by Dr. Richard Blackaby
Hardly a week goes by that I do not talk with a pastor whose heart is breaking for his people. These tenderhearted shepherds see their people languishing in spiritual lethargy and deadness. They watch their congregant’s children hastily depart their dead church as soon as an opportunity avails itself. They grieve as marriages crumble before their eyes. And, as if that weren’t enough, these pastors watch their congregations carrying on their anemic programming that makes little to no difference in their communities. The spiritual climate in their neighborhood grows increasingly dark while the church blissfully conducts its weekly schedule. Knowing that the Church was intended to be and to do far more, it is discouraging to watch its members remain content with so little.
The pressing question that haunts many pastors is this: Is there anything I can do to awaken my people?
Here is the short answer:
First, no, you cannot awaken your people. That is something only the Holy Spirit can do. You can preach the finest sermon series, you can teach solid, doctrinal, Bible teachings, and you can plead with your people to surrender their hearts fully to God, but unless the Holy Spirit works in people’s hearts, your efforts will be in vain.
Second, there are some things you can do that can become a catalyst for revival. The first, and most important, is to ensure that you are experiencing a fresh touch of God in your own life. Revival is generally caught more than taught. If you fan the flame of spiritual passion in your own heart, the sparks are more likely to begin igniting the dry kindling in the hearts of the people with whom you minister. The fact is, you cannot even orchestrate revival in your own life, but you can certainly choose to surrender yourself fully to God and His work so you are prepared for God to do a fresh work in you. You cannot give to others what you do not have yourself. So, if your own heart is not white-hot for God, then turn your focus away from your people and tend to your own wayward heart.
Third, watch for God’s activity. Sometimes we can be so focused on what we are doing to bring revival to our church, we miss what God is doing! God has innumerable means to revive His people. He rarely uses the same means twice. While you are scheduling another revival meeting, the Holy Spirit may be simultaneously stirring in the hearts of your congregation’s teenagers. You could be so focused on launching your next initiative that you miss the divine work occurring right under your nose.
Fourth, focus on the core. Too often leaders begin by attempting to “revive” the masses. That rarely works. Within the congregation are people whose hearts are hardened and in some cases, unregenerate. These people will not respond to your impassioned pleas for them to return to God. But there is almost always a remnant. Find that handful of people whose hearts are tender toward the Lord, and nurture their souls. Rather than growing frustrated because the average person occupying a pew each week remains unmoved, zero in on the few who are responsive. Meet with them to pray. Put challenging books in their hands to read. Disciple them and encourage their spiritual growth. A few members, on fire for God, can act as leaven.
Fifth, herald God’s activity. Revival has often spread on the wings of the testimony of revived people. As people experience spiritual breakthroughs, encourage them to share their experience publicly. Let people see and hear what you have been praying for. When people see someone who is truly revived, they may discern the contrast between the one testifying and their own spiritual condition. As long as we compare ourselves with other lukewarm members, we won’t feel a sense of urgency. But when we come face to face with someone who is passionate for Christ, we suddenly recognize how far we have fallen. Be quick to herald every good thing God does in your midst!
Sixth, don’t give up! It can be immensely frustrating to serve among a lethargic people. But we cannot give up. When a shepherd loses hope for his sheep, the situation truly is hopeless! When we give up or grow discouraged, we reveal the quality of our faith. There are some things that are simply too important for us to ever quit. You may need to regularly meet with other like-minded pastors or leaders to encourage one another. Remember the exhortation of Scripture: we will eventually reap, if we do not grow weary sowing.
Spiritual leaders are increasingly asking what they can do to see their people revived. These are some basic guidelines that can steer you in the right direction. We cannot “revive” people. But we can certainly become a powerful instrument in God’s hand, if we are willing.