Following what many have described as a 'quiet revival' in 2025, Christian leaders believe 2026 could mark an unprecedented season of spiritual openness in Britain. Writing for the Evangelical Alliance, Phil Knox identifies five missional trends shaping the year ahead. Research shows remarkable growth in church attendance among 18- to 24-year-olds, especially men, signalling a turning tide after decades of decline. Yet Knox cautions that increased openness will not automatically lead to Christian conversion, as seekers may also explore alternative spiritualities, including paganism and the occult. He anticipates a rise in unexplained spiritual encounters, which already play a significant role in many adult faith journeys. Churches are urged to connect social action such as foodbank ministry with clear invitations to faith. Knox also expects Bible sales to continue rising as younger generations seek truth in a confused cultural landscape. He says that discipleship will be essential, as new believers need spiritual formation, community, and nurturing relationships to remain rooted and fruitful.

Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has captured national attention not only for his remarkable rise in college football, but for his bold and consistent Christian witness. After leading Ole Miss to a dramatic comeback victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal, Chambliss immediately gave glory to Jesus during a live ESPN interview, declaring his gratitude to Christ for sustaining him through every high and low. The win followed a standout performance in which Chambliss threw passes for 362 yards  and two touchdowns. His faith has remained central throughout the season, especially after stepping in as starting quarterback following injury to a teammate. He regularly credits Jesus for giving him peace amid pressure, openly sharing his testimony with media and fans alike. Raised in a faith-centred family, his name, meaning 'Trinity’, reflects his parents’ commitment to Christ. Chambliss continues to trust God fully, offering a powerful example of humility, courage, and public faith.

A new poll commissioned by Tearfund suggests a significant rise in Christmas church attendance across the UK, with nearly half of adults planning to attend a service or church event this year. The survey of two thousand adults found that 45% intended to go to church at Christmas, up from 40% last year, with Gen Z leading the trend. Six in ten young adults said they planned to attend, pointing to a growing openness to faith and community in their age group. Notably, attendance intentions among non-Christians also increased, with many reporting that church left them feeling joyful, peaceful, and hopeful. Tradition, atmosphere, and spiritual reflection were key motivations, while the poll also highlighted the vital practical role churches play. 42% of respondents said they or someone they knew had received support such as foodbanks, warm spaces, or free meals from a church over Christmas. Tearfund reports similar patterns in other countries: in the Central African Republic, Christmas gatherings draw entire communities together around worship, food, and hope. Churches continue serving faithfully long after the season ends.

In an interview with Premier Christian News, Keir Starmer has spoken warmly about the importance of Christian values and the vital role churches play across the UK. Speaking after a Downing Street reception honouring about a hundred church volunteers, Starmer described faith as a 'north star' during times of insecurity, conflict, and economic pressure. He highlighted Christian values of compassion, dignity, and care for others as essential foundations in a divided world. Starmer praised church volunteers as representing 'the true Britain' - a nation marked by kindness, generosity, and a willingness to look out for one another. He warned that these qualities are increasingly challenged by voices seeking to divide society, and said the Church’s quiet, faithful service tells a powerful story about national identity. From food provision to companionship and community support, he noted that churches step in where government cannot always reach. He also pledged closer partnership between government and churches, emphasising that this service continues year-round, not just at Christmas. Looking ahead to Christmas Day, Starmer said he plans to attend church with his family, welcoming a season of reflection, peace, and gratitude.

Singer-songwriter Talia Dean, once an X Factor finalist, discovered that fame brought none of the fulfilment she longed for. Though achieving what many dream of, she found herself exhausted, unwell, and deeply empty — 'an endless search to fill a void you can never fill with claps and cheers or money.' On New Year’s Eve 2023, after years of feeling low and searching for 'something,' she wandered into a churchyard and desperately prayed for a sign of warmth or love. God answered through the unexpected kindness of strangers - the vicar’s wife and daughters, who invited her in, prayed for her, and, as she describes it, filled the kitchen with heavenly light. Later that day, she asked the Lord for one more sign, and sunlight broke through the grey rainclouds into her room. Talia has now joyfully returned to her Catholic roots, creating worship music, including her BBC-performed song 'I will praise Your name’. She longs for others to discover faith, direction, and the soul-filling joy she has found in Christ.

Texas governor Greg Abbott has announced that over 500 high schools across the state now host chapters of Turning Point USA’s Club America programme, a conservative student movement designed to promote constitutional principles, traditional values, and civic responsibility among young people. At a press conference, he highlighted the growing need for such programmes in shaping future leaders. He honoured the legacy of Charlie Kirk, TPUSA’s founder, who was assassinated last September, recognising his impact in inspiring students to stand for moral clarity and America’s founding ideals. Club America now includes more than 1,200 chapters nationwide, teaching principles such as fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government. Several other states, including Florida and Oklahoma, have pledged support for students wishing to establish their own chapters.

Joe Rogan has spoken openly again about his growing interest in Christianity, saying he finds the Bible deeply compelling and is moved by the kindness of believers he has met. He says he no longer believes Scripture is merely myth, but an ancient record conveying real truth, even if he is still discerning how literally to take its claims. He recently discussed Revelation with his daughter, acknowledging the mystery of how its prophecies will unfold. Rogan has been attending a non-denominational church in Austin, where the Christians’ sincerity and consistent kindness - even in the car park - have deeply impressed him. He described the Bible as 'fascinating,' and said Christianity 'works,' noting how the believers he knows live out their faith with remarkable grace. Over the past year he has been increasingly willing to explore faith publicly, hosting long conversations about Jesus, the supernatural, and the Resurrection, which he now finds more persuasive than secular explanations of the universe. Rogan’s journey continues to draw widespread attention. See

A landmark ruling in Malaysia has recognised state involvement in the disappearance of Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted in broad daylight in February 2017 and has not been seen since. The high court has ordered the government and police to pay RM 37 million (about £6.8 million) in compensation for wrongful acts. Justice Su Tiang Joo allocated RM 33 million for the enforced disappearance and a further RM 4 million in damages to Pastor Koh’s wife, Susanna Liew, with RM 250,000 awarded for costs. Importantly, the funds must be held in trust until Koh’s whereabouts are known, highlighting the ongoing search for truth. Koh’s abduction, which was captured on camera, involved three SUVs and fifteen men and was completed within forty seconds. While the ruling offers a measure of closure and vindication, his wife expressed deep concern that authorities have failed to act on the findings of previous inquiries or take any action against police officers who are confirmed as taking part in the abduction. Calling on the government to hold an enquiry about what happened to Pastor Koh and his present whereabouts, CSW’s president Mervyn Thomas said, ‘This is a landmark decision which demonstrates the judiciary’s independence by holding state actors accountable, and setting a legal precedent for cases involving enforced disappearance’.

A Christian street preacher in Swindon has been acquitted of charges related to comments he made in a public space, a case which sparked wider debate about free speech and the policing of perceived hate incidents. Shaun O’Sullivan, 36, was accused of religiously aggravated intentional harassment after a Muslim family claimed his remarks about Jews and Palestine were directed personally at them because they wore hijabs. However, the prosecution case rested largely on their testimony, and CCTV footage showed only a very brief encounter with no sustained confrontation. In court, one complainant acknowledged she had not heard the full message and that her perceptions were influenced by distress over the Gaza conflict. The defence argued O’Sullivan was preaching a general Christian message - not using abusive language - and warned that criminalising public evangelism threatens long-standing freedoms. Supporters described the verdict as a vital affirmation of the right to share Christian beliefs openly in the public square.

The twentieth Mitzvah Day in the UK demonstrated the power of shared service to strengthen interfaith relationships at a time when tensions have risen nationwide. Volunteers from Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities joined together in more than 200 projects, including preparing food for night shelters and refugee support at Alyth Synagogue in Golders Green. Organisers emphasised that practical cooperation builds trust where dialogue alone can struggle, particularly following strained relations linked to conflict in the Middle East. Founder Laura Marks, who also co-created the Nisa-Nashim network for Jewish and Muslim women, celebrated ongoing friendships and urged continued collaboration beyond the annual event. Leaders, including Rabbi Josh Levy and Bishop Anderson Jeremiah, noted that initiatives like Mitzvah Day help to deepen community bonds and provide resilient foundations for future peacebuilding. Participants said that acts of kindness reflect religious responsibility to seek the good of others, even amid political or social division.