Trends to expect as church tide turns
Phil Knox of the EA shares five key missional trends churches should expect to see in 2026.
The past year marked a seismic moment for the church in the UK. More people are open to Jesus and actively exploring faith. Baptisms are rising. Churches are growing.
For the past hundred years, church attendance in the UK has been in steady decline. But in 2025, several significant research projects offered clear marker points suggesting the tide has turned.
Drawing on the latest research, listening to our members and observing the missional landscape, here’s what church should expect in 2026.
Look out for the spiritually open
The year is shaping up to be the most spiritually open year in living memory. Atheism is expected to continue its decline. Belief is back. The evangelical church will grow.
But a rising tide doesn’t flow in one direction. Seekers will turn not only to all forms of Christianity, but also to other religions, paganism and the occult.
Look out for the unexplained
This year will see spiritual experiences, dreams and unexplained events drawing thousands towards church.
Over the past year, we have heard countless stories of this – previously a rarely cited pathway to faith.
Today, 28 per cent of new adult Christians say a spiritual experience prompted them to explore the Christian faith.
Expect people to arrive asking, “What was that?!”
Look out for the gospel opportunities
In 2026, the church will need to join the dots more intentionally between compassion ministry and faith sharing.
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