Are we in Revival?

Entering into Revival

Dear Friends,

Tuesday, at a one day prayer Summit for Boston Pastors, Bishop Gideon Thompson made a statement to this effect, “For years, many of us have been praying for revival in New England.  Now, we’re in a season where we are experiencing a measure of the revival we have been longing for over decades.  We are in revival right now.”  Sometimes, we have a perspective on revival that is totally “other than” our normal experience. While I long for an ever-increasing movement of God’s Spirit, I think it can be very valuable to recognize that we are experiencing a measure of awakening now. 

Some indicators that we are in the beginning stages of an awakening:

•  Levels of encouragement and expectation among Christian leaders are high as many are sensing “the next 10 years will be the best of our lives”.
•  Many believers and groups of leaders are experiencing unprecedented levels of unity and love for one another
• The response of believers to Church-wide gatherings such as the NE Solemn Assembly and Boston Night of Worship

Of course, we have a long way to go.  However, let’s give thanks to God for how far he’s brought us so far.  We are making progress!  Also, remember that “awakening” is not something that happens “out there”, it’s something that happens inside your heart, when your heart comes alive to the reality of what God is really like. Just as Jesus had the disciples pray for laborers and then sent them out as the laborers, we are the revival we have been praying for.  When God’s life is flowing in you, you’re in revival!'

Next Gathering:

I hope to see you in Boston on Thursday, December 16 at Boston Missionary Baptist Church (366 Dudley St, Boston MA) for our 9^th 60.12 gathering. 

Report on November 60.12 Gathering

On November 9, 60.12 converged with a bi-annual gathering of Connecticut pastors.  Around 100 leaders from Connecticut and around New England spent the morning together before the Lord. Rick McKinniss, senior leader of Wellspring, facilitated the morning, skillfully steering us through many different expressions of prayer.  We worshipped the Lord, sat before him in total silence, and ministered to one another in many different ways.

At one point, leaders who were struggling with discouragement were asked to stand up.  Amazingly, only a few people stood up, maybe 10 or 20 people out of 100 present. I’ve been in gatherings like that where almost everyone was just struggling to stay in the fight. So to have around 80% of the leaders in the room saying “I am encouraged” is an amazing indicator of what God is doing in our region.  It’s not that there are no problems or struggles.  However, when we stand together, full of faith in the midst of adversity, it is a sign that we are winning! (Phil. 1:27-28)

During our conversation time, Keith Tolley of Vision New England asked a question about what God is doing in New England. Dick Kiernan took extensive notes on the conversation, which are recorded below:

What is hindering God’s movement in NE—preventing us from getting traction—losing momentum?

Don’t Pour New Wine Into Old Wineskins!

Introduction:  At the NE Alliance monthly day of prayer at Wellspring in Kensington, CT, about 20-25 NE leaders discussed what the church needs to do to move forward with God’s vision in NE.  We specifically discussed what is hindering God’s movement and what we need to do about it.  Here are a number of responses we heard:

·         Some pastors and leaders simply lack the commitment necessary to work together.  Sometimes we simply need more time—like when you are seeding a lawn—you need to work at it for different seasons and it can be years before a mature lawn is formed, so if everyone perseveres in doing their part there can be break through.

·         Some are not finding what they hoped for in the existing efforts, and since they have different expectations, they stop coming.

·         A new structure is necessary so that you don’t try to pour new wine into old wineskins.  A new vision must have a proper foundation on Christ.  Sometimes the problem is that “King Saul” does not want to yield to “King David.”  Sometimes the problem is that some want to control things or continue in a former leadership foundation.  There needs to be a brotherhood built up and everyone has to put aside their leadership role or denominational hierarchy and come together with leaders from other denominations.  Our denominations have often deviated from the foundations/essential teachings of Christ such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7). 

·         There is a suspicion among leaders and churches.  Relationships and leadership are key.  Sometimes NE intellectualism or denominational beliefs or ethnic differences divides the church. 

·         Overcoming barriers:  Jeff Marks witnessed about how Gordon MacDonald and so many leaders of his generation held meetings at Sturbridge and then agreed to go out 2 by 2 each month all over NE—this unity continues to grow to this day.  Many times these leaders gathered community pastors together who had never met or didn’t have a relationship. 

·         We need to change our understanding of church and the way it is structured based on John 13--
“Love one another as I have loved you—all will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”