How Will We Know Revival Has Come?

“How will we know that revival has come?” For many in our tradition this may seem a farcical question. When we hear the word “revival” it typically evokes two ideas. There are those for whom revival simply means a series of meetings, set aside from regular worship services, to give focused attention to the pursuit of personal and corporate renewal.

As Pentecostal people in a movement that has long embraced manifestations and demonstrations of the Spirit, others consider the term revival to be associated with visible moves of the Spirit—people speaking in tongues, message of interpretation, shouting, dancing, and the like.

As a child, I can remember services full of such demonstrations and many times the Spirit would “take over” the service leading to prolonged times of singing, tarrying, and testimony. Often times, this would go on for so long that the pastor wouldn’t preach his sermon. When this would happen, I would undoubtedly hear someone in the church say we surely experienced “revival.” But is this truly how we will know revival has come?

In our own pursuit of revival, we would be wise to consider the biblical promises and historical witnesses to what revival produces in the life of the believer and the church.

Biblical Promises

Biblically, revival is associated with God’s heart for His people and the promise of transformation that impacts communities. Scripturally, the outcome of revival is repentance, sincere worship, evangelism, joy, unity, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

Repentance: For individuals, the church, and nations, revival begins with repentance. Through repentance we recognize our sin and return to God. He promises that when we do so, we will receive forgiveness and restoration.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Sincere Worship: Genuine revival always leads to a renewed desire to worship and faithful obedience to his commands.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10-12).

Evangelism and Outreach: When we encounter the Holy Spirit, he ignites a passion within us for evangelism. He emboldens us to witness to others and share our faith. As others accept the call to follow Jesus, transformation is brought to our communities.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8)

Joy and Spiritual Health: Revival brings refreshing joy and vitality to the life of the believer. We are

strengthened in our faith even when facing the most challenging of circumstances or times.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Unity Among Believers: Revival not only brings about personal transformation, but it also creates an atmosphere of fellowship and unity among believers. Where revival occurs, the Body encourages, supports, and strengthens one another.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:42-47).

Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit: Revivals often lead to a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit, resulting in the manifestation of spiritual gifts and the empowerment of believers for service and ministry.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Historical Witness

While these outcomes of revival are promised throughout Scripture, we can also look to great movements of God throughout history that were defined as period of renewal and awakening. These historic revivals not only brought about the salvation of the masses but also brought critical change to society and the church. Many of these periods often arrive at times of social upheaval and persecution, producing hope and transformation.

The First Great Awakening (1730s-1740s)

The First Great Awakening was a series of revivals that swept through the American colonies in the mid-1700s. Most notably, George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards preached powerful sermons that challenged mainline churches and promoted personal faith and connection with God.

How did they know that revival had come? While precise numbers are hard to determine, it has been estimated that tens of thousands were converted during this period with some area churches quadrupling their membership. Significant growth was experienced by various denominations, particularly Methodists and Baptists. The awakening led to the establishment of schools like Princeton University, while also laying the groundwork for social reform movements that advocated for the abolishment of slavery, as well as services to care for the poor and marginalized.

"There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God." - Jonathan Edwards, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

The Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s)

This revival was noted for a focus on personal piety and societal reform. It led to a substantial number of conversions and inspired movements that impacted everyday life. Camp meetings were popular during this movement and entire communities transformed.

How did they know that revival had come? It has been estimated that over one million conversions occurred across the United States during this revival. By the 1840s, the Methodist Episcopal Church had grown from 100,000 members in 1790 to 1 million by 1840, and the Baptist denomination from 80,000 to 1 million in this same time period. Large outdoor gatherings attracted thousands of people who reported experiencing deep feelings of guilt when they arrived but left feeling extraordinary joy after seeking forgiveness. Public testimonies became popular as person after person reported the change they’d experienced. The revival also gave prominence and platform to those advocating for the abolishment of slavery and those leading the temperance movement aimed at curbing the consumption of alcohol.

"A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God." – Charles Finney

The Welsh Revival (1904-1905)

This revival in Wales was noted by emotional worship, spontaneous prayer, and a focus on community. Led by Evan Roberts, it resulted in thousands converting to Christianity and a significant impact on Welsh culture.

How did they know that revival had come? It is estimated that over 100,000 people converted to Christianity within just one year. The revival resulted in an increase in church attendance and membership, as churches swelled to doubling their attendance. Entire villages were transformed during this revival with sharp declines in crime and alcohol consumption. The revival emphasized congregational singing which birthed many hymns still sung today such as “Revive us, again” and “When We All Get to Heaven.” The Welsh Revival inspired other parts of the world, particularly the United States among the early Pentecostal movements.

"I am not going to be satisfied until I see a change in the church, a change in my community, and a change in the world." – Evan Roberts

The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915)

This Azusa Street Revival is considered the birthplace of modern Pentecostalism. William J. Seymour led this revival which emphasized direct personal encounters with God, divine healing, and speaking in tongues.

How did they know that revival had come? The Azusa Street Mission began in a simple building but quickly drew crowds. At its peak, services reportedly drew thousands of attendees, with over 13,000 people attending weekly services. Many of these reported experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues. Spontaneous singing, shouting, constant prayer, and healings occurred. Racial barriers were brought down as individuals from various races and ethnic backgrounds united in prayer. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide were touched by the witnesses and testimonies associated with this revival which impacted numerous denominations with millions of adherents to this day.

"We need a fresh outpouring of the Spirit; we need to get back to the old-time religion." - William J. Seymour

The Jesus Movement (1960s-1970s)

The Jesus Movement appealed to the youth of the 1960s and brought about the rise of contemporary christian music and various new denominations. The Movement emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus as followers engaged in Bible study and prayer in informal worship settings.

How did they know that revival had come? During the height of the Movement, evangelical churches experienced an increase in membership by more than 300%. The Movement resonated with young people leading to a renewed interest in Christianity among a generation largely disinterested in the traditional church. Many youths involved in this movement were also becoming involved in social justice issues, civil rights, and environmentalism. The Movement led to the creation of a number of ministries and organizations that focused on youth outreach, church planting, and evangelism, significantly impacting the landscape of American Christianity and beyond.

"The Jesus Movement was one of the most dynamic, significant movements of God in our time, bringing millions to Christ, and raising a generation that sought after His heart." – David Wilkerson

Revival is not bound to certain parts of the world or eras of time. The Great Awakening also occurred in Britian and Europe. In 1907, revival occurred in Korea with thousands coming to Christ. In the 1980’s, a series of spiritual outpourings led to the Argentine Revival. Millions came to Christ and Pentecostal churches grew from 1960 to 1980 in the Brazilian Revival. The Indonesian Revival (1960s to 1990s) was characterized by mass healing services and prayer gatherings as Christianity expanded among the Muslim country. These examples, and others, give witness to the impact of revival on the individual and entire communities.

How will we know revival has come?

Although revival looks differently in different contexts, it is about deepening our relationship with God and responding to his presence. We should also note that revival always begins with prevailing prayer, fervent fasting, and sincere pursuit of God birthed from a place of desperate desire. I am no longer satisfied answering our opening question by reading Biblical promises and historical accounts. I want to experience a move of God unlike every before. How about you?

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BISHOP SHAUN MCKINLEY, PHD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS

Bishop Dr. Shaun McKinley is the executive director of the Global Communications division of the International Offices of the Church of God of Prophecy. He is a graduate of the University of the Cumberlands, where he earned a PhD in Leadership Studies with a concentration in Ministry and Missions (2021). He also holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing (Bryan College, 2014) and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations (Montana State University, 2000). He serves as an adjunct undergraduate and graduate instructor with six major universities. In addition to his executive director responsibilities, Dr. McKinley serves the Church of God of Prophecy as a member of its Corporate Board of Directors, Spirit and Life Seminary Board of Directors, International Assembly Task Force, and the International Assembly Expense Committee. Dr. McKinley is married to Stephanie (Shroyer) McKinley, and they have three daughters: Reagan, Madison, and Kennedy.