Reflection from Leader Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship
In this LA STYLE Magazine exclusive, Greg Laurie reflects on the question echoed throughout the pages of this special issue: “How do you see God moving in America through what many are calling a revival of faith, a new Jesus Revolution?” His answer below offers insight into his perspective on the faith momentum unfolding across the nation.
Greg Laurie shares, “Are we seeing another spiritual awakening? The last time America saw a great one was during the 1970s Jesus Movement. That’s more than five decades ago, and I had a front row seat to it all, coming to faith myself at that time. I have to say, I haven’t felt this much cultural stirring since then.
The signs are real, and they’re happening especially among young people. Gen Z has been called the ‘hopeless generation.’ They have the highest suicide rate of any generation. They’re drowning in entertainment and starving for real meaning. But here is something really amazing. We are seeing a spiritual hunger and resurgence about Jesus, specifically among Gen Z and Millennials. This is exactly what happened during the Jesus Movement. It was the youth coming to Christ out of desperation.
Since 2019, commitment to Christ among Gen Z men has jumped 15 percentage points. Bible sales are up 22%, with first-time buyers being led by young adults. It’s young people buying the Bible for the first time. Instead of leaving the faith, they’re reaching for Scripture.
The culture is shifting too. For the first time in over a decade, two Christian songs charted simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100. Add to this the fact that Christian filmmaking is gaining momentum, seen through the phenomenal success of shows like The Chosen and House of David. And don’t forget the global impact of Jesus Revolution. I’ve heard many stories of unexpected people that were reached through that film.
During the original Jesus Movement, there were riots, racial tension, and a real fear of nuclear war. It felt like our nation was unraveling before our very eyes. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But with all the talk of ‘revolution,’ one actually took place. Not a political revolution or a moral revolution. It was what TIME Magazine dubbed a ‘Jesus Revolution.’
When I put all we’re seeing together, I start to see a pattern. I start seeing hopeful signs we’re nearing another Jesus Revolution. Can I say for certain what we’re currently seeing will turn into something larger? Of course not. God only knows. But what I do know is that we can each do our part as His people. We can fan the current spiritual flames by waking up spiritually ourselves.” - Greg & Cathe Laurie
