Jumpstarting a Revival in Our Churches

 

Jumpstarting a Revival in Our Churches

    Revival, a powerful spiritual awakening and outpouring of God’s presence, often starts when certain spiritual conditions are met, both within the hearts of individuals and collectively within the Church and society. Historically, revivals have occurred during times of great spiritual hunger, moral decline, or national crisis, as people turn back to God in repentance, humility, and prayer. The Bible, historical patterns, and contemporary prophetic insights suggest the following key ways revival begins:

Key Ways Revival Starts

1. Deep Repentance and Turning Back to God:

   • Revival begins with personal and corporate repentance, where individuals and churches recognize their spiritual need and turn back to God. This involves:
     • Confession of sin and a desire for holiness. As in the time of John the Baptist, revival often begins with a call to repentance, preparing the way for God’s powerful move (Matthew 3:2).
     • People become aware of their spiritual complacency and brokenness and cry out to God for forgiveness and renewal (2 Chronicles 7:14).
     • Moral and spiritual awakening in individuals leads to corporate change as families, communities, and even nations turn back to biblical principles.

2. Intense Hunger for God's Presence:

   • Revival often starts with a spiritual hunger for God’s presence. As the Psalmist said, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). A few key ways this hunger manifests:
     • Prayer gatherings intensify as believers seek God earnestly. Throughout history, revivals have often been preceded by persistent prayer movements. This hunger may begin in small groups or even in individuals but quickly spreads.
     • The Holy Spirit moves upon people’s hearts, causing them to long for God’s presence, power, and truth in a deeper way than ever before.
     • People prioritize worship and intercession above all else, and churches become centers of prayer and spiritual renewal.

3. Unified Prayer and Intercession:

   • Unified, persistent prayer is one of the greatest catalysts for revival. As believers gather together to cry out for God to move, the spiritual atmosphere shifts. Revival is often birthed in prayer meetings, with believers coming together in humility to intercede for their communities and nations.
     • The Welsh Revival (1904) and the Azusa Street Revival (1906) both began in small prayer meetings, where people prayed fervently for God’s Spirit to fall.
     • Corporate prayer and fasting mobilize the Church to prepare spiritually for God’s move (Joel 2:12–17). When God’s people humble themselves and seek Him with intensity and faith, revival often follows.

4. The Work of the Holy Spirit:

   • Revival begins with a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit, who convicts hearts, draws people to repentance, and ignites a fresh passion for God. Often, revival starts when the Holy Spirit begins to:
     • Pour out a spirit of conviction on individuals, leading them to repentance (John 16:8). This can happen in church services, homes, or even public places where people feel the weight of their need for God.
     • Empower believers with supernatural boldness to proclaim the Gospel, accompanied by signs, wonders, and miracles (Acts 2:4). The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers, unites believers, and sparks faith to believe for God’s intervention.
     • The Holy Spirit stirs up gifts of prophecy, healing, and evangelism, leading to a supernatural atmosphere where God’s presence is manifest, drawing people to Him.

5. Desperation in Times of Crisis:

   • Revival often comes during or after times of national or global crisis, when people realize that human solutions are insufficient, and they turn to God for deliverance and guidance. Economic distress, social unrest, or moral decay can bring about desperation, leading people to cry out for God’s intervention.
     • Historically, revivals such as the Great Awakenings in America came during times of spiritual and moral decline, as people realized their need for God to renew their society.
     • The Jesus Movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States emerged during a time of cultural upheaval, where young people were spiritually seeking amidst societal turmoil.

6. Restoration of Holiness and Righteousness:

   • When revival begins, there is often a renewed emphasis on holiness and living according to God’s standards. The Church turns away from compromise, and believers are filled with the desire to live in purity and obedience to God’s Word.
     • The fear of the Lord returns to the Church, resulting in godly sorrow over sin and a rejection of worldly lifestyles.
     • A cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit moves through the Church, calling people to set themselves apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:16).

7. Bold Evangelism and Radical Faith:

   • Revival ignites a passion for evangelism. As the Holy Spirit empowers believers, they become bold in sharing the Gospel. Revival often results in mass conversions as people respond to the message of salvation.
     • Boldness and radical faith replace fear, and believers step out to share Christ with friends, family, and strangers.
     • The Gospel spreads rapidly through various forms of media, public events, and personal testimonies, as seen in the Billy Graham Crusades or the outreach during revivals like Brownsville in the 1990s.

8. Unity Among Believers:

   • Revival often begins with unity among believers. As divisions are healed and Christians come together with one heart and one purpose, God’s Spirit is free to move. Denominational barriers fall, and believers unite around a shared hunger for God’s presence and a desire to see His Kingdom advance.
     • In Acts 2, the early Church experienced revival when the disciples were in one accord, praying together in unity before the Holy Spirit descended.
     • Revival sparks healing of relationships and brings reconciliation where there have been divisions in families, churches, and communities.

---

How to Prepare for Revival

1. Personal Repentance and Holiness:

   • Begin with personal repentance. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of sin, complacency, or compromise (Psalm 139:23-24). Commit to a lifestyle of holiness and obedience to His Word.

2. Cultivate a Life of Prayer and Fasting:

   • Commit to consistent prayer and fasting, not just individually, but also in corporate settings. Join with others in intercessory prayer, asking God to pour out His Spirit and bring revival to your community and nation.

3. Develop a Hunger for God’s Presence:

   • Cultivate a deep hunger for God by spending time in worship and the Word. Revival is often sparked when people desire more of God than anything else. Ask God to stir a passion in your heart for more of His presence.

4. Pray for Unity in the Church:

   • Actively pursue unity with other believers. Pray for reconciliation and healing of divisions within the body of Christ. Work to bring unity in prayer and purpose in your local church or Christian community.

5. Expect the Supernatural:

   • Be ready for supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Open yourself to the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, healing, and discernment. These gifts will play a significant role in revival, drawing many to Christ.

6. Prepare to Evangelize:

   • Revival leads to a harvest of souls, so prepare yourself to share the Gospel with others. Study Scripture, practice sharing your testimony, and be ready to engage with those seeking answers during times of spiritual awakening.

7. Walk in Faith and Boldness:

   • Revival requires radical faith and boldness. As the Holy Spirit moves, step out in faith to pray for others, share the Gospel, and use your gifts for the Kingdom. God will honor your faith by moving in miraculous ways.

    Revival begins with spiritual hunger, repentance, and prayer, but it is ultimately a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit. By preparing our hearts through personal holiness, prayer, fasting, and unity, we can position ourselves for a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit. Expect bold evangelism, miracles, and supernatural manifestations as revival spreads and transforms individuals, communities, and nations. The Church should be ready to move in step with the Holy Spirit, trusting God for an unprecedented harvest of souls and a fresh outpouring of His power in these prophetic times.

 

---

The Role of the Church Leadership

To usher in and effectively manage a revival, church leadership must take strategic, prayerful actions to prepare their congregations and communities. Here are some practical ways to mobilize local churches and set the stage for a powerful move of God:

1. Cultivate a Culture of Prayer and Fasting

• Establish Regular Prayer Meetings: Set up weekly or monthly prayer gatherings specifically focused on asking God for revival. Include prayer for the community, nation, and global church.

• Encourage Personal and Corporate Fasting: Promote fasting as a way to seek God’s direction and favor. Provide resources and support for members to engage in fasting, and offer prayer guides or fasting plans.

• Create a Prayer Room or Chapel: Dedicate a space in the church for ongoing prayer. Make it available for individual and group prayer times, encouraging continuous intercession.

2. Preach and Teach on Revival Themes

• Focus Sermons on Revival and Spiritual Renewal: Deliver messages that emphasize the need for personal repentance, spiritual hunger, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Use Biblical examples of past revivals as models.

• Provide Teaching on Spiritual Gifts: Educate the congregation about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, how to recognize and activate them, and their role in revival.

• Host Revival Seminars and Workshops: Organize events that teach about revival, spiritual warfare, and the operation of spiritual gifts. Invite guest speakers who have experience in revival movements.

3. Mobilize and Train Leaders

• Develop a Leadership Training Program: Equip leaders with tools and resources for effective ministry during a revival. Focus on training in prayer, prophecy, and pastoral care.

• Empower Lay Leaders: Identify and train lay leaders to help lead small groups, prayer meetings, and evangelistic efforts. Encourage them to take initiative and support them in their roles.

• Encourage Networking Among Local Churches: Foster relationships with other churches in the area to create a unified effort for revival. Organize joint prayer events, outreach activities, and training sessions.

4. Promote Evangelism and Outreach

• Organize Community Outreach Events: Plan events such as street evangelism, community service projects, and outreach festivals to engage with the local community. Use these opportunities to share the Gospel and invite people to church.

• Equip Members for Personal Evangelism: Provide training and resources for members to share their faith effectively. This can include workshops on evangelistic conversations, creating testimony videos, and sharing the Gospel online.

• Start or Enhance an Outreach Ministry: Develop or strengthen ministries that address local needs, such as food banks, counseling services, or addiction recovery programs. Use these as platforms for outreach and relationship-building.

5. Foster Unity and Community Engagement

• Build Unity Within the Church: Address and heal any divisions within the church. Promote reconciliation and foster a spirit of unity by organizing fellowship events and small group discussions.

• Encourage Active Participation: Get members involved in various church activities, from serving in ministries to participating in prayer and study groups. Active engagement helps build a sense of community and shared mission.

• Engage with the Local Community: Partner with local organizations and businesses to address community needs. Create opportunities for church members to serve and be a positive presence in the community.

6. Create an Atmosphere of Expectancy

• Encourage Testimonies: Share stories of God’s work and answered prayers within the church. Testimonies build faith and expectation for greater things to come.

• Promote a Culture of Expectancy: Teach and encourage the congregation to expect God’s move in their lives and in the church. Foster an atmosphere where people are anticipating and ready for God to do extraordinary things.

• Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize and celebrate the small steps of faith and the early signs of revival. This encourages continued growth and enthusiasm.

7. Utilize Technology and Media

• Leverage Social Media: Use social media platforms to share messages, updates, and testimonies about what God is doing. Create online events, prayer chains, and outreach campaigns.

• Develop Online Resources: Provide online resources such as sermons, devotionals, and Bible studies that can be accessed by members and those interested in learning more about the church.

• Broadcast Services and Events: Use live streaming to broadcast services, prayer meetings, and special events, making them accessible to those who cannot attend in person.

8. Implement Discipleship Programs

• Start Discipleship Groups: Develop small groups focused on spiritual growth, accountability, and prayer. Encourage deep relationships and mutual support.

• Offer Mentoring and Coaching: Pair newer believers with mature Christians for guidance and mentorship. This helps in spiritual growth and integration into church life.

• Create Pathways for Growth: Provide clear pathways for spiritual growth through classes, study groups, and ministry opportunities. Encourage members to continually pursue deeper relationship with God.

9. Prepare for and Manage Growth

• Plan for Increased Attendance: Be ready for potential growth by preparing additional services, space, and resources. Ensure that facilities and programs can accommodate more people.

• Provide Support Systems: As new people come in, ensure there are systems in place for follow-up, support, and integration into the church community.

• Maintain a Focus on Discipleship: As the church grows, continue to emphasize discipleship and spiritual formation to ensure that new believers are effectively integrated and nurtured in their faith.

To usher in revival, church leadership must actively prepare their congregations through prayer, teaching, and mobilization. By focusing on repentance, spiritual hunger, prayer, training, evangelism, unity, and utilizing modern tools, local churches can effectively position themselves to experience and sustain a move of God. Practical and strategic efforts will ensure that the revival is not just a fleeting moment but a lasting transformation that impacts individuals, communities, and nations.

---

Topic developed by Rev Rolando E Santiago MMin, DD, ThD, DPM