Church Services Spark 268% Rise In Social Buzz
The Church of England has seen a remarkable increase in digital engagement, with a 268% rise in interest through social media for its services. Its website, AChurchNearYou.com, has played a key role, hosting more than 11,000 church events and services shared online. The platform experienced a dramatic jump in page views, climbing from 128.1 million in 2023 to 198.6 million in 2024. This surge has coincided with Holy Week, a peak period for church activity, which includes special services leading up to Easter.
Church officials believe the uptick reflects growing public interest in connecting with faith communities. Amaris Cole, who leads digital initiatives for the Church, said the site helps individuals easily locate churches that meet their needs, whether they’re looking for worship services or family-friendly events. The website has added helpful features, such as tags for accessibility and dietary needs, to ensure people can find welcoming, inclusive spaces.
A growing number of events—around 20,000—were recently posted in a single month, and more than 18,000 were added directly to users’ digital calendars. This suggests a rising level of engagement from the public, especially in connection to Easter celebrations. Supporting this trend, new research by the Bible Society and YouGov indicates that Christianity is seeing renewed interest in the UK, particularly among younger adults. Church attendance among people aged 18 to 24 has increased significantly, with notable growth among both men and women.
YouGov’s findings reveal that many young adults are open to exploring Christianity, with a portion willing to attend a service if invited and others interested in learning more about the Bible. This reflects a potential generational shift in attitudes toward faith, suggesting opportunities for churches to build stronger relationships with younger audiences.
Despite these positive developments, the Church of England is still facing reputational challenges. Trust in the institution has declined, largely due to historic abuse scandals and concerns about safeguarding. Favorability ratings dropped significantly between late 2023 and early 2024, with both the general public and Anglican respondents expressing growing dissatisfaction. These concerns highlight the need for continued reform and transparency even as interest in church life grows.