The Western Church: In Irreversible Decline or Redemptive Resurgence?

By Harold Vaughan

“Barring a move of God and radical discipleship of the next generation, the Western church has reached a state of irreversible decline.” I heard that statement recently. Do you believe it’s true?

Business as Usual Cannot Produce Revival

A radical move of God would not merely interrupt business as usual—it would replace it with the unusual business of revival. Those addicted to old wineskins are rarely open to the new wine of the Spirit. Scores of saints want to hear the same messages, preached by the same people, in the same way, time after time. Without renewed spiritual hunger that outpaces our addiction to the familiar, we are doomed to reruns.

Discernment for Now, Not Replication of the Past

What we need is not a replication of past moves, but discernment for what God wants to do now, and the courage to go all in. Never mind our limited frames of reference that protect our comfort zones. Let’s drop everything and get in on what God is doing!

God Comes Where He Is Wanted

Weak spiritual hunger is the primary reason revival tarries. Jesus shows up where He is desired, welcomed and celebrated. God seems to manifest Himself where there is a theology spacious enough to accommodate Him. Yet virtually every group has its own criteria—its own parameters within which God must operate. God’s reviving presence has visited many places in recent years, but it appears many leaders were only willing to respond if it came on their terms, in their time and on their turf.

The Real Issue: Are We Truly Hungry?

So the real issue is this: Are we hungry for God? Are we longing for an outpouring of His Spirit? Are we desperate for a manifestation of His glory? Are we willing to leave the shores of familiarity and launch out into the deep? Are we willing to linger in the quiet place and lay hold of God?

When God Leaves, Religion Remains

Churches make little impact on their communities because God has vacated the premises. We may cling to tradition, legalism, fads, smoke and mirrors, cerebral religion, liturgy, prayerlessness and countless religious trappings—but these are hindrances, not helps, to the revival we so desperately need.

Hungry Hearts Have Always Disrupted the Status Quo

Historically, those with burning, hungry hearts were willing to flip the tables in the temple to usher in a day of grace. Passivity and apathy are mortal enemies of spiritual life. If comfort matters more to you than spiritual combustion, you will likely never experience heaven on earth.

Past the Point of No Return or Poised for Power?

Has the nation passed the point of no return? Perhaps. But nothing is impossible when God moves in mighty power. Never mind trying to keep all the plates spinning.

It’s time to humble ourselves before God and honestly confront the controversies that have deeply grieved Him.

It is long past time to put everything on the line and cooperate with God without stipulation.

Signs of Awakening We Dare Not Ignore

Data shows an unprecedented movement toward God among young people—especially young men. Bible sales are up. Church attendance is increasing. This is happening not only in the United States, but in Britain and many other places. College campuses have experienced remarkable evangelistic harvests in recent months. Even in the Muslim world, God is revealing Himself and many are coming to Christ.

The Shortage Is Not of Power But of  Intercessors

The Lord was astonished that there were no intercessors (Isaiah 59:16). If you are content to observe and manage decline, your fate is sealed. But if you’re hungry, if you’re desperate for more, then let’s corporately pull out all the stops and seek God’s face for a mighty visitation.

Irreversible Decline or Redemptive Resurgence?

Revival means reset. Everyone agrees that renewal and awakening are desperately needed. This could be the beginning of one of the greatest moves of God in human history. The call resonating from God-hungry hearts is this: “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Hundreds of God-hungry men will gather for the upcoming Men’s Prayer Advance in Roanoke, Virginia, from January 29-31. Men, you are invited to join us in seeking revival that weekend. Register today!