by Paul Bedwell incoming CEO of Youth For Christ Australia
This past Easter weekend, Australia witnessed something extraordinary – a surge of spiritual hunger manifesting in public displays of faith not seen in decades.
In Melbourne, a citywide Christian outreach saw churches from across the denominational spectrum unite for a shared purpose: to proclaim Jesus.
Orchestrated by The Global Harvest, a disciple-making movement known for mobilising everyday believers to read and live out Scripture, the event culminated in the mass baptism of over 400 individuals. It was one of the largest public responses we’ve seen in recent memory. Youth for Christ, along with many other ministries, played a part in facilitating the event.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Perth’s Swan River became the site of a similarly breathtaking moment. Kingdomcity Church, known for their vibrant and bold ministry, baptised over 500 people in a powerful public witness to Jesus’ resurrection life.
While it’s tempting to focus on the organisations or the scale of the events, the real story here is about Jesus.
I believe these baptisms are not about hype but about hunger. After years of uncertainty, social tension, and personal upheaval, people are turning to the one constant: Christ.
At these events, we saw a wide array of people from first-time believers, returning prodigals, and young adults with open hearts. One young woman testified of being freed from crippling anxiety following her baptism. Of course, discipleship is a journey, not a moment, but witnessing lives shift so visibly is a compelling reminder: the Gospel still changes lives.
And yes, people are taking notice. One video from the Melbourne event has already reached over 500,000 views online while the Perth event was highlighted on free-to air TV news.
There’s a groundswell of interest in Jesus, especially among Gen Z. At Youth for Christ Australia, we’re seeing this spiritual momentum both online and on the streets. There’s a noticeable spiritual curiosity, particularly among young men, as recent Barna research confirms. Gen Z men are the fastest-growing group professing faith in Jesus and seeking to follow Him seriously.
This Easter wasn’t just about a moment. It’s about a movement. A growing number of ordinary Australians are rediscovering the extraordinary call of Jesus – to make disciples and live on-mission. It’s not a one-day event. It’s everyday obedience.
As culture continues to shift and political landscapes remain unstable, I believe people are longing for something solid. And in Christ, they’re finding someone who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So here’s my encouragement: Don’t miss what God is doing. It’s not confined to a church building or a viral clip. It’s in the quiet conversations, the bold baptisms, the shared Scriptures, and the steady obedience of everyday Aussies choosing Jesus.
He’s moving in our nation. Let’s be part of it.
How You Can Be Part of This Movement
Youth for Christ is a movement of like-minded individuals mobilising resources for a common cause: helping our young people find and follow Jesus.
Here are three powerful ways you can stand with us in this season:
- PRAY – Prayer is our strategic anchor. Join our prayer team and stand with others believing for our young people to encounter Jesus and grow in faith. -> JOIN PRAYER TEAM
- SHARE – Encourage and mobilise others by sharing this and other stories of what God is doing across Australia on social media. -> YFC FACEBOOK
- GIVE – Our mission work – reaching young Australians through evangelism and discipleship – is made possible by generous donors. Your gift to our EOFY Appeal will help us continue and expand this work at a crucial time. -> LEARN MORE
Every prayer, every gift, and every connection helps bring the hope of Jesus to our youth.
Image: Melbourne baptisms. Image credit: Youth For Christ