I’ve just returned from a week of preaching revival services at First Baptist Church, Bladenboro, NC. Seriously, a week of revival! Pastor Bert Young invited me. But the desire for a “traditional revival meeting” came from his Young Adult Sunday School Classes. We had five services from Sunday morning until Wednesday evening. We had a full Sanctuary each evening (much to my surprise and joy!) We had a wonderful week of visiting in the community, encouraging church leaders, and sharing the Gospel.

While this approach to church may not appeal to the more metropolitan and sophisticated seeker or church member, “revival” broke out amongst us in Bladenboro. We preached Jesus and sang hymns of salvation and grace. We shared tears as commitments and rededications were made in response to the Altar Call. We enjoyed fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.

Several things impressed me about this week of meetings!
1) The event was motivated by the desires of the YOUNG Adults. This return to a traditional revival event was intergenerational but motivated by the younger adults. And, their participation was evident each evening.

2) The pastor listened to the needs of his congregation and led appropriately. This was not the pastor’s event; it was an event of the people. The pastor led the planning and preparation and the people participated in amazing ways.

3) Evangelism and a call to Christ are as important today as ever. We may think ourselves “spiritual and not religious”; we may think ourselves “beyond the Christian label”! But I was excited and energized to “preach Jesus”! The congregation was moved as church family members responded to the call of Christ. It was an amazing experience to share “revival” with this church.

4) No, I didn’t bring “revival” to the church. The pastor and people had been praying and preparing for months. No, my sermons were not the reason for spiritual responses. The pastor and people had been praying and preparing for months. 

YES, I would do another revival meeting in a heartbeat…IF the pastor and people pray and prepare.