Karen and I were encouraged to hear from the president of our campus ministry over the summer, as she reported that 1 in every 3 high school students who heard the gospel had invited Jesus into their hearts! She said the stat was actually slightly higher even than the response rate of the famed Jesus Movement era in the 70s!
People say that 70s movement emerged during a period of significant social upheaval, with many young people disillusioned by the counterculture, drug use, and the search for meaning. It is easy to see that those same seedbeds have been appearing today, but it is encouraging also to hear that young people are actually responding to Jesus!
From the Asbury outpouring in 2023 to the Ohio State baptisms in 2024, these big events are complimented by Cru’s report of a steady upward trend of decisions for Christ all across the campuses of America.
This was all before Sept 10, when the assassination of Charlie Kirk stirred the pot even more!
Whether you agree with Kirk’s methods or not, we can celebrate that, across the country, college students are showing up at churches in striking numbers. Mass attendance on some campuses has jumped 15%. Gen Z have become the most frequent church attenders, beating out boomers from the top spot.
It is early to tell what lasting impact this event will have on our students, but the iron is hot as exemplified by this quote from my student, Cisco, in Florida “Bro I’ve been rocked by Charlie Kirk’s death. I think… I may even go to my college rotunda and start talking to other students… I’m definitely going to up the frequency of my teaching….”
New research from Barna’s State of the Church 2025 reveals something remarkable: 66% of U.S. adults now say they’ve made a personal commitment to Jesus, marking a 12-point surge since 2021, and the momentum is being led by Gen Z and Millennial adults. Even more striking, young men are stepping into faith in record numbers.
This growing spiritual openness presents a powerful opportunity. With an increase in students seeking meaning, identity, and truth, they are more ready than ever to respond to the gospel. Students have the potential to be God’s starting point for revival.
Will you join us in leaning into this moment in redemptive history? Reach out to us to talk more about what part you can play, but even before that please bring us, yourself, and the nation before the Lord in prayer!
Grant Ministry 