Faith in Free-Fall? Why New Zealand Needs Revival—and What We Must Do Now

Rain is what we're known for in New Zealand. But what if the clouds carried something greater than water? What if the next thing to fall wasn’t rain—but glory?

“I heard the Lord say, ‘I am releasing my Glory Cloud to the land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand will be a nation KNOWN for my Glory!’” — Nate & Christy Johnston

Revival Prophecies and Our Moment of Decline

Right now, in New Zealand, if you're a practising Christian, you're part of just 9% of the nation—and that number is falling fast. We are now in the minority for the first time since Marsden preached in the early 1800s.

• Have you ever wondered if the next revival will skip your town entirely?

• Does it feel like you’re part of the 9% clinging to faith while everyone else drifts?

I’ve heard revival prophecies like Nate and Christy’s my whole life. Maybe you have too. They inspire, and they give hope—but let’s be honest, sometimes they feel more like wishful thinking than clear direction. Still, we never say never to God.

So what do we do with these prophecies? Are they promises—or possibilities? Is revival God’s A.E.D.—a defibrillator to shock the Remnant back to life? Or are we holding onto hope without taking up responsibility?

It’s time to stop waiting and start standing. Time to be the answer, not just pray for one.

Europe’s Failed Christian Century

Across Europe, less than 2.5% of people are faith-practising Christians. Liberal democracies, media saturation, and hyper-individualism have overwhelmed much of the Church’s influence. Could New Zealand be headed down the same road? Without a move of God—or a move from us—we might be.

When I was interviewed on Radio Rhema about my upcoming book Last Stand of the New Zealand Church, Gary Hoogvliet asked me, “Do we need another Billy Graham?” Maybe. But only if that leader can separate the Gospel from culture. A revivalist wrapped in prosperity doctrine or Christian nationalism won’t rescue us—they’ll confuse us more.

Let’s Get Clear: Revival vs. Renewal

Let’s not throw around the word ‘revival’ like confetti. Here’s how I define it:

• Revival: A sovereign, Spirit-led move that awakens a nation. It involves repentance, humility, and cultural transformation.

• Renewal: A refreshing move of the Spirit within the Church—often deep, powerful, but smaller in scale.

Both are vital. But only one changes the trajectory of a nation.

NZ’s Revival Movements

Here are six moments when God’s Spirit stirred our land:

• The Great Awakening (1830s–40s) – Sparked mass Māori conversions through Marsden and early missionaries.

• The Holiness Revival (1880s–90s) – Social reform, evangelism, and the rise of The Salvation Army.

• The Pentecostal Revival (1920s–30s) – Smith Wigglesworth and others ignited healing, tongues, and bold faith.

• Ngāruawāhia Easter Renewal (1936) – Evangelist J. Edwin Orr led meetings marked by repentance and mission.

• The Charismatic Renewal & Jesus Movement (1960s–70s) – Billy Graham's crusades and mass gatherings like the 1972 March for Jesus.

• The Brownsville Effect (1990s) – Many New Zealanders returned from Florida with fresh fire and passion.

These weren’t just emotional highs—they were moments of national reflection, hunger, and repentance.

Why Do Revivals Fade?

Ron McKenzie, a fellow Jesus Movement veteran, says:

“God is not the problem. I assume that God’s people are the problem… Most revival promises were a true reflection of his heart, but he has been unable to achieve his purposes because his church was unwilling to do what needed to be done.”

The pattern is clear:

• Spiritual burnout

• Lack of leadership preparation

• Resistance to change

• Theological confusion and disunity

• Emotionalism without discipleship

• No sustainable structure

The truth? We’ve often hoped for glory without taking up the cross.

Gen Z: Signs of Renewal in the Shadows

Now the good news: Something is happening. Quietly. Among the youth.

In England and Wales, 18–24-year-old church attendance has jumped by 50%. In 2018, only 4% went to church regularly. Now it’s 16%.

Even more surprising? Young men are leading the way—many turning to Catholicism. Why? They’re craving depth, tradition, and meaning.

Events like Thy Kingdom Come and National Youth Day of Prayer are drawing tens of thousands. Revive Europe is gathering thousands of university students to pray and worship.

Youth-led camps, worship rooms, and prayer nights are growing. Kids are repenting. Worship is stretching long into the night.

Even artists and authors like Lamorna Ash are rediscovering faith and meaning in Christ—and saying so publicly.

It’s not a full revival yet. But it is renewal. And it might be the spark.

Should We Pin Our Hope on Revival?

Revival is God's call. But waiting passively for it is ours—and that's dangerous.

The world is headed into deep uncertainty. I call it the Great Disruption—a coming collapse of liberal democracies, a breakdown of trust, and a widespread spiritual hunger.

Historically, such chaos often precedes revival. It did in:

• Lawless 1800s Aotearoa

• The post-Victorian upheaval of the 1890s

• The depression-era 1930s

I believe we’ll see another wave. But only if the Church is awake.

Stand Now—Don't Wait

God is calling you to bring the power and presence of His Spirit into your everyday world. Into your workplace. Your school. Your neighbourhood. Your home.

Don’t wait for a stadium event. Don’t sit on your hands until someone famous shows up. Rise. Lead. Speak. Serve.

“Son of man, can these bones live?” “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Revival may come. But renewal starts now—with us.

• Do you see signs of renewal where you live? Let me know—I’d love to gather and share stories of hope.”