July Newsletter 

Kia ora, 

ASLAN IS ON THE MOVE?

Last year the British Bible Society published the Quiet Revival which highlighted a remarkable rise in church attendance, especially among young people and young men in particular. Other findings pointed to a rise in bible reading and an openness to faith conversations. Following the subsequent discovery of a data error by the polling company, the Bible Society undertook further research which confirmed the trends, if not the magnitude.

Last week I facilitated workshops at the Little Revolutions Conferences exploring whether we are seeing a similar quiet revival in NZ. If so, is this a sociological or a spiritual phenomenon, or a bit of both? The participants concluded the following:

• The growth is real but uneven
• Strong anecdotal evidence - but yet to see the data to prove it
• Cultural ‘vibe’ shift towards a greater openness to faith (including other faiths)
• Much of the leadership is coming from Gen Z themselves e.g. remarkable rise in Jesus clubs in schools
• Too early to call it revival – historically revival has been associated with both personal and societal transformation. We have yet to see the latter.
• Our context is very different to the UK – in many parts of NZ Māori and Pasifika are leading the way
• Whether revival is happening or not, our job is to be relentlessly faithful and present.

Pete Greig, founder of the 24/7 prayer movement, warns of the risk of ‘muscle memory ministry’ undermining genuine revival. By this, he means faith leaders will revert to old approaches in the belief it will work again. For example, there is growing evidence that Gen Z value quiet spaces and contemplation over my generation’s enthusiasm for large rallies and bands. He also cautions against seeing younger people as a mission field, and rather seeing them as the missioners.

Some of the workshop participants were Gen Z, some of whom had recently come to
faith. Their observations are especially interesting:

• Don’t dumb down the message– we want to be stretched intellectually, emotionally & spiritually
• Be open about the cost
• Lean into the supernatural
• Encourage us to invest in our discipleship/formation
• Don’t forget the women
• Gen Z – value stillness & contemplation over hype

Our Wilberforce Connect conferences in Christchurch (23 July), Auckland (30 July), and Wellington (6 August) will be exploring these themes in greater detail. Dr Philip Fountain has reviewed the international and local research and will be facilitating a conversation about what it means for our context. In the afternoon, Archbishop Justin Duckworth will be facilitating a discussion on the theme ‘Therefore …’ – what this means for leaders, organisations, churches, and funders. We will also hear from members of the Wilberforce Community who have led their organisations on their own quiet revival.

“They say Aslan is on the move – perhaps has already landed.”

He may not be safe, but He is good.

Chris Clarke

Chief Executive, Wilberforce Foundation

Day one featured Phil Guyan and Paul Webber from CBA (Christian Broadcasting Association), who shared candid reflections on their working relationship as CEO and Board Chair. Their discussion offered valuable insight into trust, clarity of roles, and the importance of strong relationships at the board table.

On day two, Ricky Ehau and Shireen Chua highlighted the importance of making room for multiple voices, and the role of reconciliation in restoring trust—particularly as Christians seeking to lead with integrity and humility.

Feedback affirmed the value of the experience, participants noticed increased confidence in their governance roles. Key takeaways included the importance of “clarity of roles,” being “future-focused,” and the reminder that curiosity and questions are a board’s superpower.

Advanced BoardCraft

We’re delighted to be offering Advanced BoardCraft: Governing for Greater Impact on 9 September. If you’ve attended BoardCraft in 2025 or 2026, or bring significant governance experience, and are looking to deepen your capability and continue these important conversations, we encourage you to join us.

This workshop is designed for organisational leaders who want to think more intentionally about their evangelistic faithfulness within their unique context in Aotearoa New Zealand. Rather than focusing solely on programmes or activity, we will explore how organisations can embody a faithful witness through their culture, leadership, and everyday practices.

Participants will be guided to reflect on their current posture: how the gospel is expressed through their people, how their organisational culture supports (or inhibits) witness, and how strategy can more thoughtfully align with their calling. Drawing on practical frameworks and lived experience, the session will help leaders identify strengths, gaps, and next steps.

There will be space for kōrero, honest reflection, and strategic thinking—equipping leaders to grow in clarity and confidence as they seek to integrate faithfulness to the gospel across all aspects of their mahi.

WHEN: Tuesday 11^th August
TIME:  9.30am to 12.30pm (coffee from 9am, finishing with lunch)
WHERE: Ground Floor, World Vision building: 51 Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose

Facilitated by Julie-anne Laird

Julie-anne Laird is an experienced ministry leader with a passion for helping people come to faith. For over six years, she has served with City to City Australia, equipping leaders across more than 100 churches and organisations to think strategically about mission and cultivate faithful, gospel-centred cultures.

Bringing a unique blend of theological depth, practical insight, and relational warmth, Julie-Anne helps leaders confidently share and embody the gospel in their unique contexts. She is married to Andrew, and they have four adult children.

Our Faith and Belief Study revealed that the state of the planet is a major source of anxiety for New Zealanders, with 37% identifying our environmental challenges as a significant concern. We knew that statistic demanded a meaningful response, and so over the past few years, we have been working with the university and a group of other funders to make this concept a reality. The Centre was officially launched on the 27^th of May 2026.

As an organisation, we are deeply committed to helping people and groups navigate the creation care space. The gospel does not look away from our current ecological crisis; rather, it calls us to faith-filled action while simultaneously inviting us into a robust, enduring hope. This new centre will be pivotal in equipping our community to understand that connection deeply.

To discover how you can engage with their work, visit the University of Otago website and search for the Centre for Creation Care.

James Beck

Wilberforce Foundation

The Calendar Corner

Stay up to date with these upcoming events and important dates from our previous newsletters and announcements.