The True Nature of Revival: Reflections on Spontaneity and Authentic Discipleship

Outstretched arms. Warm smiles. Tear-drenched cheeks. This is what we imagine when we think of a revival service. In many ways, it’s been seared into the collective Protestant imagination to such a level that we don’t think much of these images. Yet, I think many of us have been reminded of the power of these postures in the wake of the Asbury Revival.

Here’s my disclaimer: I have no formal connection to any of the staff, student body, or even geographical region in which Asbury is located, but it seems much of Protestant Christianity has been swept up into this story of renewal, and so I’ve been thinking about how best to present my thoughts on the subject. I’m also not a theologian by any means. Like anyone, I’ve just really been persuaded by the beauty of the Gospel.

Here’s a few disparate reflections I’ve had recently.

While I have some mixed feelings about what’s happening at Asbury (emotionalism does sometimes look like a genuine move of the Spirit) – I am at least grateful for its relative spontaneity.

I grew up in a faith tradition in which “revival” was a series of events on a calendar, and that’s certainly not how God works. These “revival services” were planned weeks in advance, and we’d say things like, “we’re going into a revival with [insert preacher name].”

Revival isn’t something you can plan for – God doesn’t need our permission to mingle among the congregation.

We can’t manufacture the conditions for it either. This isn’t a video game where you can put in a special code and get Jesus to show up! (magical thinking is everywhere!)

It isn’t about special services, fancy sermons, or even longer nights of worship – it’s a turning of our collective spiritual imagination towards God and neighbor in a way that shakes us out of complacency.

If revival doesn’t make your love deeper, you weren’t “revived” by anything except a drum beat.

We’ve conditioned an entire generation to think of heightened spirituality as ecstatic worship experiences without authentic discipleship, and our churches are dying as a result.

Here’s what I’m not saying: Asbury is a fraud.

I’m not sure any of us can really make that call yet (as it’s yet ongoing!)

I’ve heard plenty of good and bad stories, but it seems like most everyone involved is very genuine.

Let’s just watch the fruit that comes from this. This might be the beginning of an extraordinary moment in Christian history here in the U.S., or it may just be a distraction – we’re much too close to it to know for sure.

Grace + peace