Church attendance in the UK has risen by 50% over the last six years, according to new data from YouGov. That means roughly 2 million people have tried church recently. Here are six reasons you might want to consider joining them…
1. Satisfaction
Use one word to describe your life… Would you ever use Satisfied? Fulfilled? Content? Many of us often feel lonely, lost, busy, chaotic, or empty. Mental health struggles are often tied to questions like, “Am I enough?” or “Does my life have meaning?” While Christianity isn’t a cure-all, the church makes a significant difference. Churchgoers report higher life satisfaction than non-churchgoers. They show the highest levels of hope for the future and are less likely to feel anxious or depressed (especially young women). They’re also significantly more likely to feel content: 71% say “I’m happy with my life right now,” and 75% say “my life feels meaningful.” Fewer than half of non-churchgoers in the survey could agree with that statement. One of Jesus’ bold claims was that he came to bring “life, and life to its fullest” (John 10). Interesting…
2. Exploration
We all have big questions about life: Where did we come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? What’s wrong with the world? What’s the solution? The stats show us a wave of people trying church in search of answers. Come and join them, and us, as we explore big questions together. Is there a purpose to my life? Where can I find meaning, peace, hope, and happiness? Why is there suffering? Is there a God? Church is a space to ask and explore - it’s healthy and encouraged. Many believe, and have experienced, that Christianity offers real answers. Most churches run sessions like Christianity Explored, Alpha, or 321 - great opportunities for big questions. If yours have gone unasked for a while, maybe it’s time.
3. Connection
Human beings are made for connection, not isolation. Research shows strong community reduces loneliness, boosts wellbeing, and provides purpose and belonging. The stats say over 60% of young adult churchgoers feel close to people locally, compared to just 25% of non-churchgoers. That’s because church isn’t the building - it’s the people, living in community, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. According to YouGov, churches are increasingly diverse, bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities - from the very young to the very old, affluent to marginalised, PhDs to college drop-outs. You have to see it to believe it - but more than that, you can be part of it. The Bible describes the church as one body with many parts, each different, each valued. There’s a place for you too.
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4. Participation
We all want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to feel valuable and useful to others. But our worlds can shrink, leaving us isolated and inward-looking. Participating in church life reminds us we’re not the centre of the universe. Church isn’t about performance - it’s about participation. It gets us out of ourselves and gives us a chance to serve others, using what we have to help those less fortunate. Churchgoers are statistically more likely to engage in social action - volunteering, donating to food banks, supporting charities - to express their faith. Imagine the impact a rise in churchgoing could have on society as a whole…
5. Reflection
Life’s chaotic pace often leaves little time to pause, think and reflect. While life can bring joy, it can also bring despair and pain. Big decisions and hard moments often arrive suddenly. In church community, we find space to process, pray, and be prayed for - a chance to focus on the God who invites us to cast our cares on Him. YouGov data shows young adults increasingly engage in spiritual practices like reflective prayer. Perhaps no surprise, given the hectic pace we live at, and attacks on our mental wellbeing from all angles. Amid the busyness, church offers breathing space to bring our biggest problems to a God who is bigger.
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6. Celebration
Ever wondered why church happens on a Sunday? Or why there’s so much singing? Both have the same answer: Easter. Like football fans on the terraces for their winning team, we sing to celebrate what Jesus has done - his historical resurrection defeated death, freed us from the burden of guilt and shame, and promises eternal life to anyone in relationship with him. That’s worth celebrating! But simply attending church doesn’t create that relationship. Jesus, not the church, ultimately provides satisfaction and connection. He has answers to the questions we’re exploring. He motivates us to engage in something bigger than ourselves. He meets us in those moments of reflection. He is the reason we celebrate! Church doesn’t automatically connect you with Jesus. But it’s not a bad place to start…
After a decade at the BBC, producing Chris Evans and Zoe Ball’s breakfast shows, Graham Albans is now the Director of Mission & Outreach as part of the leadership team at Grace Community Church in Bedford, where he lives with his wife Jo and their three kids.
