Finding Jesus

Were delighted to share our latest blog from Rachael Heffer, Head of Mission at the Evangelical Alliance, Rediscovering Jesus in Later Life: Hope, Meaning, and Community.

The launch of the Evangelical Alliance’s Finding Jesus research in 2025 offered a fresh picture of how adults across the UK have come to faith in Jesus in recent years. Based on a survey of nearly 300 adults who made a decision to follow Jesus in the last five years, this report helps the church discern where God is at work and how we can join Him in this.

But what about those in later life? While it is less common culturally to see people come to faith after 65, a valuable supplemental study, from the Finding Jesus core data, focused on this age group (over 65s) and it reveals rich insights into the journeys of those who have encountered Jesus later in life. Here are four encouraging themes from that data that speak to how seniors are exploring, wrestling with, and ultimately choosing faith in Jesus today.

 

1) Seeking Meaning and Truth: A Genuine Search of the Heart

For many older adults, exploration begins not from crisis alone but from a deep search for meaning, truth and purpose. Unlike some younger age groups who cited life struggles as initial triggers, those aged 65+ in the supplemental data most commonly indicated intellectual curiosity, a desire to become a better person, and searching for meaning as what first drew them to explore Christian faith.

Many have lived long lives of experience, history, culture and even church backgrounds without ever finding satisfying answers to life’s ultimate questions about truth and purpose. The gospel speaks powerfully into this space: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). For those in later life, we found that this pursuit of truth often opens the door to deeper exploration of Jesus.

One respondent shared how curiosity about Christian teaching led them into meaningful conversations and bible reading, eventually revealing Jesus not as a distant concept but as the source of a much deeper sense of peace and purpose.

 

2) Conversations and Witness: The Power of Personal Encounter

A striking feature of the later-life faith journeys was the significant role of personal relationships. Nearly half of our 65+ respondents said someone spoke to them about faith and a third pointed to the actions of believing Christians or seeing the impact of faith in someone they knew as catalysts in their exploration.

While statistics tell part of the story, the personal testimonies bring it to life:

“My sister-in-law inspired me. Despite difficult circumstances, she showed something in her life that I didn’t possess.”

This resonates with Jesus’ call to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Faith lived out in word and deed remains a powerful invitation to those around us — especially later in life when conversations have depth and time is more plentiful.

For many older adults, a patient friend, neighbour or church member willing to speak openly and lovingly about Jesus was reported as being transformational! This reminds us that evangelism is hugely and importantly relational — and members of the wider church, of all ages, can engage in it faithfully.

 

3) Learning and Reading: Scripture as Foundation

Another distinctive feature for this age group is the importance of the bible and thoughtful learning in their journey. A remarkable 67% reported that reading the bible helped them explore faith, higher than other age groups. Close to half found church attendance and courses or small groups valuable, while many also engaged with Christian books and printed resources.

This strong engagement with scripture reflects the heart of our faith: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). For those who perhaps grew up with bible knowledge but never truly encountered its living power, reading God’s Word in later life became a profound source of truth and transformation.

One older participant described how studying the gospel with a friend opened up questions they had carried for decades, leading them step by step to faith. This suggests that ministries offering bible study, accessible printed materials and discussion-oriented groups for older adults are not just helpful — they can be decisive.

 

4) Challenges and Growth: Honest Wrestling and Support

The journey to faith is rarely simple. Among those aged 65+, understanding the relevance of Christianity to daily life and grappling with scripture were common challenges. Some found it hard to rethink long-held assumptions about faith or to integrate belief into a new life after years of independence.

Yet this challenge is also space for growth and discipleship. The church community has a vital role in supporting older seekers with patience, conversation, prayer and teaching — inviting questions, processing doubts and walking alongside them. The faith journey often continues long after the first decision to follow Jesus.

A heartfelt example comes from a lady who reflected on her grandmother’s unwavering prayer over decades, demonstrating that God answers in His timing and often through persistent, loving witness.

 

A Call to Every Generation

The Finding Jesus research reminds us therefore that God is not done with any age group, and that people are still moving towards Jesus in every season of life. For those aged 65 and above, the journey may take longer, involve deep reflection, or lean into lifelong questions — but the outcome is no less remarkable: lives transformed by Jesus.

We are called to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) — and that includes inviting, equipping and supporting believers and seekers in later life. Whether through friendship, bible study, prayer or shared community, everyone has a part to play in sharing the good news.

As we celebrate the stories of those who have found Jesus later in life, I pray and trust that the church will be inspired to reach every generation with compassion, patience and joy in this season.

Finding Jesus: The supplemental findings for those aged 65 + can be found here.