To Move a Heart and Fill a Congregation
13 Jan
What moves people? How can you get them to listen to your message? How do you get them to come to your church?
I say, the only way – ONLY WAY – is through the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ which is the only thing that can compell a man’s heart.
If this is true, why do we have to spend so much time on programs, gimicks, get togethers, and great lighting? I challenge us to look at the great revivals of our past. Revivals set up in dirty tents with uncomfortable seating. The people were hungry and desperate to experience a move of God.
I don’t believe the people who attend Hillsong Church go for the amazing light show – the Holy Spirit is truly present in that place. If your church is dwindling in numbers, I promise, it’s not the hole in the carpet or the lack of a 30 something group that’s keeping people away.
The people are still hungry and desperate!
that’s a good word, Judi. showing the love God is so much more appealing and moving than an incredible light show. and a move of the Holy Spirit can touch a person more than the most powerful presentation ever could. i’m hearing this a lot from a lot of Christians. i think the Lord is saying something about how powerful He really is and He absolutely doesn’t need our help in that area.
Great point, Judi. At my church I constantly have to remind myself when looking at some of the mega-churches out there that a big, cool building and great music doesn’t make their church, and it won’t make us. There’s got to be some room though for gimmicks and such. Sometimes that is what get people to look past their current worldview and check out Jesus. Jesus is definitely the focus though.
Not sure why my previous post posted on your other article, but I meant it for this one. Hope that made sense
Thanks Paul – Great article!
awesome post, judi.
Nathan, do you think if we were really using the authority that Jesus gave us – healing the sick, casting out demons, raising people from the dead, and allowing the holy spirit to move, that we would still need gimmicks to get over current world views. I say not. People would come. The lost and hurting would come.
Oh Judi, how I enjoyed reading this. I grew up in a time where revival came to our small pentecostal church a few times a year. i was so accustomed to healings, miracles, and people giving up habits, that as Ive gotten older I am searching for a church where the Holy Spirit is continuously active.
I think of Azusa Street and pioneers like Ruth Ward Heflin, Billy Graham, and C.H. Mason who were fervent in their quest for God. They sought Him and He showed up.
I pray today for revival