I try not to pay too much attention to what’s trending. Tweets, reels, and even books that cause a big splash today will likely be lost in the sea of information overload tomorrow or next week. But sometimes what’s trending takes hold and becomes a trend, perhaps even a defining characteristic of a time period or group of people, and we’re wise to take notice.

In a recent blog post, Trevin Wax considers some defining characteristics of evangelicalism over the last half century or so. Beginning with the 1960s, he identifies three past waves—Spirit-filled worship, seeker-sensitive church growth, and gospel centrality—describing their effects on evangelical churches. In each case, his assessment aligns with my church experience.

That I occasionally raise a hand in worship and have gone through Experiencing God with my small group reflects the influence of the Spirit-filled worship wave. My church’s parking lot signage, coffee and bagel area, and attractive children’s ministry spaces flow from the seeker-sensitive church growth wave. And our singing of modern hymns, use of The Gospel Project for Kids curriculum, and appreciation of the Puritans reflect the gospel centrality wave.

That brings us to Wax’s speculation about the newest wave: spiritual formation. He’s observed this trend particularly in younger generations who are “looking to incorporate more rules and rituals—more spiritual structure—in their walk of faith.” But if my work on a new booklet series about spiritual disciplines and my participation on a search committee seeking a “pastor of formation” for my local church are any indication, Wax’s fourth wave is influencing more than just college students.

What’s the point of understanding these waves? As Wax explains, “No movement comes without strengths and weaknesses.” If we can understand the current wave, perhaps we can maximize its strengths and carefully navigate its weaknesses. But whether or not we correctly define the waves, they’re worth watching because “you’ll also see the Lord at work in all of them.”