In a world where headlines often scream about the decline of the church, Pastor Tony Suárez stands as a refreshing voice of hope and optimism. Recently, during an engaging interview at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Grapevine, Texas, Suárez passionately advocated for the vibrant growth he witnesses across American churches, countering the narrative that the church is on the brink of extinction.
“Churches are not emptying out; they’re filling up,” Suárez declared, emphasizing that this growth spans across various age groups and ethnicities. As the founder of Revivalmakers Ministries and vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), he is at the forefront of a movement that is seeing a hunger for God that transcends denominational lines. “We’re in the midst of a spiritual revival,” he proclaimed, with a conviction that resonates deeply with many believers today.
Suárez believes we are living in the very days that our ancestors prayed for—a time of awakening before Christ’s return. While some surveys, like those from Pew Research, highlight a decline in church attendance among younger generations, Suárez sees a different picture. “Young people are craving authentic worship,” he noted, adding that many desire a genuine encounter with God rather than a flashy performance. “If they want a concert, they’ll go to one. When they step into church, they’re looking for something real.”
As a father of five children aged 15 to 21, Suárez has a front-row seat to this desire for authenticity. His ministry’s core message is clear: “Revival is not coming; revival is here.” He reflects on the spiritual climate in churches he visits, expressing his optimism for the future of Christianity in America.
Central to Suárez’s vision is the significant role of the Hispanic church in the U.S., which he describes as pro-life, pro-marriage, and deeply committed to Scripture. According to NHCLC data, Hispanic and Asian Pacific communities are among the fastest-growing segments in nearly every denomination. “This growth is a glimmer of hope for American Christianity,” he stated, highlighting the vibrant faith of these communities.
In 2024, Suárez led a series of impactful revival events along the U.S.-Mexico border, gathering thousands of attendees, including migrants and local residents. “This isn’t a political invasion; it’s a spiritual one,” he explained, recounting more than 10,000 spiritual encounters documented during the two-week campaign, including salvations and testimonies of healing. “Christianity is a gathering place for anyone thirsty for God,” he emphasized, illustrating the unity found in worship across diverse backgrounds.
Looking ahead, Suárez is committed to continuing this revival movement, with plans to expand into Mexico in 2025. Beyond his evangelistic efforts, he is also a vocal advocate for immigration reform, emphasizing the need for solutions that prioritize both security and compassion. “We can’t just send people away; they’re part of our economy,” he asserted, pointing out the essential contributions of undocumented immigrants.
Suárez, who served on Donald Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Board, acknowledges the fears that have gripped many in the Hispanic community regarding immigration policies. “After Trump’s inauguration, we saw a significant drop in Hispanic church attendance due to fear,” he recalled. He encourages people to seek accurate information and to be messengers of hope rather than fear.
Born to a Colombian family with a rich missionary heritage, Suárez has long championed comprehensive immigration reform. He argues for a balanced approach that includes border security while offering pathways for undocumented immigrants to come out of the shadows. “We created this problem,” he said. “We told them not to come, but then we put up a ‘Help Wanted’ sign.”
As the church faces challenges in a divided world, Suárez believes its role is more crucial than ever. “God is using what the enemy meant for evil and turning it for good,” he said, calling on believers to focus on spiritual renewal over political rhetoric. With his infectious optimism and unwavering faith, Pastor Tony Suárez is a powerful reminder that the church is alive and well, ready to embrace the future with hope and purpose.