Up until recently news about the 2023 Asbury Revival, which started in the Hughes Auditorium following a chapel service in early February, was spreading on social media through TikTok and Instagram like wild fire.
It had became a bit of a global phenomenon with major news outlets like the Washington Post reporting on it. It was being lauded by many. But it also copped a fair bit of criticism from around the world, and even from Christian commentators and communities.
But as Carey Nieuwhof asks in a post entitled “5 Thoughts on the Asbury Revival for Pastors” that featured on his blog while the 2023 Asbury Revival was still going – ‘What are most church leaders to do about it?’
The 5 points that Carey shares I think are well worth posting here before I ask an equally pertinent question of my own (or at least I think so), as I feel we should all be asking it of ourselves each and every day.
Be More Curious and Open Than You Are Closed or Critical
We live in a highly cynical age, but if God is indeed moving, this is no time to be cynical. As temporary confusion and uncertainty may be an indicator that God is present and moving.
Don’t Worry About Taking a Position
As Timothy Tennent says;
“It is always better to stand in awe of something than to talk about something.”
Watch. Wait. Pray. Expect. And see. And be hopeful 🙂
Resist the Temptation to Imitate What’s Going On
Seeing God move is more about positioning than it is about anything else. You can position yourself for what God might want to do, but you can’t force it. You can open yourself, but you don’t know the outcome until it happens.
Don’t Feel Generationally Threatened
Just because something amazing is happening and you’re not a part of it doesn’t mean God isn’t in it. The Holy Spirit is free to move however the Spirit wants.
So… Maybe Watch and Give Thanks?
When it comes to seeing what God is doing in the next generation, perhaps the best perspective to take as a leader is to have an open heart and an open mind. That posture would benefit the church in many situations, including this one.
To get a broader understanding of what he’s saying read the article for yourself 🙂
All of this has got me thinking – ‘How are you (and I) positioned to be used by God?’
Are we doing all that we can to put ourselves in a position to be used by Him? Are we willing and waiting to be used by Him? Are we expecting to be used by Him?
Or are we doing the bare minimum to just get by in this Christian walk?
According to Rick Warren in a post on pastors.com there are five Biblical requirements for being used by God.
1. Keep your life clean.
The first step to being used by God is always personal examination. When you find someone whom God is using in a great way, they’ve dealt with the personal sin in their lives by confessing it to God. God uses small vessels, plain vessels, and even broken vessels. But he will not use a dirty vessel. Matthew 23:26 says, “Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (New International Version).
2. Keep your eyes open.
One of the most misunderstood words in leadership circles is the word vision. We think of vision as predicting the future, but none of us can know the future the way God does. Vision is seeing God at work in your present situation and moving with him.
It’s about getting in on what God is doing in the world and being a part of it where he has placed you. If your vision isn’t in alignment with what God is doing, you are off-course. As David said, “Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence” Psalm 105:4 (The Message).
3. Keep your heart grateful.
God uses grateful people. Thankfulness is also one of the keys to longevity in ministry. Thankful people endure longer because they focus on God’s provision more than their problems. Doctors refer to gratitude as the healthiest of all emotions because of its physical and psychological benefits.
If you don’t stay grateful, you’ll become cynical. Paul said, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” Romans 12:11 (New International Version).
We need to constantly remind ourselves what a privilege it is to serve Jesus. Never take for granted the things that God does in, through, and around us entirely because of his grace.
4. Keep your purpose firm.
You were planned for God’s pleasure, formed for God’s family, created to become like Christ, shaped for service, and made for a mission. These are the purposes for which God made you!
One of [Rick Warren’s] life verses is Acts 13:36: “David served God’s purpose in his own generation” (Common English Bible). [He] wants to serve God’s purpose for [his] life, and [he] knows you do too.
5. Keep your mind on Jesus.
Meditate on this verse, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God” Hebrews 12:2 (The Message).
God’s purpose for your life is far greater than your problems. Don’t give up when it gets tough. Go to Jesus. Keep your mind on Him!
How about we each reflect on the above five Biblical requirements and give ourselves a grade for each of the areas. Then thank God for our strengths and identify how we might be able to strengthen our weaknesses.
Also you may like to share this article with your key leaders, and follow it up with a discussion around where you see each other.
Another resource that you could use are aspects of Natural Character Development.
As “One of our greatest obstacles in knowing God is our own lack of self-knowledge… Our unwillingness to know ourselves as we truly are, can stunt our growth in Christ.” (Peter Scazzero – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality)
These are available through Spiramentum Ministries and can help you position yourself to be used by God – as they can help you assess; what you bring to a room (Inspiration), how you use your resources (Effectiveness), and how you connect with Him (Passion) among other things that are important to your Spiritual Growth and Christian journey.
Blessings ’til next time 🙂