Revivals can be
opened or locked down!
Leaders of churches wield tremendous power over congregations and communities. They can open the door for a genuine God sent revival, or they can lock Him out.
Scriptural Evidence
Jesus was standing outside the door of a literal church, requesting permission to enter!
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me (Rev. 3:20).
Historical Evidence
Notable historical figures, like Johnathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and E.M. Bounds, have clearly articulated that church leaders are the ones who hold the keys to revival. Jim Cymbala, in his book Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, stated that,
…church leaders must humble themselves, and confess that they have a lot of the blame for the coldness.
With the struggles church leaders have in opening the door for revival, it is understandable why God turns to the young, non-pastoral servants of God to launch a revival, as Frank Bartleman explained:
A revival almost always begins among the laity. The ecclesiastical leaders seldom welcome reformation. History repeats itself. The present leaders are too comfortably situated as a rule to desire innovation that might require sacrifice on their part. And God’s fire only falls on sacrifice. An empty altar receives no fire!
Read why some will lock revival out and maintain a slumbering, impotent church:
