When I first started out in ministry, I was interested in church growth books. I read several of them. At times, I was impressed with the some of the tactics, programs and ideas implemented by some of these mega-church pastors. Their churches were huge and growing, so I thought it would be good to learn some things from them.
In hindsight, I realized that most of these “success” stories had more to them than meets the eye. Most of these churches were in or very near large, metropolitan cities. Sometimes the churches were built in affluent neighborhoods. These days, I wonder if any of these “experts” could have grown a huge church here in the mountains of West Virginia. I seriously doubt it.
I also have come to realize that numerical growth is not always a true indication of genuine spiritual vitality. Since cults can attract large crowds, it is deceptive to think that numerical growth is always an indication of revival.
To be honest, there are large crowds that are attracted to a mighty move of God. I, like so many Christians, yearn for a great spiritual awakening in this generation. I long to churches revived, souls saved and witness mass baptisms. If you're like me, you've often prayed for revival.
I believe that it is possible for revival to come. I may yet see a mighty spiritual awakening unfold here in America. But we need to understand this truth: genuine revival will come with a cost.
I believe that persecution may be the cost we must pay to have revival in America. Up to this point, the American Church has been apathetic and cold. This pandemic has revealed the lukewarm condition of many. I read somewhere that a recent survey showed that 30% of the people who dropped out of the church during the pandemic won't be back. It will probably take a rude awakening for many believers to get on their knees in prayer.
Persecution and revival often go hand-in-hand. The Israelites grew significantly under the tyranny of Pharaoh. The church in the book of Acts multiplied under constant persecution. Why should Americans think that we should be exempt from persecution? While our nation's Constitution should protect us from such hostility, we've come to see that politicians and judges will do what they wish, sometimes in spite of the Constitution.
By the way, why should we trust more in the Constitution or courts instead of in Christ? It is time we quit looking to Washington for help and start looking up to God for grace.
Why does persecution and revival seem to go together so much? Let me share a few of my beliefs on the subject.
The next time you pray for revival, just remember that you may be asking for persecution to come. Persecution has a way of revealing the apostates while, at the same time, purifying the saints. Many fickle church members will be exposed as frauds while others will suffer as they stand firm for the truth.
If persecution is the only way you can see revival in your lifetime, do you still want to see revival?
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