Evangelical Alliance Predicts Rise in Spiritual Curiosity and Bible Reading in 2026

The Evangelical Alliance is forecasting a year of unusual spiritual openness in 2026, with more people asking questions about God, faith, and meaning. But the organization is also warning that the same curiosity is pulling some toward paganism, the occult, and online spiritual trends.

"Belief is back," said Phil Knox, the EA's missiology senior specialist. "Look out for the spiritually open in 2026."

Knox noted that a desire for spiritual transcendence does not automatically lead people to church. "The rising tide will cause seekers to turn not only to all forms of Christianity, but to other religions, paganism and the occult," he said. TikTok occult videos, known as Witchtok, have grown in popularity, with content focused on tarot and manifestation.

The EA also expects Bible engagement to climb. Sales of scripture rose in 2025, and Knox tied the trend to a broader distrust of information. "In a fake news world, younger generations are particularly drawn to good news that is true, profound and beautiful," he said. Churches that stay theologically grounded while connecting with culture are expected to grow.

A third trend the EA is tracking: unexplained spiritual encounters. Youth for Christ reported in 2025 that teenagers were having dreams of Jesus, which led many to seek out youth groups. The EA found that 28% of new Christians said a spiritual experience prompted them to seek Christ.

Knox encouraged church leaders to be ready for those moments. "Expect people to turn up to your church asking: What was that?!" he said.

The EA also pointed to the practical role churches play in communities. Nearly every food bank in the UK is connected to a church, and 74% of parents with children under five have attended a church activity in the past year. Churches that connect those ministries with faith sharing, Knox said, will grow rapidly.