Evangelical Revivals – Introduction
Revivals
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Genuine revivals have occurred in almost every age of the church era. They have been the major means God has used to rescue a weakened and backslidden church, restoring her to new levels of power and influence. God’s remedy for an ailing church has always been revival.
Seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord are God’s way of energizing the church and advancing His cause. The bi-products of revival are immense: Churches come alive, Gospel preaching carries unusual power, missionary movements are born, holiness replaces worldliness, passion for prayer increases, Bible study and worship consumes individuals and revival converts usually persevere in the faith until the day they go to glory.
The greatest days of the Church have been days of revival. Nothing can take its place. The best that man can do will never meet the needs of the church nor the world. Only as God comes upon the scene in revival power can the church see its destiny realised.
Evangelical Revivals
This section explores evangelical revivals across the ages. Understanding what the word ‘evangelical’ means is important here. For some it means being evangelistic and that authentic conversion is essential to follow Christ. For others it means to believe the Bible is the inspired, uniquely infallible, authoritative Word of God.” In fact, these two truths are the irreducible minimum of any definition of ‘evangelical’.
But it must be noted that Pentecostals, charismatics, healing revivalists and third-wave Christians are also Evangelicals. The difference is that they have added some extra Bible beliefs and practices which have generally been excluded by evangelicals.
So this section presents Evangelical revivals, those which did not emphasise those issues that Pentecostals and charismatics have embraced and experienced. Pentecostal and charismatics are excluded from this Evangelical section but can be found in their own sections elsewhere on this site.
Introduction: The Enduring Need for Revival
Throughout history, the Christian church has experienced a cyclical pattern of spiritual fervour followed by decline. Periods of intense faith and growth give way to seasons of complacency, worldliness and doctrinal drift.
This pattern echoes the Old Testament narrative of Israel’s repeated cycles of faithfulness and apostasy, demonstrating the ongoing tension between the human tendency towards spiritual lethargy and God’s desire for His people to live in vital relationship with Him. This is notably true throughout the book of Judges.
Several factors contribute to this erosion of spiritual vitality.
Complacency, a settling into routine and a loss of passion for God, can subtly dull the flame of faith.
Worldliness, the creeping influence of secular values and priorities, can distract believers from their true calling.
Doctrinal drift, a departure from core biblical truths, can undermine the foundation of faith.
Internal strife, division, and conflict within the church can sap its strength and hinder its witness.
In response to these recurring challenges, God, in His sovereignty, has repeatedly intervened through revivals – extraordinary outpourings of the Holy Spirit that breathe new life into His people.
These revivals are not merely human efforts but divine acts of restoration and renewal. Scripture provides numerous examples, such as the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, who confronted idolatry and sparked spiritual awakening in Israel.
The reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah purged the land of false worship and restored true devotion to God. And the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the early church for its global mission.
Revival can be understood as a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by:
1. An extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit: A divine intervention that transcends ordinary spiritual activity.
2. Intensified awareness of God: A heightened sense of God’s presence, holiness, and power.
3. Renewed conviction of sin: A deep awareness of personal and corporate sinfulness, leading to repentance.
4. Passionate pursuit of holiness: A fervent desire to please God and live according to His Word.
5. Increased zeal for evangelism: A burden for the lost and a commitment to sharing the Gospel.
Revivals have varied in their expression and duration, but they share a common thread: they are seasons of refreshing, marked by a renewed encounter with God and a rekindling of spiritual passion.
I. The Essence of Evangelicalism
The term “evangelical” has its roots in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the Anabaptists challenged the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and called for a return to the Bible as the sole source of religious authority.
They emphasized the doctrine of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the importance of personal piety.
In the 17th century, Pietism emerged within Lutheranism, further shaping evangelicalism. Pietists like Philipp Spener and August Hermann Francke stressed the importance of personal conversion, small group fellowship, and a life of practical holiness. They also promoted missionary activity and social concern.
At its core, evangelicalism is characterized by several key beliefs:
The Authority of Scripture: Evangelicals uphold the Bible as the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final authority in matters of faith and practice.
The Centrality of the Gospel: Evangelicals affirm the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. They believe that humanity is sinful and separated from God, but that through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, forgiveness and eternal life are offered to all who believe.
The Importance of Conversion: Evangelicals emphasize the necessity of a personal experience of repentance and faith. They believe that true faith involves a turning away from sin and a turning towards God.
The Priority of Evangelism: Evangelicals are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost. They believe that it is their duty to make Christ known to the world.
While these core beliefs unite evangelicals, the movement encompasses a diversity of expressions. Various denominations and theological perspectives fall under the evangelical umbrella, ranging from Calvinists to Arminians, Baptists to Presbyterians. This diversity reflects the richness and comprehensiveness of the evangelical tradition.
Evangelical Revivals occur, therefore, when the core beliefs and practices of evangelicalism have been eroded.
Many factors can contribute to a church needing revival. Here are some of the key reasons:
- Spiritual Decline: Over time, churches might experience a loss of spiritual eagerness among their members, leading to a need for renewed enthusiasm and commitment.
- Cultural Shifts: Failure to move with the times as society changes, causes some churches to struggle to remain relevant and effectively communicate their message to the community.
- Membership Decline: Decreasing attendance and participation can signal that a church has lost its distinctiveness and passion.
- Leadership Challenges: Internal conflicts, leadership transitions, or a lack of visionary leadership can weaken a church’s mission and effectiveness.
- Loss of Mission Focus: When a church loses sight of its core mission and values, it may need to re-evaluate and re-focus its efforts to ensure they align with its spiritual goals.
- External Pressures: Economic difficulties, political changes, or societal issues can impact a church’s ability to operate effectively, prompting the need for revival.
Revival typically involves a renewed emphasis on prayer, spiritual growth, outreach, and a deeper sense of community. It’s an opportunity for churches to reassess, rejuvenate, and re-energize their mission and ministry.
Evangelicals, Pentecostals and Charismatics
It’s important to distinguish Evangelicalism from other movements like Pentecostalism and Charismatic Christianity, which often share similar beliefs but emphasize different aspects of Christian teaching and experience, such as the baptism in the Spirit, spiritual gifts, divine healing and power evangelism.
While there are areas of overlap, Evangelicalism maintains a distinct identity rooted in its historical development and core theological commitments. Pentecostals and Charismatics embrace all the same core truths and practices of Evangelicalism, but also include their own understanding of Biblical revelation.
In this section we are referring only to Evangelical revivals. We will share Pentecostal perspectives and practices elsewhere on this site
III. A Tapestry of Renewal: Key Evangelical Revivals
Evangelical revivals have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Christian history, sparking spiritual awakenings, renewing churches, and transforming societies. Let’s explore some key movements:
Pre-18th Century Awakenings:
The Reformation (16th century): The Reformation was a period of widespread religious and social upheaval that led to the establishment of Protestant churches. It sparked a spiritual awakening across Europe, challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and emphasizing the importance of individual faith and biblical authority.
Puritan Awakening (late 1500s – 1600s): This movement within the Church of England sought further reform and emphasized personal piety, biblical preaching, and a strict moral code. Puritan preachers and writers like Richard Baxter and John Bunyan had a profound impact on English religious life.
Pietism (late 1600s – early 1700s): This movement within Lutheranism stressed personal piety, small group fellowship, and social concern. Pietists like Philipp Spener and August Hermann Francke promoted a deeper spiritual experience and influenced Protestant missionary efforts.
The Great Awakenings
The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s): This transatlantic revival swept through the American colonies and Great Britain. Powerful preachers like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley ignited a spiritual fervour that led to widespread conversions, church growth, and social reform.
Edwards’ “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon became an iconic representation of the Awakening’s emphasis on repentance and the fear of God. Whitefield’s charismatic preaching drew massive crowds and helped to unite diverse groups of Christians. Wesley’s methodical approach to ministry led to the formation of the Methodist movement.
The Second Great Awakening (c1790-1810): This revival wave spread across the United States, characterized by lively camp meetings, the emergence of new denominations (like the Disciples of Christ and Adventists), and a focus on social reforms. Prominent figures included James McGeady and Peter Cartwright in the US and William Bramwell in UK.
The Resurgence of 1830
Charles Finney
Fast on the heels of the Second Great Awakening, another wave of heavenly power crashed on the shores of the evangelical world, this time without the usual decline. Asahel Nettleton and Charles Finney are names which dominate the American scene, while another American, James Caughey was the most notable revivalist active in England.
There were local revivals in various parts of the world, particularly in Scandinavia, central Europe, South Africa, the Pacific Islands, India, Malabar, and Ceylon.
19th-Century Revivals
The 19th century was a vibrant period for Christian revivals, particularly in the United States and Europe. Here are some of the key revivals:
Third Great Awakening (1850s-1900s)
This revival movement, called The Prayer or Layman’s Revival in US or called the ’59 revival in Britain saw thousand come to Christ. Participants in this revival focused on social issues such as abolitionism, temperance, and women’s suffrage, and saw the rise of new religious movements like the Salvation Army and the YMCA.
These revivals played a crucial role in shaping the religious landscape of the 19th century, emphasizing personal faith and conversion, prayer, holy living personal faith, social outreach and evangelism. They played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of the 19th century.
The Welsh Revival (1904-1905): This powerful revival swept through Wales, marked by intense prayer, spontaneous singing, personal testimonies, and widespread conversions. The Welsh Revival is often considered a precursor to the Pentecostal movement. Joseph Smale visited the revival in Wales and Frank Bartleman corresponded with Evan Roberts. Other leaders in Azusa Street, where the Pentecostal Revival began, were inspired by what was happening in Wales.
Similarly, Pentecostal leaders in the UK were largely converts from the Welsh Revival as were others who pioneered similar movements around the world.
Urban Revivals: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a growth of evangelistic ministries in cities. Figures like D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday held large-scale crusades that drew thousands and led to numerous conversions. These revivals addressed the challenges of urbanization and industrialization, offering hope and purpose to those caught in the midst of social change.
Please note that these are only a few of the major revival movements since the Great Awakening. There are scores mor whch you can find elshwere on the site.
The Legacy and Future of Evangelical Revivals
Evangelical revivals have left an enduring legacy on the Christian faith and the world. They have contributed to:
Spiritual Growth: Deepening faith and commitment among believers.
Church Renewal: Revitalizing existing churches and giving birth to new denominations.
Social Transformation: Promoting social justice, reform movements, and moral renewal.
Global Missions: Expanding Christianity to new frontiers and fueling missionary activity.
The need for revival remains as urgent as ever in the face of contemporary challenges. Secularism, materialism, and moral relativism threaten to erode the foundations of faith. The church faces internal struggles with division, apathy, and a loss of focus on its core mission.
Yet, the history of evangelical revivals offers hope. It reminds us that God is still at work, and that He can pour out His Spirit in fresh and powerful ways. We are called to:
Pray for revival: In our own lives, churches, and communities.
Study the history of revivals: To learn from the past and be inspired by God’s faithfulness.
Be open to the work of the Holy Spirit: To actively seek a fresh encounter with God and be willing to be used by Him.
May we be a generation that seeks revival, that cries out to God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit, and that experiences the transforming power of His amazing presence and love.
For further research
Christian Revivals Wikipedia