P3 Hub Podcast - Phoebe Turner - St Nic’s Durham - Gen Z Faith

There is a lot of talk in the media about the decline of faith in the West. But if you look closely at what is happening in university towns and among young adults, a different story is emerging.

In the latest episode of the P3 Hub Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Phoebe Turner, a Student Worker at St Nic’s Durham and the Young Adult Mission Enabler for the Durham Diocese. Phoebe is on the frontlines of student ministry, and what she is seeing is nothing short of inspiring.

From her own powerful testimony to the trends she observes among Gen Z, here are three key takeaways from our conversation that will encourage your heart and equip your prayer life.

1. God is One Desperate Prayer Away

Phoebe didn’t grow up in a Christian home. In fact, she described herself as having no faith background at all. But at age 16 or 17, she hit a low point. In a moment of desperation, she decided to try something radical: she prayed.

She told us:

"The second I started praying, it was like something dropped... the knowledge that God was there into my head. I just knew that God was there and had been there my whole life."

Phoebe’s story is a beautiful reminder that we don't need perfect theology or a religious upbringing to encounter Jesus. He is always listening, waiting for that first whisper of a turning heart.

2. The Search for a Firm Foundation

We asked Phoebe about the buzz surrounding the "Quiet Revival" - reports of young people turning to faith in unexpected numbers. Is it real?

Her answer was a resounding yes.

At St Nic’s, they are seeing students walk through the doors - often alone or in pairs - who have never been to church before. Why? Because, as Phoebe explains, they feel the world is "shaky." They are looking for security, stability, and meaning.

Interestingly, she noted a rise in young men coming to faith, and a generation that is not just attending church, but is "on fire" to share their faith with others.

We also discussed the Church of England’s Ministry Experience Scheme, which saw a record intake of 121 participants this year. Young people aren't just filling pews; they are stepping into leadership.

3. The Art of Lingering

One of the core themes of the P3 Hub is learning to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. In a world of constant digital distraction, how does a young leader like Phoebe hear God?

Her advice was profound in its simplicity: Don't rush.

When she reads Scripture or feels a "gut feeling" (which she identifies as the Holy Spirit’s nudge), she makes a conscious choice to stop and stay in that moment.

"When I am aware of the Holy Spirit's presence... I don't want to rush away from that moment. I just want to really kind of linger."

Whether you are a student or a retiree, the discipline of lingering—of not rushing to the next task when you feel God’s presence—is vital for spiritual growth.

Digging Deeper: The Vibe Shift

Phoebe also highlighted some fascinating research being done by Dr. Edward David at King’s College London called the Gen Z Role Models Project.

In an influencer culture, who are young people looking to for spiritual guidance? If you want to understand the barriers and opportunities for faith in this generation, Phoebe recommends checking out the podcast The Vibe Shift (specifically Season 2, Episode 2).

Listen to the Full Episode

If you are feeling discouraged about the state of the church, this episode is the antidote. God is moving. The seeds sown in children’s ministry years ago are bearing fruit in universities today.

🎧 Listen to the full interview with Phoebe Turner on the P3 Hub Podcast today!