Is the United Kingdom truly a spiritual graveyard, or are we witnessing the first signs of an unexpected revival? Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance UK, reveals compelling evidence that challenges the narrative of Britain's religious decline.

While headlines focus on empty pews, something remarkable is stirring beneath the surface. Gen Z is twice as likely to believe in God as their Gen X parents. Bible sales have surged 87% in five years. Two million more people attend church now than five years ago. These aren't just anecdotes—major media outlets like The Times are reporting on this shift, confirming what Calver describes as "an openness to the gospel that hasn't existed in my lifetime."

What's driving this spiritual renaissance? Calver points to several factors: "reverse missionaries" from Africa, Asia and beyond bringing faith back to Britain; the unifying effect of secular pressure forcing churches to collaborate; and a renewed focus on equipping everyday Christians to share their faith. Most surprising is research showing one in three non-Christians actively want conversations with Christian friends about faith.

The Evangelical Alliance itself presents a fascinating case study in navigating complex cultural waters while maintaining theological clarity. Founded in 1846 (predating even the World Evangelical Alliance), the Alliance has consistently focused on two missions: uniting evangelicals to share the gospel and providing a voice for believers in the corridors of power. Today, it represents 3,000 churches, 500 organizations and 27,000 individual members across the UK's four nations.

Multicultural Christianity has transformed British evangelicalism, with 25-33% of UK evangelicals now from global majority backgrounds. This diversity has strengthened prayer culture, evangelistic effectiveness, and the church's ability to transcend social divides. As Calver notes, "The church can do something no one else in London can do – get every tribe, every tongue, every age group around the table together."

You can learn more with Gavin Calver through the Evangelical Alliance UK website , his literature, and you can find him on Facebook and Instagram.

And you can share this episode using hashtag #Evangelical360 and join the conversation online!

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What happens when spiritual passion meets thoughtful engagement? Rev. Dr. David Wells, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, takes us on a remarkable journey through the explosive growth of the Pentecostal movement from its humble beginnings to becoming the largest Protestant movement worldwide.

Against the backdrop of increasing secularization, Wells reveals a surprising counter-narrative: Pentecostal churches are experiencing "incremental growth" with "record levels of first-time responses to Jesus." His approach rejects false dichotomies between heart and mind, embracing instead what he calls "wholehearted, whole-minded, whole-life discipleship."

Perhaps most fascinating is Wells' unique role as chaplain for multiple Olympic Games, where he developed best practices for multi-faith environments. This work required building trust across religious divides while maintaining his evangelical convictions—a skill increasingly valuable in our polarized world.

Wells offers fresh perspectives on denominational identity, describing a shift from rigid "franchise models" to a more flexible "center-set" approach that maintains theological integrity while allowing contextual adaptation. He addresses leadership development challenges with multiple pathways for ministry preparation, including traditional academic routes, second-career ministers, and global perspectives.

For anyone interested in how faith communities can remain vibrant in changing times, Wells provides wisdom drawn from five decades of ministry. His story demonstrates how spiritual renewal comes through both passionate engagement and respectful collaboration, offering hope for the future of the church in an increasingly complex world.

You can learn more about Rev. Dr. David Wells and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada through their website and Facebook.

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What happens when Indigenous identity meets Christianity? For Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred, Director of Indigenous Studies at Vancouver School of Theology, this intersection has been both painful and profoundly illuminating.

Ray's story begins with generational trauma - a grandmother lost to alcoholism, a murdered uncle, experiences of racism that as a child he simply thought were "how it is with everybody." His journey through addiction to Christian faith, and eventually to deeper healing, reveals the gaps in how many churches address cultural shame and historical wounds.

"When you feel ashamed of who you are," Ray explains, "you think you're too bad to receive God's love. You spend most of your Christian life trying to do more religious stuff so God will actually love you." This breakthrough realization transformed not only his personal faith but his approach to theology and reconciliation.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ray describes reading scripture through Indigenous eyes. Suddenly biblical humour comes alive, community connections deepen, and creation itself becomes family. His interpretation of Adam as "son of God" led to the revelation that the earth could be understood as mother - not in an idolatrous sense, but as a relative deserving care and respect. "If people could feel that about the land," he suggests, "maybe we could make different decisions when it comes to how we live upon it."

As Canada continues its journey toward reconciliation following the devastating legacy of residential schools, Ray offers wisdom for moving forward: tell the truth completely, listen with your heart to understand pain, then develop a shared plan to heal the damage. His approach places "the gospel in the center" while honoring Indigenous identity and addressing historical trauma.

For anyone seeking to understand Christianity beyond colonial frameworks or wondering how faith communities might participate meaningfully in reconciliation, Ray's insights illuminate a path that requires courage, honesty and deep listening.

You can learn more with Ray Aldred through his books and the Vancouver School of Theology.

And you can share this episode using hashtag #Evangelical360 and join the conversation online!

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