A Gospel Surge in America: Will We Steward It Well?

What Will We Do About This?

How Independent Baptists Can Wisely Engage the Renewed Openness to Christ in America

In a culture many had already written off as post-Christian, something unexpected is happening.

According to the Barna Group, 66% of Americans now report putting their faith in Jesus Christ, a 12% increase since 2021. Even more surprising is where this surge is taking root—younger generations, often labeled as spiritually apathetic or hostile.

This is no time to be cynical. It's time to engage. But not in the way we might be tempted to.

Don't Chase the Numbers—Shepherd the Souls

Independent Baptists have often prided themselves on zeal, soul winning, and evangelistic fervor—and rightly so. But in this moment of renewed spiritual interest, we must resist the urge to pursue short-term numbers. We don’t need more manipulated professions, inflated stats, or packed altar calls with no follow-up.

Instead, we need biblical methods that lead to lasting fruit. Let’s not squander this opportunity by using emotional appeals or high-pressure tactics that produce shallow commitments. The world has had enough of plastic religion. Let's give them the real thing.

1. Preach the Gospel Clearly and Powerfully (Romans 1:16)

No gimmicks. No bait-and-switch. Just the pure, undiluted gospel. If more Americans are saying they’ve “put their faith in Jesus,” then it’s time to make sure they understand what that really means.

Preach repentance and faith. Preach Christ crucified, risen, and returning. Preach the cost of discipleship, not just the benefits. If they are open to Christ, give them the whole Christ, not just the parts that appeal to cultural Christianity.

“Ye must be born again.” — John 3:7

2. Disciple With Intentionality (Matthew 28:19–20)

Jesus didn’t just call us to make converts; He commissioned us to make disciples—teaching them to observe all things He commanded.

This means:

• Ongoing Bible study (not just a “new converts class” but a long-term plan for spiritual growth)

• Relational accountability (discipling one-on-one or in small groups)

• Training believers to make other disciples

  
  

If the trend is upward, don’t just rejoice—prepare your church to receive and disciple people well.

3. Build a Culture of Community, Not Celebrity (Acts 2:42–47)

Many who are now turning to Christ are disillusioned with shallow religion and burned by church scandals. They’re not looking for a spiritual show—they’re looking for authentic community.

Let them find:

• A church that loves them, not just counts them.

• A pastor who knows their name, not just preaches at them.

• A fellowship of believers who live out their faith in daily life.

  
  

True revival doesn’t feel like a conference. It feels like family.

4. Equip the Saints for Ministry (Ephesians 4:11–12)

If we want lasting results, we must stop relying on pastors alone to do the work. Equip laymen. Mobilize the whole body.

The future of this movement lies not in more professionals, but in more prepared people—regular believers ready to engage their families, workplaces, and communities with gospel-centered lives.

Train your people to:

• Share their testimony with clarity.

• Walk someone through the gospel.

• Answer basic questions about the faith.

• Pray with someone in need.

• Open the Scriptures and lead a simple Bible study.

  
  

5. Pray for God’s Touch (Psalm 127:1)

The most important strategy isn’t strategic—it’s spiritual. We need the power of God. The early church didn’t have marketing, social media, or polished programs. But they had prayer meetings that moved heaven.

Let us not ride a wave of numbers with human wisdom. Let us pray down the fire of God on our pulpits, our people, and our communities.

Final Thoughts

Independent Baptists, this may be the most spiritually open America has been in decades. Are we ready?

Let’s not lose this moment chasing after the wind. Let’s build something that lasts. Let’s take up the tools of Scripture, prayer, and personal discipleship—and do what the early church did.

Not for our glory. Not for our numbers. But for His name and their souls.

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” — John 15:8