AMERICA AND BEYOND
The primary audience of An Urgent Appeal is Christian leadership in America. However, the general principles are equally applicable to revival issues in the Church worldwide. The Appeal celebrates significant renewal and revival movements in other parts of the world that illustrate many of the issues explored here. They hold out great hope for God's mercies to yet reawaken the church in America
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"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you . ."
(Ephesians 1:17-18)
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STARTING THE CONVERSATION
AN URGENT APPEAL is not intended to be a "primer" on revival. Instead, it presents an analysis on revival that attempts to be biblical, simple, and generally self-evident. The goal is to capsulate major themes on revival around which consensus and collaboration can be built as the American church stands at a new threshold in the Kingdom purposes of Christ.
Primary objectives of the Appeal include:
- To cultivate and promote increased consensus and collaboration about what the Holy Spirit has said and is saying concerning corporate, biblical revival.
- To establish a starting point for in-depth discussion on biblical revival by leaders of various denominational and ethnic backgrounds.
- To provide common language and a context within which Christian leaders can work together to foster this vision throughout the Body of Christ.
- To help leaders who seek corporate, biblical revival to preempt unnecessary chaos and division among ourselves and our people as God grants our prayers for revival.
Ultimately, it is hoped the Appeal will stimulate collegiality among Christian leaders and will help cultivate a climate conducive to a theologically-sound reawakening to Christ within our churches and throughout our nation.
THE TITLE
A brief survey of its title may help further clarify the purpose of this document:
URGENT--We are standing at a crossroads moment in the life of the American church. Many believe we are at the threshold of a season of either revival or further judgment.
APPEAL-- This is an invitation to give immediate attention to the topic of revival. The document is consciously prophetic, calling Christian leaders to repent and wait on God with expectant hearts.
CHRISTIAN LEADERS-- If a new work of God is on the horizon, the leaders must lead the way, and must do so together.
IN AMERICA-- This document addresses all U.S. Christian leaders, at all levels, in all parts of the Body of Christ, across ethnic, denominational, generational, and ministerial boundaries. Further, it deals preeminently with the condition, needs, and hopes of the American church. However, most of the document is relevant to Christians worldwide.
FOR CONSENSUS— This Appeal does not require total agreement or total uniformity of thought. Instead, as one dictionary puts it:
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Consensus means: group solidarity in sentiment and belief; a general agreement; to give assent or approval; expression of common vision on which common action can be taken.
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FOR COLLABORATION— Urgency requires more than intellectual assent. Leaders must also find ways to act together to meet the challenge of the hour. The dictionary defines collaboration as follows:
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To work jointly with others; to labor in and advocate for a common endeavor; to cooperate around fulfilling a shared mission.
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BIBLICAL— This Appeal is to Christian leaders who see the Scriptures as the final authority and ultimate measure of truth on the subject of revival. The more theological precision we can gain, the better we can navigate together between revival and "revivalism."
HOPE— This refers to any God-given vision for the future that is shaped by the Christ-centered promises of the Scriptures.
CORPORATE— Revival deals with the affairs of Christ's church. In Scripture it is preeminently a corporate phenomenon. Thus, this document speaks primarily to corporate revival. At the same time, it recognizes that community-wide renewal will always include the reviving of individuals.
REVIVAL— Fuller definitions will be found in the following pages. To this end, the rest of the document will:
- Provide a brief analysis of our need for revival.
- Give definitions to the hope of biblical revival.
- Set forth an apologetic for confessing such a hope in our generation.
- Survey three major affirmations about revival.
- Identify important cautions.
- Propose practical responses leaders can make together.
MAKING IT PERSONAL
Finally, please note that at the conclusion of each section there are a few application questions and other exercises designed to help the reader (whether alone or in a small group) to engage the Appeal on a personal level. These sections will also assist readers in determining further steps they might take toward consensus and collaboration. This document was drafted with one special group in mind, the local ministerial fellowship or pastoral prayer group. Each section of AN URGENT APPEAL provides content for discussion and prayer, using the "Reader's Reflections." All of this could be developed into a sermon series on the biblical nature and hope of corporate revival.
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