Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that wants to hang a map of the world in its house and put pins in all the locations it has traveled. But it first must travel to the top two corners of the map so it won’t fall down.
Right now, many Christians are reporting that a revival is taking place at a university in the upper south of the USA.
Here are my personal thoughts on the matter.
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Revival
I’m defining revival in the classic sense. It’s when scores of people are converted to Jesus Christ in a short time-span (usually over the course of two to four years).
There’s a great deal of prayer, a lot of repentance, and many conversions.
Churches and chapels are marked by the functioning of the body of Christ where “laymen” spontaneously start songs, share, exhort, testify, and even prophesy.
There is “leaderless” worship, the felt-presence of the Spirit, and sometimes demonstrations of God’s healing power.
There’s also an overall awakening to the reality of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit.
Aside from the numerous local revivals that were restricted to a city or denomination, since the 20th century, there have been two major revivals in the United States that swept the entire nation.
The first occurred from 1948 to 1952. It began in Texas among the Baptists, and it is known as the “Youth Revival Movement.”
The second revival occurred from 1968 to 1972. It began in California, and it was primarily outside the organized church where God’s Spirit moved among the hippie counterculture. It is known as the “Jesus Movement.”
Over the years, I’ve met many zealous Christians who were converted during one of these two revivals.
In a true revival, a believer can spit on the sidewalk and a fountain will gush forth.
Wandering sheep are brought back into the fold and the lost are unusually open to the gospel.
Revivals are beautiful, and I’m 100% for them.
So I hope what’s happening right now in the upper South spreads throughout the entire nation and the world.
But beyond their short shelf-life of two to four years, there is another problem with revivals.
Revivals merely resurrect a dying church back to zero.
Once the revival ends, the churches and chapels that were affected by it continue as they were before.
Same practices, same mindset, and same traditions. It’s business as usual.
Christian community dies, enthusiasm dies, and the functioning of the body of Christ dies.
The Youth Revival Movement didn’t change the Baptists churches. The revivals of the past that took place in the upper South didn’t change the Methodist churches after the waters receded.
And all the revivals that took place among the Pentecostals and charismatics never changed their traditional structures or systems.
For example, in the mid-1990s I had a front-row seat to a localized revival that started in central Florida among the Pentecostals and spread to different parts of the State all the way up to Canada.
I visited some of those churches when the revival first broke out. Several years later, when the revival was over, I was invited to speak at one of them.
Nothing changed.
The same church where thousands of people descended from all over the world had reverted back to what it was before the revival began.
That was true for every other church that was affected by it.
Revival, therefore, is a temporary solution to a long-term problem.
Historically, it has never touched the root.
And in many cases, what has killed some of the past revivals are insecure ambitious leaders with institutional mindsets who either squash it or seek to leverage it to advance their own ministries.
Reformation
John Stott made this remarkable statement about reform:
“The hallmark of an authentic evangelicalism is not the uncritical repetition of old traditions but the willingness to submit every tradition, however ancient, to fresh biblical scrutiny and, if necessary, reform.”
To reform something is to keep the original, but to make improvements upon it.
This has been true of every reformation that has taken place in history.
For instance, Luther and Calvin reformed certain aspects of Roman Catholicism, but they left a great deal of it untouched.
Reformations are wonderful, and I’m 100% for them.
But something beyond reformation is needed to meet the heart of God.
Restoration
We can think of reformation as redecorating an existing house. A fresh coat of paint is applied to the walls and doors, furniture and hanging pictures are updated.
Restoration, however, is completely refurbishing the house. Old appliances are replaced with new ones, new cabinets are installed, bathroom fixtures are updated, old carpets are ripped up and new flooring is put in, etc.
In restoration, God uses one of His vessels to lead a group of His people to restore a truth or experience that has been lost to the body of Christ.
In the charismatic world, “restoration” focused on restoring spiritual gifts and manifestations.
Two movements before it (one in the United States and the other in England) were focused on restoring the unity of the body of Christ.
Restoration is wonderful, and I’m 100% for it.
But it’s never gone far enough in dealing with the overall structure and mindset of the Christian populace.
That brings us to revolution.
Revolution
A revolution is a radical departure from what previously existed.
Think American revolution, French revolution, Communist revolution, the scientific revolution, and the various technological revolutions that have radically altered our way of life.
Revolutions turn everything upside down.
They destroy the “perfect” and enable the impossible. They introduce game-changing, Spirit-inspired innovation.
While reformation redecorates the house and restoration renews parts of it, revolution tears the entire structure down and builds a new one in its place.
Here’s how I put it in my book Finding Organic Church:
“What is needed in the body of Christ is not restoration. It’s not even revival. What is needed is a revolution—a complete and radical change from top to bottom, a new sighting of Jesus Christ and His church, and a change of both mindset and practice. To put it bluntly, we need a revolution in our understanding of the Christian life. We need a revolution in our practice of the church. And we need a revolution in our approach to church planting.”
A.W. Tozer spoke in the same vein.
In his book Keys to the Deeper Life (originally published in 1957), Tozer wrote the following in a chapter entitled, “Leaning into the Wind.”
“I believe that the imperative need of the day is not simply revival, but a radical reformation that will go to the root of our moral and spiritual maladies and deal with causes rather than with consequences, with the disease rather than with the symptoms … It is my considered opinion that under the present circumstances we do not want revival at all. A widespread revival of the kind of Christianity we know today in America might prove to be a moral tragedy from which we would not recover in a hundred years.”
Tozer’s observation about the limitations of revivals and reformations is the same as my own.
(How he defines “radical reformation” is what I mean by “revolution.”)
A spiritual revolution is a complete overhaul opposed to a cosmetic upgrade.
It’s a total renovation opposed to introducing new pieces of furniture and/or rearranging the old decorations.
Since 1988, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with groups of Christians under the headship of Jesus Christ where the body of Christ functioned in life and power.
Many of the features of revival were present in these fellowships.
Namely, the functioning of the body, leaderless worship, free testifying, sharing, prophetic utterances from the whole body, and the obvious work of the Spirit to shed light on and glorify Christ.
People would fly across the Atlantic to visit our meetings. Having never seen anything like it before, their testimony was “this is a revival!”
But it wasn’t.
For us, it was the normal experience of the body of Christ when she’s properly equipped to function according to her organic nature.
(For details, see Kingdom Ministry: Past, Present, Future.)
By the way, I’m NOT talking about a “house church,” but something far beyond a group of Christians who meet weekly in a home.
Conclusion
If the name of the game is conversions (souls being saved – which I’m 100% for), then Tozer’s analysis doesn’t make much sense.
But if God is after something higher than lost people being converted to Christ, then Tozer’s words should be seriously considered.
I contend that God’s primary interest is His eternal purpose, which includes reclaiming the explosive gospel of the kingdom.
And that, my friends, is revolutionary.
Historically, God has worked in seasons.
This is true for revivals and spiritual awakenings.
I’m thankful for every report about revival winds blowing. I just hope it spreads beyond a city, denomination, or movement.
Even more, what we need today beyond revival, reformation, and even restoration is revolution. A revolution in how we conceive the Christian life, how we live it out, and how we practice the church.
All of my work is toward that singular goal. The aim is that God in His mercy would use it to help ignite a revolution in the Christian faith.
That said, I’ll take revival, reformation, and restoration whenever and wherever they come.
But revolution is where my heart beats.
And that’s precisely what THE INSURGENCE is all about.
It’s a revolution from inside to outside, from ceiling to floor, from one edge to the other.
If you are someone who has witnessed the gamut of present-day Christianity, and there’s a cry in your heart that says, “There has got to be more than this!” than welcome to the revolution.
There is an Insurgence happening right now – a revolution. But it’s the size of a man’s hand. And it’s outside the industrial religious complex.
One of the essential ingredients needed for the Insurgence to move into high gear is this:
That those who are genuinely called to God’s work and who grasp the explosive gospel of the kingdom would be willing to labor together with their peers.
(See My Vision for a Ministry Dream Team for details on this.)
My prayer is that this takes place sooner than later.
I plan to write more about revolution in the future, so stay tuned.
Related:
Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom
The Revolution Will Be Televised
For more, check out:
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Brian Mallalieu
Thanks indeed, Frank, for this very necessary & courageous summary appraisal (especially at this time!).
Just wondering in which categories you would place the current quite varied expressions of ‘Disciple Multiplying Movements’ (DMMs), which as you know well for the most part still call their gatherings ‘house/home church’ (rather than the Biblically-correct Ekklesia, but sadly, & usually not in accord with 1 Cor. 14:26-40 — i.e. without getting hung-up on the local problem in vs. 34-36!)? Some even combine their discipling practices with traditional, Sunday legacy church gatherings!
Also, where would you place the exciting reported developments (especially in urban India) of ‘Christ-ward’ Movements?
Then, what about the almost universal mis-interpretation of Jesus’s ‘Great Commission’ where He called ALL of his disciples (following 3 years of on-the-job training at the Mt. of Olives) to “As you go, Disciple the Peoples, Baptising them (etc.), and teaching them to OBEY ALL that I have commanded you, ….” (N.B. Still encouragingly in Partnership with Him!). Where do you place that?
Blessings & thanks again,
Brian
Frank Viola
Glad you appreciated the article.
I have given my thoughts on rapid multiplication, the so-called “Great Commission,” and “movements” elsewhere.
Check out the free eBook “RETHINKING DISCIPLESHIP” and some future episodes of THE CHRIST IS ALL podcast where I’ll be addressing these topics more.
I would also point you to my FAQ page on this site.
None of these concepts map to what I mean by “Revolution” (or the Insurgence). The way they’ve been framed as “movements” is quite new, and there’s little to nothing about God’s Eternal Purpose in any of them.
Kyle H.
Fantastic insight! Your analysis is excellent. It’s been proved out by the revivals and restoration movements in history. I love how you are positive too, that you applaud revivals, reformations, restorations, etc. when they come, but you are spot on when you say they aren’t enough.
Revolution is the great need. I’m part of the Insurgence and I see it growing where I live.
Keep up the good work!
Jeremy
Outstanding article. No one else is talking about this in this way. Historically sound and super insightful. What you predicted seems to have already happened with the recent revival. I wish they’d bring you in to speak. Your messages have devastated me, in a good way!
Molly
Oh, that the global Body of Christ would be awakened to these truths in massive numbers! Thanks for the Reformation, Restoration, and Revolution categories. Very helpful in keeping the goal top of mind instead of leaving it here on the page.
Kevin
Hi Frank, Awesome article, brother. Much needed today!
Caleb
This article is the bomb! Amazing insight. So needed. I wish they’d invite you to speak there. I have a request. I’d love to hear this message on audio, I mean the article. Some of my friends don’t read, but they will listen.
Frank Viola
Thx. The message in audio form is in the works. It will appear on the “Christ is All” podcast.
Justin
This article is revolutionary. I listened to your interview about kingdom ministry and it’s mind boggling. I have two kinds of Christian friends, those who read your book “Insurgence” and their lives changed. They are on the journey, listening to the podcasts and seeing their lives change. Then there are my friends who are stuck in the pop Christian world. They only read and listen to the celebrities. It’s really sad. Be encouraged, there are many of us out here who are part of the insurgence! I just joined your network and am listening to Ephesians in 3d. WOW!!!!
Brian
This gradient of Revival, Reformation, Restoration, and Revolution is radical. I can see that it will take a radical understanding + a radical application to experience the full spectrum. I resonate with how all the arrows point to the Insurgent Kingdom and the Eternal purpose. I don’t want to die without getting close to experiencing this. I at least have to be on this trajectory. The darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Let’s map to this!
Ella Defasio
I loved reading this. Read it all and also the links (they are POWERFUL). I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. Fresh thoughts here.
Craig
As a church historian, this article is spot on. You are right about the Reformers not going far enough and about the nature of revivals. This has been well documented. The book “The Reformers and Their Stepchildren” and also “The Pilgrim Church” discuss where the Reformers didn’t make the required reforms to the RCC but other groups began the process of restoration.
I heard the audio about kingdom ministry linked here and it was outstanding. I just ordered some of your books and am excited to get on the journey. You are a kindred spirit.
No doubt, traditionalists will complain but they won’t be able to overturn your analysis with facts.
Thank you!
CDK
Justin
Wow! I listened to “Kingdom Ministry: Past, Present, Future” yesterday. Blew me away!
Michelle
This is the best analysis of the revival I’ve seen. Awesome article!
Cheryl Little
After reading accounts of what is going on in Asbury currently I was struck by all the elements described that parallels what you teach the regular ekklesia should be like in each local body of believers every week! Thank you for explaining it more in depth in this article. I’m praying that more believers will wake up to that reality and that the insurgence and true revolution will spread!
Frank Viola
Yea, the problem is that it won’t last and things will revert back to the way they were after the water recedes UNLESS certain things take place, which have never happened in any revival I’ve ever witnessed myself or known about.
The book Finding Organic Church, Part 1, explains what that missing ingredient is.
These days it’s hard enough to find leaders who will invite others in from the outside, let alone inviting the rare breeds who I describe in that part of the book.
Peter
I was a part of the Jesus revolution that you mentioned. It permanently changed me and hundreds and thousands of others. You seem to be very concerned with structures and the Lord seems more concerned with the hearts of his people. Just saying! Peace.
Frank Viola
False dichotomy. Structures and leadership constructs can either facilitate the genuine expression of the body of Christ (body life) or kill it.
God wants more than an individual human heart who loves Him, He’s looking for a corporate expression – hence, the Eternal Purpose.
Most of the people I know who were saved in the Jesus movement love the Lord, but they are wandering, looking for home.
I’d encourage you to read “From Eternity to Here” and “Insurgence” to get an idea of what I’m talking about. These messages have been lost to us. https://frankviola.org/books
Emily
Frank, you are right. My dad was part of the Jesus Revolution Movement and although he’s saved, he is lost when it comes to fellowship. My family loves your books and he tells me you’ve captured what he experienced in measure but has never had since. Thank you and keep writing and speaking!
Andres
What a Christ! That is indeed what I always get after reading every piece you write. I only wish we, the Spanish speaking people all around the world, could have all this revelation translated into Spanish some day 🙂 I can help you with that. Cost to you: gratis, zero, nada. 🙂
Frank Viola
Thx. Some of my books are already in Spanish. See https://frankviola.org/spanish
Spanish publishers would publish the rest of my books if Spanish-speaking people (like yourself) would keeping requesting them to publish the rest of my books in their language. That is the best way for you to see your desire.
So far, no one who speaks Spanish has made an effort to organize Spanish-speaking people to begin doing this.
A Spanish publisher has to secure the publishing rights from the American publishers, but they won’t do that unless there is a demand from Spanish readers.
Mackenzie Johnson
Brilliant! Sharing this.
Kayla
This is an amazing article! I’ve never see anyone give this perspective before. Sharing!
Brandon
This is the best article I’ve read on this topic by far. No one is sharing this perspective. It needs to be shared.
Thanks for your labor of love in putting this together. I imagine it took many hours.
Nathan
Spot on as usual Frank! Thank you for always making the focus on Christ and not emotions, feelings, movements, etc …
You are a treasure to the body of Christ and have revolutionized my thinking and understanding of ekklesia.
Susana Hernandez
This resonates much with me. I’m fairly new to your writings, though I’ve heard of them for years, so I’m playing catch-up. Here in Colombia we need that revolution, a total reformation, as much as anywhere, and we are praying for it!
Angela
Amen. This is what I posted above your article:
“Amen. I was just reading yesterday in Leviticus how God rained holy fire down to initially light the altar (and apparently again for Solomon) but it is OUR responsibility to not allow the fire to go out, and to worship with genuine spiritual fire, not the fire of human effort or dead intellect. The fire is to be tended daily. In the New Covenant we are all priests, so it is not our official leadership who is responsible for keeping the fire going, it is all of us. Being full of the Spirit and prophesying (properly understood– being full of genuine love and sharing Christ with each other counts for more than miracles) and forms that facilitate every-member connection and sharing and ministering inside meetings and outside them is what will keep the holy fire burning. Which is why that’s what Paul wanted in 1 Cor 11 thru 14. Old wineskins will either deliberately or unintentionally quench the fire, which is why Paul warns the Thessalonians about that. Which is why every revival and move of God throughout history has similar features and always dies when institutionalism gets a hold of it. Also why mini-revivals break out instantly whenever there is genuinely hunger for God and enough seriousness for two or three to gather in sincerity and love. I’ve personally seen it happen multiple times, in large or small groups, and now its in the news again…Learn to tend the Fire!”
Hopefully curious folks will read more of your stuff and others like it.