Revival Motivates Us To Evangelism.

If you read my last two entries on the subject of revival, you will learn the definition of revival and the impact on the church. Today, I want to share with you a third article related to revival. This time, I believe that an additional benefit to revival as well as the inclusion of others includes evangelism.

In biblical terms, Evangelism is proclaiming the coming of the Lord. (Luke 10) It is illustrated by the Parable of the Sower. (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15) We can understand the impact of this as we read the book of Acts.

Stained Glass of the Sower at
God’s House, Marion

Revival is the what that creates the how that develops the who to meet the spiritual needs of everyone in your community. Let me break that down.


1. The What.

Revival is the work of God that makes our faith real. The result of God’s presence stirs the church to be renewed; some may say, "set a fire." Whatever the metaphor or illustration, we can sense God’s presence in new ways. Revival draws us to the heart of God. It is what happens as people seek God.

ReviveIndiana is a group that is positioned to lead the church and community in revival. Their three values they look for as they come into a community include: Hunger, Humble, and Unity. (I like to think of it as H2U.)

These three values help define the tone and depth of readiness. As we include these values into community, we can find the ingredients that help us discern so that the next steps can be taken.

I have observed that in every community, there are many different churches. Even in the smallest town, there are usually two or more. This is a good thing but especially if there is cooperation on Spiritual matters; on the essentials of our faith.

In my early years in pastoral ministry I lived in Elkhart, Indiana. I got involved in a community initiative called, March for Jesus. Helping to lead this initiative provided me with an interesting insight. I saw how churches came together under the unified banner of Jesus. Internationally, it was a tremendous witness as we worshipped from the rising of the sun to it’s setting.

The what is revival that is community-wide. March for Jesus was one expression of revival. It brought a renewed and meaningful expression of renewal.


2. The How.

The strategy of God at work becomes the how. God has a plan and calls upon His people to act. I can remember many times developing strategies with teams of people that falls outside of the purpose of the initiative. We can create a lot of work for ourselves that’s unnecessary.

However, as we come to understand God‘s purpose and mission, we further gain a deeper understanding of just how he endeavors to work. God chooses to use us in ways that are developed through his Spirit and by our giftedness. Sometimes we wait to plan and sometimes we plan on waiting but neither are good options when it comes to how God chooses to plan. Certainly, there is a timetable and we must do our best to find out what that is but we should always be inclined to act as God spirit directs.

Sunflower grown in my
home backyard.

Details come together as people work together. The conversation goes from pointing fingers at others to hands of involvement, bringing our talents and spiritual gifts together. When done right, the question is never on scarcity but one of abundance! We find that reaching the who is much easier! The harvest is ready for the those that gather to work together in bringing in others needing discipled.

It is likened to a sunflower. Though it can start as just one seed, it produces many, many more.



3. The Who.

The who are those that God wants to reach. They are the harvest that is ready. In fact, it is a "white harvest." It is defined as a white harvest. "a harvest when the ground is white from hoarfrost: a late  harvest." (Merriam-Webster) Consider reading this article related to white harvest.

Evangelism is not just an outflow of a movement that God is working. It is a lifestyle that is transformed by God. It is demonstrated by our desire to share our faith of Christ with everyone we meet.

I like to imaging this part of the movement as blessing others. It is one beggar showing other beggars where to find bread! That is the bread of life, Jesus. This is optimistic and hope-filled. This draws others. This returns an abundance from our investment.

Evangelism is about sharing our faith, through testimony but, most importantly, through the Word of God. Acts of service is in-part but our works must include the Word of God.

The sower and the seed are never the problem. It is the soil where it falls. It is the soil that is prepared and carefully cultivated that can produce best results.

Bottom line: Revival is what we should pray for and seek, which leads to how God chooses to work, in and through us, which always leads to who He wants to reach! The question remaining is when? That is ultimately up to you! Remember, He said that the fields are "white harvest" ripe and ready for you.

Will you participate?