what if you're with a group of like-minded church leaders and you can like-minded church leaders and you can like-minded church leaders and you can go deeper and I'm going to be in that go deeper and I'm going to be in that go deeper and I'm going to be in that conversation. That's what's happening in conversation. That's what's happening in conversation. That's what's happening in my art of leadership academy, you can my art of leadership academy, you can my art of leadership academy, you can get the show notes there and if you get the show notes there and if you get the show notes there and if you create a free account, um, you'll be create a free account, um, you'll be create a free account, um, you'll be able to join the conversation. So, just able to join the conversation. So, just able to join the conversation. So, just visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com or click the link in the description of or click the link in the description of or click the link in the description of this episode to create a free account. this episode to create a free account. this episode to create a free account. So, we're going to dive into the updated So, we're going to dive into the updated So, we're going to dive into the updated trends in just a moment, but first, a trends in just a moment, but first, a trends in just a moment, but first, a word from our carefully curated partners word from our carefully curated partners word from our carefully curated partners and then we'll dive right in. Today's and then we'll dive right in. Today's and then we'll dive right in. Today's episode is brought to you by Glue. Well, episode is brought to you by Glue. Well, episode is brought to you by Glue. Well, you know, summer's in full swing and you know, summer's in full swing and you know, summer's in full swing and let's be honest, keeping your church let's be honest, keeping your church let's be honest, keeping your church community connected during the slower community connected during the slower community connected during the slower months, that can be hard. That's why I months, that can be hard. That's why I months, that can be hard. That's why I want to tell you about a simple way to want to tell you about a simple way to want to tell you about a simple way to stay in touch with all of your people stay in touch with all of your people stay in touch with all of your people and be intentional. It's messaging and be intentional. It's messaging and be intentional. It's messaging through Glue Plus. With Glue Plus, you through Glue Plus. With Glue Plus, you through Glue Plus. 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autopilot, except it's custom, and autopilot, except it's custom, and you're doing it in the most personable you're doing it in the most personable you're doing it in the most personable way possible. So, here's the kicker. way possible. So, here's the kicker. way possible. So, here's the kicker. Glue Plus gives you 15,000 texting Glue Plus gives you 15,000 texting Glue Plus gives you 15,000 texting credits every month. Yep. Every month. credits every month. Yep. Every month. credits every month. Yep. Every month. so you can show up consistently without so you can show up consistently without so you can show up consistently without breaking the bank. If meaningful breaking the bank. If meaningful breaking the bank. If meaningful connection matters to you, and I know it connection matters to you, and I know it connection matters to you, and I know it does, Glue Plus is your next best step. does, Glue Plus is your next best step. does, Glue Plus is your next best step. So head on over to gloo.com/plus, that's glue.com/plus, that's glue.com/plus, and start leading with clarity today. and start leading with clarity today. and start leading with clarity today. Okay, so let's talk church trends. And Okay, so let's talk church trends. And Okay, so let's talk church trends. And let's start with a quick recap of the let's start with a quick recap of the let's start with a quick recap of the original 2025 church trends before we original 2025 church trends before we original 2025 church trends before we update them. So the first trend I had, update them. So the first trend I had, update them. So the first trend I had, and this is one I'm going to double and this is one I'm going to double and this is one I'm going to double click on today, is Gen Z is in revival click on today, is Gen Z is in revival click on today, is Gen Z is in revival and retreat at the same time. And what and retreat at the same time. And what and retreat at the same time. And what we had in January was conflicting data. we had in January was conflicting data. we had in January was conflicting data. We had a lot of anecdotal stories of We had a lot of anecdotal stories of We had a lot of anecdotal stories of revival, college campuses, baptisms, um revival, college campuses, baptisms, um revival, college campuses, baptisms, um you know, things breaking out in you know, things breaking out in you know, things breaking out in churches, but the overall demographics churches, but the overall demographics churches, but the overall demographics were that Gen Z is still, as they got were that Gen Z is still, as they got were that Gen Z is still, as they got older, on retreat out of the church. older, on retreat out of the church. older, on retreat out of the church. Well, brand new data suggests that's Well, brand new data suggests that's Well, brand new data suggests that's changed. I'm going to share that data changed. I'm going to share that data changed. I'm going to share that data with you in a minute. We are now with you in a minute. We are now with you in a minute. We are now trending toward revival which is trending toward revival which is trending toward revival which is awesome. Trend number two by the way awesome. Trend number two by the way awesome. Trend number two by the way just by way of reminder is for 2025 just by way of reminder is for 2025 just by way of reminder is for 2025 evangelism is on life support. Now that evangelism is on life support. Now that evangelism is on life support. Now that might be changing too especially among might be changing too especially among might be changing too especially among Gen Z but it was a stat I read from Bara Gen Z but it was a stat I read from Bara Gen Z but it was a stat I read from Bara fairly recently that said that 1% of fairly recently that said that 1% of fairly recently that said that 1% of pastors believe that their church was pastors believe that their church was pastors believe that their church was very effective at reaching unchurched very effective at reaching unchurched very effective at reaching unchurched people and not all church growth is people and not all church growth is people and not all church growth is equal. A lot of it is transfer growth.

equal. A lot of it is transfer growth. equal. A lot of it is transfer growth. So I don't think we're out of the woods So I don't think we're out of the woods So I don't think we're out of the woods on that. And you know, with this new on that. And you know, with this new on that. And you know, with this new revival among Gen Z, hopefully, you revival among Gen Z, hopefully, you revival among Gen Z, hopefully, you know, a rising tide lifts all boats, but know, a rising tide lifts all boats, but know, a rising tide lifts all boats, but churches have got to take evangelism churches have got to take evangelism churches have got to take evangelism more seriously. Trend number three, more seriously. Trend number three, more seriously. Trend number three, church closures appear to be outpacing church closures appear to be outpacing church closures appear to be outpacing church plants 3 to one. No new data church plants 3 to one. No new data church plants 3 to one. No new data here. Um, but that needs to change. We here. Um, but that needs to change. We here. Um, but that needs to change. We need more church planters. Uh, anyone need more church planters. Uh, anyone need more church planters. Uh, anyone listening, uh, maybe go plant a church. listening, uh, maybe go plant a church. listening, uh, maybe go plant a church. That would be great. We'd love to see That would be great. We'd love to see That would be great. We'd love to see that one change. Fourth trend is this, that one change. Fourth trend is this, that one change. Fourth trend is this, the rise of the non-derivative church. the rise of the non-derivative church. the rise of the non-derivative church. For years, we had kind of a cookie For years, we had kind of a cookie For years, we had kind of a cookie cutter approach to church. It's like, cutter approach to church. It's like, cutter approach to church. It's like, "Oh, I saw this church do it. I'm going "Oh, I saw this church do it. I'm going "Oh, I saw this church do it. I'm going to do it." You know, three songs and a to do it." You know, three songs and a to do it." You know, three songs and a message. Uh, I'm seeing a lot more message. Uh, I'm seeing a lot more message. Uh, I'm seeing a lot more authenticity, less duplication, a lot authenticity, less duplication, a lot authenticity, less duplication, a lot more originality. That's really cool. more originality. That's really cool. more originality. That's really cool. Got to keep that going. Not going to Got to keep that going. Not going to Got to keep that going. Not going to update that trend. I think that one update that trend. I think that one update that trend. I think that one stands. But the fifth one, the mental stands. But the fifth one, the mental stands. But the fifth one, the mental health crisis is about to get worse. I health crisis is about to get worse. I health crisis is about to get worse. I am going to update that one. I think am going to update that one. I think am going to update that one. I think it's going to get a little bit worse it's going to get a little bit worse it's going to get a little bit worse than I thought it was even in January. than I thought it was even in January. than I thought it was even in January. I've got new data I want to share uh on I've got new data I want to share uh on I've got new data I want to share uh on how people are using AI. Um but I've how people are using AI. Um but I've how people are using AI. Um but I've also got a plan for you and your church, also got a plan for you and your church, also got a plan for you and your church, how you can do something about it. So how you can do something about it. So how you can do something about it. So stay tuned. So the real time updates are stay tuned. So the real time updates are stay tuned. So the real time updates are coming on trends one and five. Revival coming on trends one and five. Revival coming on trends one and five. Revival and retreat and mental health. These are and retreat and mental health. These are and retreat and mental health. These are the things that are changing in real the things that are changing in real the things that are changing in real time. So if you're ready, let's dive in time. So if you're ready, let's dive in time. So if you're ready, let's dive in and we will start with trend number one.

and we will start with trend number one. and we will start with trend number one. I'm going to rename trend number one as I'm going to rename trend number one as I'm going to rename trend number one as the Gen Z revival is real. Okay, if you the Gen Z revival is real. Okay, if you the Gen Z revival is real. Okay, if you listen to my podcast episode series on listen to my podcast episode series on listen to my podcast episode series on this in January, you'll remember maybe this in January, you'll remember maybe this in January, you'll remember maybe that I talked to JP Mluda and Jenny that I talked to JP Mluda and Jenny that I talked to JP Mluda and Jenny Allen and I'm like, "Yeah, but the data Allen and I'm like, "Yeah, but the data Allen and I'm like, "Yeah, but the data says overall," and Jenny's like, "Yeah, says overall," and Jenny's like, "Yeah, says overall," and Jenny's like, "Yeah, but the revival is real." You know what? but the revival is real." You know what? but the revival is real." You know what? Jenny's right. She's right. Okay. So's Jenny's right. She's right. Okay. So's Jenny's right. She's right. Okay. So's JP. So there's a new study, a major news JP. So there's a new study, a major news JP. So there's a new study, a major news study out of England called the Quiet study out of England called the Quiet study out of England called the Quiet Revival Report. And I see England as a Revival Report. And I see England as a Revival Report. And I see England as a bit of a a canary in a coal mine. I I've bit of a a canary in a coal mine. I I've bit of a a canary in a coal mine. I I've been there, traveled there over the been there, traveled there over the been there, traveled there over the years. Um, and you know, they became years. Um, and you know, they became years. Um, and you know, they became post-Christian long before America did, post-Christian long before America did, post-Christian long before America did, but they're starting to really see but they're starting to really see but they're starting to really see revival there. And uh, they just revival there. And uh, they just revival there. And uh, they just released the Bible society in of England released the Bible society in of England released the Bible society in of England and Wales released a report outlining a and Wales released a report outlining a and Wales released a report outlining a study of 13,000 people. Okay, that's a study of 13,000 people. Okay, that's a study of 13,000 people. Okay, that's a lot of people. Most comprehensive data lot of people. Most comprehensive data lot of people. Most comprehensive data we've seen. So, um, you know, does that we've seen. So, um, you know, does that we've seen. So, um, you know, does that apply directly to America? No. but it apply directly to America? No. but it apply directly to America? No. but it quantifies some of the trends that quantifies some of the trends that quantifies some of the trends that you're seeing anecdotally in America.

you're seeing anecdotally in America. you're seeing anecdotally in America. And I want to go into some of the data. And I want to go into some of the data. And I want to go into some of the data. So here we go. From that UK report, So here we go. From that UK report, So here we go. From that UK report, church attendance in England and Wales church attendance in England and Wales church attendance in England and Wales has grown from 8% to 12% of the has grown from 8% to 12% of the has grown from 8% to 12% of the population in just 6 years. So if you population in just 6 years. So if you population in just 6 years. So if you went to, you know, a lot of British went to, you know, a lot of British went to, you know, a lot of British churches 10 years ago, you would have churches 10 years ago, you would have churches 10 years ago, you would have seen little old ladies and old gentlemen seen little old ladies and old gentlemen seen little old ladies and old gentlemen sitting there waiting for their church sitting there waiting for their church sitting there waiting for their church to die. 20 or 30 people. So actually, to die. 20 or 30 people. So actually, to die. 20 or 30 people. So actually, you know, that's 56% growth from 2018 to you know, that's 56% growth from 2018 to you know, that's 56% growth from 2018 to 2024. That means that, you know, church 2024. That means that, you know, church 2024. That means that, you know, church attendance has grown in England from 3.7 attendance has grown in England from 3.7 attendance has grown in England from 3.7 million to 5.8 million adults in just a million to 5.8 million adults in just a million to 5.8 million adults in just a few years. Now, what's interesting about few years. Now, what's interesting about few years. Now, what's interesting about that, it's not all boomers and Gen Xers that, it's not all boomers and Gen Xers that, it's not all boomers and Gen Xers who are returning to church. The data is who are returning to church. The data is who are returning to church. The data is showing that church attenders are now showing that church attenders are now showing that church attenders are now younger. And you probably heard this if younger. And you probably heard this if younger. And you probably heard this if you listen to this podcast carefully, you listen to this podcast carefully, you listen to this podcast carefully, they're male. Young men are leading the they're male. Young men are leading the they're male. Young men are leading the surge in church attendance. So 21% of surge in church attendance. So 21% of surge in church attendance. So 21% of young adult males in the UK now attend young adult males in the UK now attend young adult males in the UK now attend church. That is up from just 4% in 2018.

church. That is up from just 4% in 2018. church. That is up from just 4% in 2018. You hear that? That's like a quintupling You hear that? That's like a quintupling You hear that? That's like a quintupling of young adult male attendance in the UK of young adult male attendance in the UK of young adult male attendance in the UK in just 6 years. Young women, 12% of in just 6 years. Young women, 12% of in just 6 years. Young women, 12% of them now attend church. That's up from them now attend church. That's up from them now attend church. That's up from 3%. But young men attending church is 3%. But young men attending church is 3%. But young men attending church is outpacing young women attending church. outpacing young women attending church. outpacing young women attending church. And the 18 to 24 year olds, they've gone And the 18 to 24 year olds, they've gone And the 18 to 24 year olds, they've gone from 4% attending church to 16%. That's from 4% attending church to 16%. That's from 4% attending church to 16%. That's quadrupled. I know that's a lot of quadrupled. I know that's a lot of quadrupled. I know that's a lot of numbers, but here's the trend. It's big. numbers, but here's the trend. It's big. numbers, but here's the trend. It's big. Okay? And I I remember if if uh a lot of Okay? And I I remember if if uh a lot of Okay? And I I remember if if uh a lot of you longtime listeners were listening to you longtime listeners were listening to you longtime listeners were listening to my Tim Keller interviews, you know, in my Tim Keller interviews, you know, in my Tim Keller interviews, you know, in my first one with Tim in New York City a my first one with Tim in New York City a my first one with Tim in New York City a few years ago, Tim said when he got to few years ago, Tim said when he got to few years ago, Tim said when he got to Manhattan, there was like a 1% of the Manhattan, there was like a 1% of the Manhattan, there was like a 1% of the population was attending church. When he population was attending church. When he population was attending church. When he finished up his ministry, it was closer finished up his ministry, it was closer finished up his ministry, it was closer to 10%. And what that means is, you to 10%. And what that means is, you to 10%. And what that means is, you know, if you're in an office of a know, if you're in an office of a know, if you're in an office of a hundred people back in 1989 when the hundred people back in 1989 when the hundred people back in 1989 when the Kellers planted Redeemer, one person in Kellers planted Redeemer, one person in Kellers planted Redeemer, one person in your office, probably you, went to your office, probably you, went to your office, probably you, went to church. Nobody else did. By the time church. Nobody else did. By the time church. Nobody else did. By the time Redeemer finished, and it wasn't just Redeemer finished, and it wasn't just Redeemer finished, and it wasn't just Redeemer, it was a lot of other churches Redeemer, it was a lot of other churches Redeemer, it was a lot of other churches that came to New York. You know, you that came to New York. You know, you that came to New York. You know, you might have 10 people in that office of a might have 10 people in that office of a might have 10 people in that office of a hundred who started attending church.

hundred who started attending church. hundred who started attending church. And so, you weren't alone. And that's And so, you weren't alone. And that's And so, you weren't alone. And that's what's happening in the UK. So with Gen what's happening in the UK. So with Gen what's happening in the UK. So with Gen Z, you know, you get a crowd of 100, 16 Z, you know, you get a crowd of 100, 16 Z, you know, you get a crowd of 100, 16 to 20 of those 100 people are going to to 20 of those 100 people are going to to 20 of those 100 people are going to be going to church now. So what you're be going to church now. So what you're be going to church now. So what you're seeing in UK churches is grandmothers seeing in UK churches is grandmothers seeing in UK churches is grandmothers and grandkids and great grandkids. Kind and grandkids and great grandkids. Kind and grandkids and great grandkids. Kind of skipped a couple generations. Now, of skipped a couple generations. Now, of skipped a couple generations. Now, what's happening in the US? Well, we what's happening in the US? Well, we what's happening in the US? Well, we don't have exactly that kind of data in don't have exactly that kind of data in don't have exactly that kind of data in the US, but we do have new Bara data, the US, but we do have new Bara data, the US, but we do have new Bara data, which was really surprising. I've talked which was really surprising. I've talked which was really surprising. I've talked about this with David Kinnman on this about this with David Kinnman on this about this with David Kinnman on this podcast in earlier episodes, and David podcast in earlier episodes, and David podcast in earlier episodes, and David was shocked by this. I've worked with was shocked by this. I've worked with was shocked by this. I've worked with David for years, the CEO of the Bara David for years, the CEO of the Bara David for years, the CEO of the Bara Group. You know, adults who have made a Group. You know, adults who have made a Group. You know, adults who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ that is still commitment to Jesus Christ that is still commitment to Jesus Christ that is still active in their life today, rose 12 active in their life today, rose 12 active in their life today, rose 12 percentage points in 3 years. So between percentage points in 3 years. So between percentage points in 3 years. So between like 2021 and 2024, it went from 54% of like 2021 and 2024, it went from 54% of like 2021 and 2024, it went from 54% of people who said, "Yeah, Jesus is still people who said, "Yeah, Jesus is still people who said, "Yeah, Jesus is still important to me." to 66% of adult. important to me." to 66% of adult. important to me." to 66% of adult. There's been a surge. And David called There's been a surge. And David called There's been a surge. And David called it a reversal of a historic decline. So it a reversal of a historic decline. So it a reversal of a historic decline. So Gen Z and millennials are also doubling Gen Z and millennials are also doubling Gen Z and millennials are also doubling down on church attendance. They went down on church attendance. They went down on church attendance. They went from attending less than once a month 5 from attending less than once a month 5 from attending less than once a month 5 years ago to 1.6 times a month in 2025.

years ago to 1.6 times a month in 2025. years ago to 1.6 times a month in 2025. I know the cynics are probably going, I know the cynics are probably going, I know the cynics are probably going, "Yeah, okay. Well, you know, they're "Yeah, okay. Well, you know, they're "Yeah, okay. Well, you know, they're still not going every week." Yeah, but still not going every week." Yeah, but still not going every week." Yeah, but that's a significant surge and it's that's a significant surge and it's that's a significant surge and it's being led by millennials and Gen Z, being led by millennials and Gen Z, being led by millennials and Gen Z, which is just super cool. Now, more which is just super cool. Now, more which is just super cool. Now, more data. Okay, I'm not going to try to bury data. Okay, I'm not going to try to bury data. Okay, I'm not going to try to bury your head in data, but this is just your head in data, but this is just your head in data, but this is just really interesting trends to watch. And really interesting trends to watch. And really interesting trends to watch. And this is why I'm kind of saying the this is why I'm kind of saying the this is why I'm kind of saying the revival is real. In that same UK quiet revival is real. In that same UK quiet revival is real. In that same UK quiet revival report, it shows that Bible revival report, it shows that Bible revival report, it shows that Bible reading has doubled since 2018. So 60% reading has doubled since 2018. So 60% reading has doubled since 2018. So 60% of churchgoers in the UK now read their of churchgoers in the UK now read their of churchgoers in the UK now read their Bible weekly. That's up from 54%. Young Bible weekly. That's up from 54%. Young Bible weekly. That's up from 54%. Young churchgoers are reading their Bible more churchgoers are reading their Bible more churchgoers are reading their Bible more than older churchgoers. So it's not like than older churchgoers. So it's not like than older churchgoers. So it's not like grandma and grandpa that are reading the grandma and grandpa that are reading the grandma and grandpa that are reading the Bible. They maybe some of them are. It's Bible. They maybe some of them are. It's Bible. They maybe some of them are. It's the kids and you know young adults. In the kids and you know young adults. In the kids and you know young adults. In the US, Bible sales have been on the the US, Bible sales have been on the the US, Bible sales have been on the rise for a while. In 2019, Americans rise for a while. In 2019, Americans rise for a while. In 2019, Americans bought 9.7 million Bibles. In 2024, that bought 9.7 million Bibles. In 2024, that bought 9.7 million Bibles. In 2024, that number jumped to over 14 million. So number jumped to over 14 million. So number jumped to over 14 million. So again, significant surges. And who's again, significant surges. And who's again, significant surges. And who's driving it? According to the Wall Street driving it? According to the Wall Street driving it? According to the Wall Street Journal, Gen Z, younger Americans. Did Journal, Gen Z, younger Americans. Did Journal, Gen Z, younger Americans. Did you know that there's over 8 million you know that there's over 8 million you know that there's over 8 million posts on Tik Tok about the Bible? A slew posts on Tik Tok about the Bible? A slew posts on Tik Tok about the Bible? A slew of videos about Bibles to buy, all being of videos about Bibles to buy, all being of videos about Bibles to buy, all being generated by the next generation. And generated by the next generation. And generated by the next generation. And sales are not only on the rise at sales are not only on the rise at sales are not only on the rise at Christian stores, but at mainstream Christian stores, but at mainstream Christian stores, but at mainstream retailers like Amazon. So, everybody's retailers like Amazon. So, everybody's retailers like Amazon. So, everybody's paying attention to this. So, why is paying attention to this. So, why is paying attention to this. So, why is this happening? Well, first of all, this happening? Well, first of all, this happening? Well, first of all, there's a cultural shift. I really there's a cultural shift. I really there's a cultural shift. I really believe young adults are looking for an

believe young adults are looking for an believe young adults are looking for an alternative to the culture, not an echo alternative to the culture, not an echo alternative to the culture, not an echo of it. They've seen what the culture is of it. They've seen what the culture is of it. They've seen what the culture is doing. They see how empty it is. They doing. They see how empty it is. They doing. They see how empty it is. They know how lonely they feel, and they're know how lonely they feel, and they're know how lonely they feel, and they're looking for something different. And if looking for something different. And if looking for something different. And if you've got a church that is offering you've got a church that is offering you've got a church that is offering something that is not just a cookie something that is not just a cookie something that is not just a cookie cutter carbon copy of the culture, if cutter carbon copy of the culture, if cutter carbon copy of the culture, if you're leading them to authentic you're leading them to authentic you're leading them to authentic Christianity, I think they're interested Christianity, I think they're interested Christianity, I think they're interested and they're hungry and they're ready to and they're hungry and they're ready to and they're hungry and they're ready to go there and they're showing up hungry, go there and they're showing up hungry, go there and they're showing up hungry, ready and let's go deep. So I think ready and let's go deep. So I think ready and let's go deep. So I think that's what's happening. The other thing that's what's happening. The other thing that's what's happening. The other thing is the mental health crisis, you know, is the mental health crisis, you know, is the mental health crisis, you know, has driven a search for meaning. There has driven a search for meaning. There has driven a search for meaning. There is a community hunger postco, right? is a community hunger postco, right? is a community hunger postco, right? people are looking for authenticity over people are looking for authenticity over people are looking for authenticity over performance and Christianity performance and Christianity performance and Christianity is no longer embarrassing. Um, it's kind is no longer embarrassing. Um, it's kind is no longer embarrassing. Um, it's kind of like, no, we've tried everything of like, no, we've tried everything of like, no, we've tried everything else. We tried Only Fans. We've tried else. We tried Only Fans. We've tried else. We tried Only Fans. We've tried all this stuff. We tried the club scene. all this stuff. We tried the club scene. all this stuff. We tried the club scene. We've tried dating. Hey, we're looking We've tried dating. Hey, we're looking We've tried dating. Hey, we're looking for something real, right? So, for something real, right? So, for something real, right? So, Christianity is the alternative course.

Christianity is the alternative course. Christianity is the alternative course. It's always been. But I think this next It's always been. But I think this next It's always been. But I think this next generation is just so hungry for it, generation is just so hungry for it, generation is just so hungry for it, they're ready to embrace it. So, hey, they're ready to embrace it. So, hey, they're ready to embrace it. So, hey, we've got, by the way, if you're we've got, by the way, if you're we've got, by the way, if you're interested in drilling down on this, not interested in drilling down on this, not interested in drilling down on this, not only have I got this episode, but in only have I got this episode, but in only have I got this episode, but in August, we're doing a whole revival August, we're doing a whole revival August, we're doing a whole revival podcast series. I want to go deep on podcast series. I want to go deep on podcast series. I want to go deep on this. I'm going to be interviewing Nikki this. I'm going to be interviewing Nikki this. I'm going to be interviewing Nikki Gumble and other UK church leaders. Gumble and other UK church leaders. Gumble and other UK church leaders. JPluda is coming back. We're going to JPluda is coming back. We're going to JPluda is coming back. We're going to talk about what he's seeing at college talk about what he's seeing at college talk about what he's seeing at college campuses and at his church. John Tyson campuses and at his church. John Tyson campuses and at his church. John Tyson is going to give us a history of is going to give us a history of is going to give us a history of revival, filming that in New York City. revival, filming that in New York City. revival, filming that in New York City. Andy Wood and Luke Lef Fever. Zack Andy Wood and Luke Lef Fever. Zack Andy Wood and Luke Lef Fever. Zack Mircrabs, who preached the sermon that Mircrabs, who preached the sermon that Mircrabs, who preached the sermon that kicked off the Aspbury outpouring, is kicked off the Aspbury outpouring, is kicked off the Aspbury outpouring, is going to be joining us. Plus, we have a going to be joining us. Plus, we have a going to be joining us. Plus, we have a lot more in that revival series. So, lot more in that revival series. So, lot more in that revival series. So, just a little teaser that there's more just a little teaser that there's more just a little teaser that there's more coming up on this. Hey, we just report coming up on this. Hey, we just report coming up on this. Hey, we just report on what's going on here, and it is on what's going on here, and it is on what's going on here, and it is really great to get good news. So, I really great to get good news. So, I really great to get good news. So, I want to equip you with everything to put want to equip you with everything to put want to equip you with everything to put a little bit of wind behind your sales a little bit of wind behind your sales a little bit of wind behind your sales and help you navigate your ministry. So, and help you navigate your ministry. So, and help you navigate your ministry. So, that's why we're doing it. Now, what that's why we're doing it. Now, what that's why we're doing it. Now, what does this mean? All of this in terms of does this mean? All of this in terms of does this mean? All of this in terms of Gen Z revival means that Gen Z is now Gen Z revival means that Gen Z is now Gen Z revival means that Gen Z is now the second most likely age group in the the second most likely age group in the the second most likely age group in the UK to attend church after those who are UK to attend church after those who are UK to attend church after those who are 65 plus. It means that probably the 65 plus. It means that probably the 65 plus. It means that probably the inevitable decline of the church in inevitable decline of the church in inevitable decline of the church in England appears to be a dead story. It England appears to be a dead story. It England appears to be a dead story. It means that Christianity is becoming a means that Christianity is becoming a means that Christianity is becoming a very palpable alternative to a younger very palpable alternative to a younger very palpable alternative to a younger generation. I mean, you've probably even generation. I mean, you've probably even generation. I mean, you've probably even seen on social Joe Rogan is now seen on social Joe Rogan is now seen on social Joe Rogan is now apparently attending church even in apparently attending church even in apparently attending church even in America. That's amazing. Okay, the America. That's amazing. Okay, the America. That's amazing. Okay, the retreat part, yeah, it's still retreat part, yeah, it's still retreat part, yeah, it's still happening, but I think revival is

happening, but I think revival is happening, but I think revival is surging or you might even say out surging or you might even say out surging or you might even say out trending it. So then the question trending it. So then the question trending it. So then the question becomes, well, what do you do? Well, becomes, well, what do you do? Well, becomes, well, what do you do? Well, first I would pray. I mean, this is first I would pray. I mean, this is first I would pray. I mean, this is fundamentally a spiritual endeavor, fundamentally a spiritual endeavor, fundamentally a spiritual endeavor, right? We're not programming our way right? We're not programming our way right? We're not programming our way into this. People are spiritually into this. People are spiritually into this. People are spiritually hungry. And if churches have a real hungry. And if churches have a real hungry. And if churches have a real solution, which we do if you tap into solution, which we do if you tap into solution, which we do if you tap into the real gospel, um you're going to be the real gospel, um you're going to be the real gospel, um you're going to be able to answer that hunger with um well, able to answer that hunger with um well, able to answer that hunger with um well, the life that abounds. So ask God about the life that abounds. So ask God about the life that abounds. So ask God about it. Just pray about it. Get your team it. Just pray about it. Get your team it. Just pray about it. Get your team praying about it. God, how do we get in praying about it. God, how do we get in praying about it. God, how do we get in on what you're doing? Be very open and on what you're doing? Be very open and on what you're doing? Be very open and sensitive to the leading of the Holy sensitive to the leading of the Holy sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. And I don't just mean on Sunday. Spirit. And I don't just mean on Sunday. Spirit. And I don't just mean on Sunday. I mean on Sunday, but I also mean like I mean on Sunday, but I also mean like I mean on Sunday, but I also mean like be very sensitive in your own life. God, be very sensitive in your own life. God, be very sensitive in your own life. God, who are you leading me to? I've been who are you leading me to? I've been who are you leading me to? I've been praying that prayer myself. And you praying that prayer myself. And you praying that prayer myself. And you know, you end up in conversations with know, you end up in conversations with know, you end up in conversations with neighbors that you haven't seen in a neighbors that you haven't seen in a neighbors that you haven't seen in a little while. You end up in little while. You end up in little while. You end up in conversations with store clerks. Um conversations with store clerks. Um conversations with store clerks. Um really be open to the sensitivity and really be open to the sensitivity and really be open to the sensitivity and leading of the Holy Spirit. And then um leading of the Holy Spirit. And then um leading of the Holy Spirit. And then um stop nickel and dimming young adult stop nickel and dimming young adult stop nickel and dimming young adult ministry. Now, you don't have to have a ministry. Now, you don't have to have a ministry. Now, you don't have to have a young adult ministry. Your young adult young adult ministry. Your young adult young adult ministry. Your young adult ministry could be Sunday morning. That's ministry could be Sunday morning. That's ministry could be Sunday morning. That's great. Um but don't nickel and dime it.

great. Um but don't nickel and dime it. great. Um but don't nickel and dime it. Like actually realize this is a real Like actually realize this is a real Like actually realize this is a real thing. And then another thing I would thing. And then another thing I would thing. And then another thing I would suggest is mentor young adults suggest is mentor young adults suggest is mentor young adults personally. if you're over 40, you know, personally. if you're over 40, you know, personally. if you're over 40, you know, you can do that and get your whole you can do that and get your whole you can do that and get your whole church involved. It's like, you know, church involved. It's like, you know, church involved. It's like, you know, grandparents and parents have a role grandparents and parents have a role grandparents and parents have a role here, too. Uh it seems that Gen Z is here, too. Uh it seems that Gen Z is here, too. Uh it seems that Gen Z is really open to intergenerational really open to intergenerational really open to intergenerational mentoring. And the good news is the mentoring. And the good news is the mentoring. And the good news is the window is wide open. Like when the window is wide open. Like when the window is wide open. Like when the spirit of God is moving, um the church spirit of God is moving, um the church spirit of God is moving, um the church needs to get engaged and get on board. needs to get engaged and get on board. needs to get engaged and get on board. So, this is something you can discuss So, this is something you can discuss So, this is something you can discuss with your team, but the data is starting with your team, but the data is starting with your team, but the data is starting to get overwhelming that the revival is to get overwhelming that the revival is to get overwhelming that the revival is real. So, that's my first update. Second real. So, that's my first update. Second real. So, that's my first update. Second update is the mental health connection. update is the mental health connection. update is the mental health connection. Okay, I'm not going to spend as much Okay, I'm not going to spend as much Okay, I'm not going to spend as much time on it, but I want you to really pay time on it, but I want you to really pay time on it, but I want you to really pay attention to this and I'm going to be attention to this and I'm going to be attention to this and I'm going to be talking a lot about this over the next talking a lot about this over the next talking a lot about this over the next few years. Um, I feel like when I talk few years. Um, I feel like when I talk few years. Um, I feel like when I talk about this, nobody's listening, so maybe about this, nobody's listening, so maybe about this, nobody's listening, so maybe you're going to shut off the podcast you're going to shut off the podcast you're going to shut off the podcast now, but I hope you'll listen. Uh, I'm now, but I hope you'll listen. Uh, I'm now, but I hope you'll listen. Uh, I'm really concerned about this and I think really concerned about this and I think really concerned about this and I think there's something else happening right there's something else happening right there's something else happening right now that's going to make the spiritual now that's going to make the spiritual now that's going to make the spiritual hunger even greater in the next few hunger even greater in the next few hunger even greater in the next few years. So, the big finding here from my years. So, the big finding here from my years. So, the big finding here from my original 2025 church trends report was original 2025 church trends report was original 2025 church trends report was that there was an age divide between that there was an age divide between that there was an age divide between church leaders who were over 45 and church leaders who were over 45 and church leaders who were over 45 and under 45 when it came to mental health.

under 45 when it came to mental health. under 45 when it came to mental health. So, while 21% of pastors over the age of So, while 21% of pastors over the age of So, while 21% of pastors over the age of 45 say they're flourishing, only 7% of 45 say they're flourishing, only 7% of 45 say they're flourishing, only 7% of church leaders under the age of 45 say church leaders under the age of 45 say church leaders under the age of 45 say they're flourishing. So, in the report they're flourishing. So, in the report they're flourishing. So, in the report originally back in January, I also originally back in January, I also originally back in January, I also flagged the rise of AI companions as flagged the rise of AI companions as flagged the rise of AI companions as something the church needs to be something the church needs to be something the church needs to be tracking. So, you know, I'm really tracking. So, you know, I'm really tracking. So, you know, I'm really concerned about this. When only 7% of concerned about this. When only 7% of concerned about this. When only 7% of under 45 church leaders say they're under 45 church leaders say they're under 45 church leaders say they're doing well, that's not cool. That's not doing well, that's not cool. That's not doing well, that's not cool. That's not cool. Okay. But what's going to make cool. Okay. But what's going to make cool. Okay. But what's going to make that better or worse? Well, you probably that better or worse? Well, you probably that better or worse? Well, you probably followed the work of Jonathan height. followed the work of Jonathan height. followed the work of Jonathan height. He's had a huge huge impact on culture He's had a huge huge impact on culture He's had a huge huge impact on culture talking about the impact of social media talking about the impact of social media talking about the impact of social media on mental health. And you know, there's on mental health. And you know, there's on mental health. And you know, there's real changes happening. Well, if you real changes happening. Well, if you real changes happening. Well, if you think that social media had a negative think that social media had a negative think that social media had a negative impact on mental health, wait until AI impact on mental health, wait until AI impact on mental health, wait until AI companionship takes over culture. All companionship takes over culture. All companionship takes over culture. All right. So, in mid 2025, I found this right. So, in mid 2025, I found this right. So, in mid 2025, I found this stat that makes me very alarmed. So, stat that makes me very alarmed. So, stat that makes me very alarmed. So, think about how people use generative think about how people use generative think about how people use generative AI, right? Chat GPT, claude, perplexity, AI, right? Chat GPT, claude, perplexity, AI, right? Chat GPT, claude, perplexity, etc. So according to the Harvard etc. So according to the Harvard etc. So according to the Harvard Business Review in 2024, the number one Business Review in 2024, the number one Business Review in 2024, the number one reason people went to chat GPT was for reason people went to chat GPT was for reason people went to chat GPT was for ideiation ideas. Hey, I need some ideas ideiation ideas. Hey, I need some ideas ideiation ideas. Hey, I need some ideas on, you know, a bake sale I'm doing or a on, you know, a bake sale I'm doing or a on, you know, a bake sale I'm doing or a sermon I'm doing. You know what it sermon I'm doing. You know what it sermon I'm doing. You know what it became in 2025?

became in 2025? became in 2025? Therapy and companionship. New number Therapy and companionship. New number Therapy and companionship. New number one use, number one reason hands down one use, number one reason hands down one use, number one reason hands down people use AI like Chat GPT, Claude, people use AI like Chat GPT, Claude, people use AI like Chat GPT, Claude, etc. etc. etc. Companionship and therapy. They're Companionship and therapy. They're Companionship and therapy. They're building relationships with bots that building relationships with bots that building relationships with bots that aren't real. Now, that has got huge aren't real. Now, that has got huge aren't real. Now, that has got huge implications. First of all, yeah, people implications. First of all, yeah, people implications. First of all, yeah, people need therapy. They need access to need therapy. They need access to need therapy. They need access to therapy. You can get great advice from therapy. You can get great advice from therapy. You can get great advice from chat GPT, but they're also creating like chat GPT, but they're also creating like chat GPT, but they're also creating like avatars and um people like like bots avatars and um people like like bots avatars and um people like like bots that have personalities. Um, a lot of that have personalities. Um, a lot of that have personalities. Um, a lot of that is sexualized as well. So, your that is sexualized as well. So, your that is sexualized as well. So, your sexual partner is now a bot. Um, your sexual partner is now a bot. Um, your sexual partner is now a bot. Um, your best friend might be a bot, your best friend might be a bot, your best friend might be a bot, your therapist might be a bot, and of course, therapist might be a bot, and of course, therapist might be a bot, and of course, those algorithms, which are driven for those algorithms, which are driven for those algorithms, which are driven for profit, are there to keep you hooked and profit, are there to keep you hooked and profit, are there to keep you hooked and keep you engaged in the same way that keep you engaged in the same way that keep you engaged in the same way that social media is. So, the number one use social media is. So, the number one use social media is. So, the number one use case for AI in 2025 is companionship and case for AI in 2025 is companionship and case for AI in 2025 is companionship and therapy. So, what does this mean? Well, therapy. So, what does this mean? Well, therapy. So, what does this mean? Well, here's my prediction. That is going to here's my prediction. That is going to here's my prediction. That is going to worsen the mental health crisis, not worsen the mental health crisis, not worsen the mental health crisis, not help it. Now, look, I know people need help it. Now, look, I know people need help it. Now, look, I know people need advice, right? But the thing about human advice, right? But the thing about human advice, right? But the thing about human relationships is they're uneven. You go relationships is they're uneven. You go relationships is they're uneven. You go to a therapist, maybe your therapist is to a therapist, maybe your therapist is to a therapist, maybe your therapist is having a bad day. Maybe your therapist having a bad day. Maybe your therapist having a bad day. Maybe your therapist pushes back. The algorithm is not going pushes back. The algorithm is not going pushes back. The algorithm is not going to counsel you like a real person or a to counsel you like a real person or a to counsel you like a real person or a pastor or a therapist is going to pastor or a therapist is going to pastor or a therapist is going to counsel you. Um, you know, I've been counsel you. Um, you know, I've been counsel you. Um, you know, I've been married for 35 years now, which is married for 35 years now, which is married for 35 years now, which is awesome, but we've had our ups and awesome, but we've had our ups and awesome, but we've had our ups and downs. And uh, my wife is amazing, but downs. And uh, my wife is amazing, but downs. And uh, my wife is amazing, but she's not perfect. I am definitely not a

she's not perfect. I am definitely not a she's not perfect. I am definitely not a perfect husband, but you know, if my perfect husband, but you know, if my perfect husband, but you know, if my wife was to create an AI companion, wife was to create an AI companion, wife was to create an AI companion, which you can do, and he always says the which you can do, and he always says the which you can do, and he always says the right thing, always knows exactly what right thing, always knows exactly what right thing, always knows exactly what she's thinking, she's going to start she's thinking, she's going to start she's thinking, she's going to start relying on the AI companion more than relying on the AI companion more than relying on the AI companion more than she relies on me. Or if I do the same she relies on me. Or if I do the same she relies on me. Or if I do the same thing, it could easily happen to me. Do thing, it could easily happen to me. Do thing, it could easily happen to me. Do you know how that's going to mess up you know how that's going to mess up you know how that's going to mess up human relationships? And you know what? human relationships? And you know what? human relationships? And you know what? I preached on this a couple years ago at I preached on this a couple years ago at I preached on this a couple years ago at our church. Too early. Too early. Okay, our church. Too early. Too early. Okay, our church. Too early. Too early. Okay, nobody nobody seemed to know what I was nobody nobody seemed to know what I was nobody nobody seemed to know what I was talking about. But when I explained the talking about. But when I explained the talking about. But when I explained the situation and that you know half of situation and that you know half of situation and that you know half of something like half of all the chat bots something like half of all the chat bots something like half of all the chat bots out there are sexualized now the women out there are sexualized now the women out there are sexualized now the women looked horrified as I shared that looked horrified as I shared that looked horrified as I shared that information and the men looked ashamed. information and the men looked ashamed. information and the men looked ashamed. Now this is happening in real time. This Now this is happening in real time. This Now this is happening in real time. This is already happening right? Number one is already happening right? Number one is already happening right? Number one use companionship and therapy. AI cannot use companionship and therapy. AI cannot use companionship and therapy. AI cannot provide what humans need. Genuine provide what humans need. Genuine provide what humans need. Genuine connection community transcendence. It connection community transcendence. It connection community transcendence. It can simulate it but it can't provide it. can simulate it but it can't provide it. can simulate it but it can't provide it. So, here's the good news for you as a So, here's the good news for you as a So, here's the good news for you as a church leader. The church offers what AI church leader. The church offers what AI church leader. The church offers what AI never can. Real relationships, human to never can. Real relationships, human to never can. Real relationships, human to human, like eyeballs over coffee, human, like eyeballs over coffee, human, like eyeballs over coffee, heartto-heart, right? Hand on shoulder heartto-heart, right? Hand on shoulder heartto-heart, right? Hand on shoulder relationships, relationships, relationships, real hope, real transformation, and it's real hope, real transformation, and it's real hope, real transformation, and it's raw and it's kind of messy and sometimes raw and it's kind of messy and sometimes raw and it's kind of messy and sometimes it doesn't go well and you have a it doesn't go well and you have a it doesn't go well and you have a rupture in the relationship and you need rupture in the relationship and you need rupture in the relationship and you need to repair. Hey, that's how God designed to repair. Hey, that's how God designed to repair. Hey, that's how God designed us, right? And AI isn't going to quite us, right? And AI isn't going to quite us, right? And AI isn't going to quite be like that. So, you know what is like be like that. So, you know what is like be like that. So, you know what is like AI relationships like? It's like eating AI relationships like? It's like eating AI relationships like? It's like eating a diet of ultra high processed foods,

a diet of ultra high processed foods, a diet of ultra high processed foods, right? You're eating Pringles and right? You're eating Pringles and right? You're eating Pringles and burritos. burritos. burritos. It's going to fill you up. It's also It's going to fill you up. It's also It's going to fill you up. It's also going to make you sick. You're probably going to make you sick. You're probably going to make you sick. You're probably going to get obese. You're going to get going to get obese. You're going to get going to get obese. You're going to get diabetes. It's not going to be good for diabetes. It's not going to be good for diabetes. It's not going to be good for you. Like social media, it's like you. Like social media, it's like you. Like social media, it's like connection, but not the kind of connection, but not the kind of connection, but not the kind of connection you need. And what have we connection you need. And what have we connection you need. And what have we seen? We've seen a loneliness epidemic seen? We've seen a loneliness epidemic seen? We've seen a loneliness epidemic because people have thousands, millions because people have thousands, millions because people have thousands, millions of people around them, and they're all of people around them, and they're all of people around them, and they're all alone. So social media was a gateway alone. So social media was a gateway alone. So social media was a gateway drug. This I think is going to take it drug. This I think is going to take it drug. This I think is going to take it to the next level. So now back to the to the next level. So now back to the to the next level. So now back to the original report out of the UK and this original report out of the UK and this original report out of the UK and this is the hope for the church. Okay, you is the hope for the church. Okay, you is the hope for the church. Okay, you got to read that UK report. It's got to read that UK report. It's got to read that UK report. It's amazing. Called uh the quiet revival. amazing. Called uh the quiet revival. amazing. Called uh the quiet revival. But churchgoers in the UK are reporting But churchgoers in the UK are reporting But churchgoers in the UK are reporting significantly higher life satisfaction significantly higher life satisfaction significantly higher life satisfaction than non-churchgoers. Do you know 75% of than non-churchgoers. Do you know 75% of than non-churchgoers. Do you know 75% of churchgoers say life feels meaningful churchgoers say life feels meaningful churchgoers say life feels meaningful versus 49% of non-churchgoers? versus 49% of non-churchgoers? versus 49% of non-churchgoers? Get this. Okay. 68% of male 18 to 34 Get this. Okay. 68% of male 18 to 34 Get this. Okay. 68% of male 18 to 34 year old churchgoers say they feel close year old churchgoers say they feel close year old churchgoers say they feel close to people in their local area. 68% to people in their local area. 68% to people in their local area. 68% of 18 to 34 year old men say that they of 18 to 34 year old men say that they of 18 to 34 year old men say that they feel close to people in their community feel close to people in their community feel close to people in their community compared to 27% compared to 27% compared to 27% of non-churchgoers their age. So if you of non-churchgoers their age. So if you of non-churchgoers their age. So if you don't go to church, you're alone. If you don't go to church, you're alone. If you don't go to church, you're alone. If you go to church, almost 70% are like, go to church, almost 70% are like, go to church, almost 70% are like, "Yeah, I feel connected." In other "Yeah, I feel connected." In other "Yeah, I feel connected." In other words, a sense of closeness to other words, a sense of closeness to other words, a sense of closeness to other people doubles when a young adult people doubles when a young adult people doubles when a young adult attends and gets involved in a local attends and gets involved in a local attends and gets involved in a local church. Young churchgoing women, 21 church. Young churchgoing women, 21 church. Young churchgoing women, 21 point difference in mental health point difference in mental health point difference in mental health outcomes when they go to church. So, outcomes when they go to church. So, outcomes when they go to church. So, what's your opportunity? The mental what's your opportunity? The mental what's your opportunity? The mental health crisis should drive people to

health crisis should drive people to health crisis should drive people to church, not away from it. You have got church, not away from it. You have got church, not away from it. You have got the antidote to social media loneliness, the antidote to social media loneliness, the antidote to social media loneliness, AI, chatbot, sexualized companionship, AI, chatbot, sexualized companionship, AI, chatbot, sexualized companionship, loneliness. loneliness. loneliness. We've got it. We're the church. So, We've got it. We're the church. So, We've got it. We're the church. So, start talking about this. Highlight your start talking about this. Highlight your start talking about this. Highlight your community groups. Prioritize connection, community groups. Prioritize connection, community groups. Prioritize connection, not just content. We started talking not just content. We started talking not just content. We started talking about this years ago on this podcast and about this years ago on this podcast and about this years ago on this podcast and on my channels, right? There was a time on my channels, right? There was a time on my channels, right? There was a time where content was scarce and we're like, where content was scarce and we're like, where content was scarce and we're like, got to get the content out. Well, got to get the content out. Well, got to get the content out. Well, content's everywhere now. What you need content's everywhere now. What you need content's everywhere now. What you need is community and connection. Okay? is community and connection. Okay? is community and connection. Okay? That's what you should be focusing on. That's what you should be focusing on. That's what you should be focusing on. Nobody should be able to out community Nobody should be able to out community Nobody should be able to out community the local church. I don't care whether the local church. I don't care whether the local church. I don't care whether that's 20 people or 20,000 people. that's 20 people or 20,000 people. that's 20 people or 20,000 people. You've got to build community. Community You've got to build community. Community You've got to build community. Community connection, the data is showing, is connection, the data is showing, is connection, the data is showing, is literally healing people. Why is it literally healing people. Why is it literally healing people. Why is it doing that? Because that's how God doing that? Because that's how God doing that? Because that's how God created us. Your church isn't just created us. Your church isn't just created us. Your church isn't just growing, it's literally saving lives. growing, it's literally saving lives. growing, it's literally saving lives. Now, you want to partner with real life Now, you want to partner with real life Now, you want to partner with real life mental health professionals. You're part mental health professionals. You're part mental health professionals. You're part of the solution. Am I saying AI therapy of the solution. Am I saying AI therapy of the solution. Am I saying AI therapy is terrible? No, I'm just saying it's is terrible? No, I'm just saying it's is terrible? No, I'm just saying it's incomplete. It's not. It's like ultra incomplete. It's not. It's like ultra incomplete. It's not. It's like ultra high processed foods. It's going to fill high processed foods. It's going to fill high processed foods. It's going to fill you up for about 20 minutes and that's you up for about 20 minutes and that's you up for about 20 minutes and that's probably going to make you a little bit probably going to make you a little bit probably going to make you a little bit sick. Same with AI chat bots and sick. Same with AI chat bots and sick. Same with AI chat bots and companionship. Do I use AI? Yeah, I use companionship. Do I use AI? Yeah, I use companionship. Do I use AI? Yeah, I use it all the time. Do I have an AI it all the time. Do I have an AI it all the time. Do I have an AI chatbot? No, I don't. Like not a avatar chatbot? No, I don't. Like not a avatar chatbot? No, I don't. Like not a avatar that I've created or anything like that.

that I've created or anything like that. that I've created or anything like that. I don't want to go down that road. I I don't want to go down that road. I I don't want to go down that road. I think it's a slippery slope. But hey, think it's a slippery slope. But hey, think it's a slippery slope. But hey, you guys, you're the alternative. So you guys, you're the alternative. So you guys, you're the alternative. So that's the update on church trends. So that's the update on church trends. So that's the update on church trends. So what does this mean for you? Well, the what does this mean for you? Well, the what does this mean for you? Well, the big picture, the tide's turning. Revival big picture, the tide's turning. Revival big picture, the tide's turning. Revival is outpacing retreat. So, we got UK data is outpacing retreat. So, we got UK data is outpacing retreat. So, we got UK data and some American data, but it's showing and some American data, but it's showing and some American data, but it's showing what's possible everywhere. I think this what's possible everywhere. I think this what's possible everywhere. I think this is a canary in the coal mine. This is is a canary in the coal mine. This is is a canary in the coal mine. This is what's happening. This is on trend. I what's happening. This is on trend. I what's happening. This is on trend. I think the next 5 years could be the most think the next 5 years could be the most think the next 5 years could be the most significant church growth period in significant church growth period in significant church growth period in decades. And I'm so thrilled to talk decades. And I'm so thrilled to talk decades. And I'm so thrilled to talk about that after years of telling you about that after years of telling you about that after years of telling you telling myself this is not going well, telling myself this is not going well, telling myself this is not going well, right? It's great to get data like this. right? It's great to get data like this. right? It's great to get data like this. So, here's the bottom line. The mental So, here's the bottom line. The mental So, here's the bottom line. The mental health crisis, cultural openness, and health crisis, cultural openness, and health crisis, cultural openness, and generational hunger equals unprecedented generational hunger equals unprecedented generational hunger equals unprecedented opportunity for the church. So, for the opportunity for the church. So, for the opportunity for the church. So, for the first time in decades, the winds at our first time in decades, the winds at our first time in decades, the winds at our back. Gen Z is not walking away, they're back. Gen Z is not walking away, they're back. Gen Z is not walking away, they're walking in. The question isn't whether walking in. The question isn't whether walking in. The question isn't whether revival is coming, it's whether you're revival is coming, it's whether you're revival is coming, it's whether you're ready for it. So, this is your moment, ready for it. So, this is your moment, ready for it. So, this is your moment, right? Let's not waste it. Let's pray right? Let's not waste it. Let's pray right? Let's not waste it. Let's pray about it. Let's be humble. Let's stay about it. Let's be humble. Let's stay about it. Let's be humble. Let's stay grounded. I'm going to keep you updated grounded. I'm going to keep you updated grounded. I'm going to keep you updated as things change. And of course in as things change. And of course in as things change. And of course in January we'll do 2026 church trends.

January we'll do 2026 church trends. January we'll do 2026 church trends. They'll be out as usual. Uh you can They'll be out as usual. Uh you can They'll be out as usual. Uh you can subscribe at carneu-hoff.com to my email subscribe at carneu-hoff.com to my email subscribe at carneu-hoff.com to my email list. You'll get everything. Subscribe list. You'll get everything. Subscribe list. You'll get everything. Subscribe to the podcast obviously. So uh you to the podcast obviously. So uh you to the podcast obviously. So uh you might have other perspectives, other might have other perspectives, other might have other perspectives, other questions, your own insights, or maybe questions, your own insights, or maybe questions, your own insights, or maybe you're just curious about what other you're just curious about what other you're just curious about what other leaders are thinking about the data. The leaders are thinking about the data. The leaders are thinking about the data. The best place to go deeper is inside my art best place to go deeper is inside my art best place to go deeper is inside my art of leadership academy. You can now join of leadership academy. You can now join of leadership academy. You can now join it absolutely free to discuss this it absolutely free to discuss this it absolutely free to discuss this episode. Yeah, you can do it on YouTube. episode. Yeah, you can do it on YouTube. episode. Yeah, you can do it on YouTube. But why not get in there with just other But why not get in there with just other But why not get in there with just other church leaders trollfree? They're doing church leaders trollfree? They're doing church leaders trollfree? They're doing the same thing you are. Bring your whole the same thing you are. Bring your whole the same thing you are. Bring your whole team. It's free. If you don't have an team. It's free. If you don't have an team. It's free. If you don't have an account, it's free. Just click the link account, it's free. Just click the link account, it's free. Just click the link in the description of this episode or in the description of this episode or in the description of this episode or visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com. visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com. visit the arttoofleershipacademy.com. You're part of an audience now. Become You're part of an audience now. Become You're part of an audience now. Become part of a community. I look forward to part of a community. I look forward to part of a community. I look forward to seeing you inside. I'd love to hear from seeing you inside. I'd love to hear from seeing you inside. I'd love to hear from you in the comments wherever you're you in the comments wherever you're you in the comments wherever you're watching, wherever you're listening watching, wherever you're listening watching, wherever you're listening because, man, it's great to get news because, man, it's great to get news because, man, it's great to get news like this. Hope our time together today like this. Hope our time together today like this. Hope our time together today has helped you identify and break a has helped you identify and break a has helped you identify and break a growth barrier you're facing.