Over 8,000 Students Attend Unite US Revival at Tennessee

Knoxville, October 7, 2025

News Summary

The Unite US revival event at the University of Tennessee drew over 8,000 college students, resulting in approximately 500 decisions for Christ and hundreds of baptisms. The event featured uplifting worship music led by Elevation Worship and support from local coaches and athletes. This gathering is part of a wider movement appealing to Generation Z’s desire for spiritual commitment, highlighting their increasing engagement with faith on college campuses. The next event is scheduled for November 21 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Knoxville – Over 8,000 college students gathered at the University of Tennessee on a Tuesday night for the Unite US revival event. This significant religious gathering, part of a broader revival movement that began two years ago at Auburn University, has now reached approximately 20 schools nationwide. At this event, around 500 students made decisions for Christ, while hundreds participated in baptisms held in portable tanks set up at the location.

The Unite US revival took place at the university’s Food City Center in Knoxville. It featured video promotions from notable local coaches and athletes. Tennessee basketball head coach Rick Barnes played a prominent role in encouraging students to attend the event, urging them to “bring a friend, pack this place out,” and “worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Other basketball players, such as Nate Ament and Cade Phillips, also shared messages promoting the event, focusing on the importance of worshiping Jesus.

The worship music for the event was led by Elevation Worship, a contemporary Christian music group that energized the crowd throughout the evening. Unite US expressed on social media that “Jesus is moving in Gen Z and this is just the beginning,” confirming the growing religious engagement among younger generations.

A recent Barna report highlighted an increase in commitment to Christ among Generation Z, indicating that the percentage of Gen Z men committed to Christ rose from 52% in 2019 to 67% in 2025, while women saw a rise from 54% to 61%. Additionally, the average Gen Z attendee reportedly attends church nearly twice a month, a frequency surpassing that of previous generations.

Madison (Prewett) Troutt, who organized the first Unite US event, noted Generation Z’s desire for truth and freedom, highlighting their search for something more meaningful than what the world currently offers them. The Unite US movement has begun transforming youth outreach specifically tailored towards Gen Z, actively presenting the Gospel across various college campuses.

The next Unite US event is set to take place on November 21 at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, continuing the mission of spreading faith and community among young people.

Key Statistics from the Event

• Attendees: Over 8,000 students
• Decisions for Christ: Approximately 500
• Baptisms: Hundreds in portable tanks
• Participating Schools Nationwide: About 20
• Next Event: November 21 at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona

Background on Unite US and Its Impact

The Unite US movement originated two years ago at Auburn University and has since expanded to various campuses, reflecting a notable shift in religious involvement among young adults. The series of events aims to connect and inspire college students to deepen their faith and engage with their communities through worship and fellowship.

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Additional Resources

• Crosswalk: Over 8,000 College Students Worship Christ at Tennessee
• CBN News: Hundreds Saved and Baptized at University of Tennessee
• New York Times: Kentucky Revival at Asbury University
• Inside Higher Ed: Asbury Revival Comes Close
• Wikipedia: Revivalism

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