Over the past six years, a growing number of young people have been attending Church in what the Bible Society has termed the ‘Quiet Revival.’ While much of this surge has been seen in charismatic inner-city churches, the trend has not been confined to one style of worship. St James Mangotsfield, which offers a quieter, inclusive and, at times, more contemplative approach to faith, is also witnessing a notable rise in the attendance of young adults.
St James Mangotsfield has seen a number of young people start to regularly attend Sunday and Midweek church services. They have all come to church independent of being invited or knowing anyone, and when speaking to them, they have differing reasons for exploring faith. One young person said that they had started coming following their GCSE’s because they had connected with the Church previously during a year 6 leavers service. Others shared that they were looking for a quiet place to reflect on and discover their spirituality, as they appreciate calm environments.
The Church’s Wednesday midday and Sunday 8am services are small, quiet, and feature just communion, sometimes accompanied by candles and incense, whilst Sunday 10:30 services are more varied. It is a combination of these open and contemplative environments that have appealed to the young people.
Some of the young people have now taken the step of being baptised. One young person shared that when she first began attending church, she wasn’t sure what she was seeking. But, through the prayers and hymns of the reflective services, she found faith and therefore made the decision to take the important step in her faith journey.
Speaking about the increase in younger churchgoers, the Rev’d James Cannan, Vicar of St Mangotsfield, said:
“It has honestly, in some ways, taken us by surprise. Our desire has been to be a place where anyone can come, no matter where they are in their exploration of spirituality and faith, but we’ve not gone out of the way to market ourselves. They have simply come and I suppose they stay because they find a place that doesn't expect them to be anything but themselves, and to be able to grow and learn at their own pace, in an inclusive and diverse community, that is also growing, each at their own pace. I determined a long time ago that I didn't want to attract people through frills or the dynamics of a Sunday service, but through simply being a place where all can come and just be really themselves, to see a vicar who us real and a community that are all in varied places in their faith and understanding of Christ's grace and love, and how we live out in the world around us”
Please join us in praying for the community of St James Mangotsfield, as they welcome those seeking meaning in Christ.