Why Not a Revival

Over the years, I have had the privilege to write this column, and I have used the following article more than once. The article was written by Delmar D. DeBault, one of the best preachers I know. He was a fixture at the Kiamichi Clinic in Honobia, Oklahoma, for more years than I can count. If I remember correctly, he oversaw the Thursday evening fish fry. Even though his article was printed in the Restoration Herald many years ago, it remains right on target for 2026.

Those who know me know I believe in Revival Meetings. I believe they can encourage the church, and they can be used by the Holy Spirit to convict those who have become indifferent and lukewarm. They can also be used to reach the lost for Jesus Christ.

I have been told by many that “Revivals are a thing of the past and they will not work today.” I believe that statement says more about the church than it does revival meetings. The problem is not with the revival per se; it is with the congregations that don’t want to get out of their homes to come to the meetings.

Brother DeBault hit the “nail on the head” with this short article. After you finish reading, I will be back with more comments. First here, the article:

Why a Back Seat?

How many times have I heard, upon arriving at a church for a meeting. “This will be a poor week for a revival.” On Monday night, the circus is coming to town; on Tuesday, the Sons and Daughters of “I Will Arise” are having a convention; on Thursday night, the Garden Club will meet to discuss African violets; the ball game is on Friday night, and there is always television.”

When was there ever a good week for a revival? Must the church take a back seat in favor of every side show that blows into town? Must we always take the leftovers? Why shouldn’t the other crowd do the worrying? Why shouldn’t the church of Jesus Christ, with the answers to the world’s problems, make such an impact that the world, the flesh, the devil would huddle in worry and dismay, saying, “This will be a poor week for us, there’s a revival in town!

Now, allow me to make some comments about Brother DeBault’s brief article.

First, to this I say, “Amen.”

I know that many congregations have given up on revivals because people have stopped coming. I also know that many churches are so small they can’t really get anyone to come out for the meeting. However, I also know that a revival can be a shot in the arm to a small, struggling congregation.

Let me encourage you to plan some type of special meeting this year. Something that will bless and encourage your congregation. If you can’t have a full week meeting, have a weekend meeting. If that doesn’t work, then do like some congregations are doing and have a special revival-type service four times a year. The fifth Sunday of each quarter is a perfect opportunity for just such a meeting.

The folks I preach to each week are super kind to me and encouraging. They support me and make me want to preach. However, I know that they need to hear other men preach. Not only that, but I need to hear preaching as it improves my own preaching. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (NASB). Preachers need to hear other preachers.

Let me give you a few hints on how to have a good revival meeting. First, line up good music. Good preachers are a dime a dozen. Singers aren’t. (By the way, for those who struggle to understand my sense of humor, the preceding sentence was written with tongue in cheek.) Good music will make a meeting. Some congregations find a good musical group and invite them to sing for thirty minutes each night before the preacher preaches.

Next, find a good preacher. Allow your congregation’s preacher to make recommendations or at least have input as to who the speaker should be.

Next, plan. Don’t just call someone and ask a month or two out, “Can you lead us in a revival?” Choose who will lead the meeting well in advance. Then begin to announce the revival to your congregation. Tell them to circle the date on their calendar. Challenge them not to forget. Try to do all you can to take away the excuse that “We already have plans for that week.”

Next, ask the people in your congregation to begin praying as soon as the meeting is scheduled. Encourage them to begin to think of who they can invite to the meeting. Get them to make a list and pray for those on the list. Let them know you want to wrap the meeting with prayer every day until the meeting is over.

I am happy to say there are still congregations that have a revival meeting. I think if you ask them, they will tell you it is a blessing to their congregation. The time and money you invest in this meeting will be well worth every second or penny you spend.

Finally, preach and teach that the world should not take a back seat to the world. I can remember when people would stay home so they wouldn’t miss their favorite program on TV. Today, we have ways of recording programs, so no one can really use that as an excuse. Even though, in truth, it was never a good reason for not attending.

Plan a meeting, a special occasion, or invite a guest preacher a few times each year. Do something that will encourage the members of your congregation. You might be surprised at the results.

God bless you.

P.S. We are in the middle of Family Camp season. There are many of these throughout the year. Check the back of the Restoration Herald for all the upcoming events.

Tony Sullivan is the Evangelist with the Lester Road Christian Church in Fairburn, GA. He is also an Associate Evangelist with the CRA. He can be reached by email: Tonycra@att.net.