Some assume revivals rest solely on the sovereignty of God, and there is nothing humans can do to change that. From the study of over 282 revivals, we have learned that revivals have never just fallen out of the sky. There have always been intentional efforts made by individuals prior to the revival’s appearance.
The most common intentional human effort that has led to revivals has been prayer, and following that, protracted meetings. This was a series of services conducted every night for several days, and sometimes lasting fourteen days or more. Many today view those “revival services” as being an outdated practice, yet from the study of revivals we have conducted, it appears that this is one of the principles that was used to “bring the fire down.”
Why Protracted Services Were Effective
1. People did not come to these services expecting the routine—they were exercising faith that something different would occur. And being out of the routine of the weekly church service, people’s anticipation levels were elevated, enhancing their faith that God would truly manifest His presence.
2. God’s promises are actuated by faith. Some people’s faith takes time to build, and with multiple services in a row, time is given for faith to build.
3. Revivalists (or evangelists) were utilized for preaching during the services, as they had a unique gift that most pastors do not have (Eph. 4:11). Pastors have their special and unique gift, one in which the revivalist cannot compare, and that is in maintaining, comforting, and shepherding a congregation. With that unique gift and special calling, pastors are not always the best to be used in leading their flocks out of their comfort zone and into “revival.”
Here are just a few of the revivals that have occurred due to specially planned services [there are many more examples]:
1730s-1740s: 1st Great Awakening
1742 Cambuslang, Scotland Revival
1745 Revival – Delaware Indians
1857 Hamilton, Ontario Revival
Return to the Principles of Revivals List
Chet & Phyllis Swearingen:
Office: (260) 920-8248
romans1015@outlook.com
Beautiful Feet
P.O. Box 915
Auburn, IN 46706
