AWAKENING (Part 4)

I Was Just Thinking About – AWAKENING (Part 4)

Spiritual Awakening and Church Revitalization do not just “happen” without careful thought, preparation, effort and prayer. It requires godly people hungering for the presence of God and an outpouring of His Spirit. It is a desire for new life and vitality. It entails a vision of God’s desires and an obedience to His directives. There needs to be a core of faithful men/witnesses (II Timothy 2:2): “The things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.”

Could it be that we are living in a day when the culture has so infiltrated the Church that godliness is no longer the norm nor the desire of men’s hearts? Can this occur in the twenty-first century Church? Is it occurring and steadily increasing among professing Christians? Is the commentary about the Church the words of Micah 7:2, “the godly person has perished from the land, and there is no upright person among men.”?

One of the very practical contributors on about the need for Awakening and that which may hinder it is James Emory White. He began a Church Plant 25 years ago and has been Senior Pastor of the work from the beginning. In reflecting on those 25 years, he has written a soon to be published book – What They Didn’t Teach You In Seminary. A portion of that book is in a current Blog form: “25 Years Of Leadership Lessons.” Just a few of his “Lessons” are: (1) Fads and styles, models and trendsetters, will come and go. Stay focused on one thing: the mission. (2) You’ll grow bigger and faster if you focus on transfer growth. Don’t. Reaching the unchurched is what it’s all about. (3) On any and every issue, go to the Bible and then go with the Bible. (4) Prize character over talent, and loyalty over just about anything. (5) Resolve to prioritize children’s ministry. Once again, you’ll find it to be the Best. Decision. Ever. (6) The key question to ask isn’t how to grow the church; the key question to ask is what is keeping the church from growing. (7) You don’t possess every spiritual gift. Don’t operate as if you do or let others expect it of you. (8) Your competition isn’t, and never will be, another church. You’re after the person who doesn’t give a rip about churches. (9) Your core values are the hills you should die on.  (10) Left to itself, the natural flow of the church is to turn inward, grow older and become outdated. Leadership must intentionally combat all three.

Too many churches that are dwindling continue to look inward and become maintenance type efforts. Caring for the “older” members is great but ministry must never be limited to doing just that. There is also a need to consider and evaluate the “leaders” of the particular congregation. Are they godly men of vision and prayer? The goal for leadership is summarized in Acts 6:4, “Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” Was this a good decision? Would there be a good result from this action? Could ordinary men accomplish the extraordinary in the name of Christ?

An answer given is in Acts 6:6-7 (ESV), “The apostles prayed and laid their hands on them. And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Can this happen in your local Church? Has it ever been considered? Is there a readiness to make changes? When was the last time this criterion was the standard for the leadership in your Church? Recently? Ever?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me!