In an era often defined by its increasing secularism, the notion of a widespread spiritual awakening might seem improbable. However, when Pete Greig, the founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement, recently visited Melbourne to support the launch of 24-7 Prayer Australia, he experienced a distinct sense that God is actively at work in the nation. This observation prompts a compelling question: Could Australia, against all expectations, be on the verge of a significant spiritual transformation?
Cityscape of Sydney, Australia, reflecting a hopeful atmosphere for spiritual revival
While acknowledging the seemingly optimistic nature of such a proposition, Pete Greig’s reflections on his time in Melbourne, and subsequently at the Exponential Australia church planting conference on the Gold Coast, have led him to consider the possibility of revival stirring in Australia. This is noteworthy, especially considering Australia’s common perception as a land of beaches and secular lifestyles, rather than a nation poised for spiritual resurgence. The visible indicators of secularism and declining church attendance are undeniable.
Confronting Secularism: Observations by Pete Greig
Pete Greig, known for his global work with 24-7 Prayer and his insightful perspectives on contemporary spirituality, encountered firsthand the complexities of faith in Australia. In Melbourne, accompanied by cultural commentator Mark Sayers, Pete Greig visited a striking example of what Sayers termed a ‘post-Christian church’. This community, operating within a historically Christian building and denomination, was reportedly blending secular humanism, Eastern mysticism, and selected biblical elements to forge a new, syncretic belief system. This observation underscored the shifting spiritual landscape and the challenges facing traditional Christianity.
Further exploration in Melbourne led Pete Greig to Foundry Lane and ‘Wesley Place’, sites once vibrant with Methodist ministry to the urban poor. These locations, now meticulously preserved historical sites, stand as silent testimonies to a faith that once animated the area. The buildings remain, but Pete Greig noted the apparent absence of the fervent beliefs that fueled Methodism’s founder, whose statue stands outside. These stark contrasts between past spiritual vitality and present secular realities raise a critical question: Is it plausible to envision a spiritual turnaround in such a secularized nation?
G.K. Chesterton’s Insight and Modern Spiritual Hunger
Referencing G.K. Chesterton’s observation from the late 19th century, Pete Greig pondered whether the predictions of the Church’s decline might be premature. Chesterton famously quipped, “On five occasions in history the Church has gone to the dogs, but on each occasion, it was the dogs that died.” Pete Greig questions if, counterintuitively, it might be secularism itself, rather than the Church, that faces a turning point in Australia.
Emerging evidence suggests a growing spiritual hunger in Western societies, including Australia. Research cited by Alpha International indicates that a significant portion of Australians—one in four—are open to attending church if invited. This translates to over six million individuals potentially receptive to a genuine invitation to explore faith. Furthermore, an astonishing 70 percent of Australians reportedly engage in prayer, despite living in a supposedly secular nation. This figure surpasses rates in the UK and parts of America, highlighting a latent spiritual inclination.
Pete Greig highlights that 70% of Australians in a secular nation still engage in prayer, indicating a hidden spiritual yearning.
However, Pete Greig also points to a contrasting study revealing that only a small fraction, a mere 2 percent, of Australian churches possess a growth-oriented vision. This disparity between societal spiritual interest and church proactivity echoes Jesus’ words: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Pete Greig suggests that the primary challenge in Australia, and potentially other Western nations, is not societal apathy but rather complacency within the church. He draws a parallel to Wesley Place, where historical structures remain while the original faith and fervor seem diminished.
Emphasizing Jesus’ instruction to “Ask the Lord of the harvest… to send out workers,” Pete Greig underscores the primacy of prayer. Quoting John Wesley and Joy Dawson, he reinforces the idea that divine action is often contingent upon believing prayer, and initiatives not rooted in prayer risk being driven by pride rather than divine guidance.
24-7 Prayer Australia and a Supernatural Mandate
Responding to this very call to prayer and action, Australian Christian leaders approached 24-7 Prayer, seeking assistance in mobilizing a renewed prayer movement across the nation. Pete Greig acknowledges the existing prayer efforts in Australia and positions 24-7 Prayer as a contributing part of a larger, ongoing movement. The timing of their inaugural National Gathering in Melbourne felt particularly significant.
Trudi Sayers, the newly appointed National Director for 24-7 Prayer Australia, exemplified dedication by leading the launch despite personal battles with cancer treatment. The overwhelming response to the Melbourne gathering, exceeding venue capacity and necessitating a move to a larger space, was deeply encouraging. Pete Greig recounts meeting Johan, an Indian student in Melbourne who felt divinely prompted to initiate 24-7 Prayer on his university campus prior to any knowledge of the official launch. Pete Greig recognizes such occurrences as potential indicators of God’s proactive involvement.
Exponential Australia and the Vision for Multiplication
From Melbourne, Pete Greig traveled to the Gold Coast to participate in the inaugural Australian Exponential Conference. Exponential, known for its impactful ministry in fostering church multiplication, aims to significantly increase the percentage of multiplying churches in Australia from 2 percent to 10 percent within a decade.
Melinda Dwight, another speaker at the conference, shared Alpha Australia’s expectation of reaching one million course participants by 2025, with a subsequent goal of another million in the following decade, half of whom are projected to be under 35. Pete Greig notes the potential impact, estimating that one in 26 Australians could engage with the gospel through Alpha in the next ten years.
Sober Hope and a Call to Action by Pete Greig
Pete Greig tempers enthusiasm with realism, acknowledging that conferences alone cannot instigate global change. He recognizes the immensity of the challenges and the relatively small scale of these initiatives. He is mindful of the struggles within Australian churches, including the impact of public scandals and the pain of members leaving the faith. For many, the sense of decline remains palpable.
However, Pete Greig emphasizes that these gatherings signify a burgeoning national ambition and a growing cross-denominational collaboration to resource churches and ministries spiritually and strategically amidst increasing spiritual inquiry. He views these developments as a contemporary application of Wesleyan methodology – practical steps forward in faith.
While not the entirety of what is hoped for, Pete Greig sees significant progress in the resurgence of prayer and the renewed mobilization of churches for multiplication in Australia. The combination of widespread prayer engagement among Australians, openness to church attendance, and the expanding reach of Alpha, provides tangible reasons for hope, if not for unbridled hype. Acknowledging areas of decline within the Australian church, Pete Greig concludes with the resilient promise of Jesus: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Perhaps, echoing Chesterton, the concerns about decline should be directed elsewhere. Pete Greig’s visit and observations suggest that a narrative of hope and potential revival is beginning to unfold in Australia.
Pete Greig is the founder of the 24-7 Prayer movement and Senior Pastor of Emmaus Rd church. His insights into prayer and contemporary spirituality are widely respected.
