The Way UK

THE MEANING CRISIS & WHY GEN Z IS CHOOSING FAITH | JUSTIN BRIERLEY

We're so excited to bring you this incredible conversation recorded live at Big Church Festival in collaboration with Premier! Join Zoe, Jesse, and special guest Justin Brierley, host of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God podcast, as they unpack the extraordinary awakening happening among Gen Z and why young people are flooding back to church. Discover the fascinating shift from the "new atheism" of 20 years ago to today's cultural moment where young people are buying Bibles and showing up at church doors without even being invited. Justin shares groundbreaking research from the "Quiet Revival" study showing that church attendance among 18-24 year olds has tripled in just six years—with young men leading the charge at 21%. From historian Tom Holland's realization that Western values come from Jesus, to the meaning crisis hitting a generation exhausted by social media and endless choice, we explore why the Christian story is suddenly making sense again. Hear powerful testimonies of young people finding Jesus through TikTok, escaping the empty promises of crystals and manifestation, and discovering that Christianity offers grace in a cancel culture world. We tackle the pressures of crafting identity online, the "inoculation effect" of nominal Christianity, and why Gen Z isn't looking for entertainment—they're hungry for something real. Plus, practical insights on how the church can steward this movement, the importance of authentic Bible study over bells and whistles, and why this awakening is happening across all age demographics. This isn't about slick programs or perfect presentations—God is doing something outside the walls of the church that's bringing people in. Whether you're part of Gen Z discovering faith for the first time or you've walked with Jesus for years, this conversation will inspire you to see what God is doing in our generation. FOLLOW JUSTIN BRIERLEY: https://www.instagram.com/justinbrierley/ [https://www.instagram.com/justinbrierley/] FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/] FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/] Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/] [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

HOW GOD CHOSE THE ORDINARY | CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY EP. 2

We're continuing our Christmas series with part two, diving deeper into the birth of Jesus and the unexpected people God chose to announce the arrival of His Son! Join Izzy, Zoe, and special guest Solomon as they unpack the powerful truth that God doesn't just show up in the perfect—He shows up in the unlikely places. In this episode, we're exploring Luke chapter 2 and Matthew chapter 2, looking at the shepherds in the fields, Mary's quiet reflection, and the wise men (magi) who traveled hundreds of miles to worship the newborn King. Discover why God chose to announce the Savior's birth to lowly shepherds—the outsiders of society who literally lived in the fields—and how the glory of the Lord shone around them in their ordinary, everyday work. We unpack the contrast between Caesar Augustus, the so-called "son of god" and bringer of peace through bloodshed, and the true Son of God born in a manger surrounded by animals. From the shepherds who hurried to spread the good news to Mary who treasured these things and pondered them in her heart, we see that there's no one right response to encountering God—He meets us exactly where we are. Plus, we explore the incredible story of the magi who followed a star for possibly over a year, and how God used the very thing they studied (or potentially worshiped) to guide them back to Him. Learn about durable faith that doesn't depend on feelings, the redemptive power of the New Covenant, and why every step toward Christ bears fruit. This Christmas, remember: the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God came in humility, to the ordinary, in the unlikely places—and He's still meeting us there today. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/] FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/] Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/] [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

HOW PASTOR PHILIP ANTHONY MITCHELL WENT FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING TO MINISTRY

We're so excited to bring you this powerful conversation with Philip Anthony Mitchell, recorded live at our studio! Philip is a pastor, evangelist, and founder of 2819 Church, Atlanta. From the streets of Queens, New York, to leading a movement for Christ, Philip's story is one of radical transformation and unwavering obedience to God's call. Join Zach and Zoe as Philip unpacks his incredible journey from a life of darkness—trafficking drugs, shootouts, and suicidal despair—to encountering Jesus in a bathroom at age 24. Discover how God spoke to him about pastoral ministry just six months after salvation, why he ran from that call for four years, and what finally brought him to complete surrender. FOLLOW PASTOR PHILIP: https://www.instagram.com/philipamitchell/ [https://www.instagram.com/philipamitchell/] FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/] FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/] Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/] [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

THE INCARNATION OF JESUS | CHRISTMAS BIBLE STUDY EP. 1

It's Christmas time and we're kicking off a special Bible study series diving deep into the story that changed everything! Join Zach, Michelle, and Zoe as they unwrap the incredible account of Jesus' incarnation, exploring the lives of two ordinary people who were chosen for the most extraordinary purpose: Mary and Joseph. In this first episode, we're looking at the Gospels of Matthew and Luke to understand why we have four different accounts of Jesus' life and what makes each one unique. Discover the historical context of Israel under Roman occupation, the expectations of a coming Messiah, and why God chose a teenage girl from Nazareth and her honorable fiancé to bring the Savior of the world into humanity. We unpack Mary's radical faith and willingness to say yes to God despite the cost, and Joseph's incredible character as he chose honor and grace over revenge and disgrace—literally saving Mary's life in the process. From God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called to love your enemies like Jesus taught, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for your own faith journey. Don't wait for a miraculous sign to start living honorably—God is calling you to do the right thing now. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we continue unwrapping the Christmas story! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/] FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/] Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/] [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]

WHY INTIMACY IMPACTS HOLINESS | AARON SMITH FROM THE HANDLEBAR PODCAST

We're so excited to bring you this incredible conversation with Aaron from The Handlebar Podcast, recorded live at Big Church Festival! Aaron is a pastor at UPPERROOM Dallas and hosts The Handlebar Podcast with his wife, Sarah-Beth, helping young people navigate the how-tos of faith. THIS IS THE COLLAB WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Aaron unpacks the powerful truth that intimacy with God impacts your holiness, not the other way around. Discover how to tap into God's zeal rather than relying on your own, learn why disappointment is the secret ingredient God uses to give you authority, and find out how to navigate the tensions of faith without falling into striving or religion. From practical advice on dating and marriage to understanding spiritual mentorship and the importance of handlebars in your faith journey, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to go deeper with Jesus. Follow Aaron at The Handlebar Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thehandlebarpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/thehandlebarpodcast/] FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewayuk/] FOLLOW US ON TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/ [https://www.tiktok.com/@thewayuk/] Want to know more? Find a church that has things happening for young people. Visit https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/ [https://achurchnearyou.com/youth/] [In partnership with CofE Digital Projects]