Thursday, April 27, 2017

Takeaways from Revival

A Baker's Dozen: Takeaways from Revival

Yesterday we concluded what I believe to be, one of the greatest weeks of Revival services we have experienced in the life of FSBC here in Camden.  Worship was powerful, and the messages were delivered from God's word with passion and anointing from Evangelist Scott N.Smith.  In a day when some may think that people just don't attend Revivals anymore, I would beg to differ as we had good strong crowds for each service.  We were even blessed to have a choir sing in each service.  Revivals and choirs are two words that some just don't value today.  By God's grace I encourage any pastor or church member to reconsider.  Do you or the church need a fresh word.  My experience is that God may want to use someone else to bring it from time to time.

Some fruit from this past week 1) Souls were saved. Praise the Lord! 2) Believers were moved and responded on bended knee in most services. 3) Corporate worship was heartfelt and moving.
4) We baptized four on the final night.  A first for us in baptizing during the actual revival. 5)The Church supported and gave with great generosity to the preacher and his ministry.

Somethings I have learned as a pastor over the past twenty four years here when it comes to Revival.
1. Pray about who to bring in.
2. Remember the name and preacher when you hear someone that God uses to speak to you.
3. Earn the confidence of your folks that when it comes to a Revival preacher. You are praying and working to bring in a home run preacher, who has been tested and faithful to his call. Sometimes our good friends may not be the right fit.
4. Let your folks know what you expect during Revival.  Challenge them.
5. Take care of your guest preacher.  Treat them well and don't try to skimp by.
.My experience with Evangelists is that they would prefer to stay in a motel rather than someones home. they appreciate the kindness offered, but prefer the privacy to relax. Budget for it.
6. Bring in special music guests to help your worship leader or team.
7. Incorporate the guest preacher in some of your week's ministry.  Visit some folks who are ill or could not make it to services.
8. Get your men to join you and pray of over your speaker before each service.  That is a great thing to be doing yourself weekly with your men.
9.  Get the messages onto your website for folks to hear.
10. Celebrate the decisions. Follow up!
11. Get the love offering off to a good start by making a way to give on Sunday morning as well.
12. Promote! Promote! Promote! We sent Easter postcards to our entire zip code and on that announcement had Revival information.  Get it in the website, paper, and sign! Any church can do that even with limited funds.
13. Provide loving childcare and come expecting God to do great things!

Dr. Greg F. Jackson
Senior Pastor
First Southern Baptist Church
Camden, Ohio

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