When I first entered the ministry in 1993, revivals were already a dying event. The Churches I led once held these annual revival meetings that used to draw large crowds of people. What had at one time lasted for eight days or more was now occurring for 3-4 nights with only a handful of people attending.

I tried to rally the people, and by 1996, I had given up the project as it took more time, energy, and money than the fruit being produced. The Church leadership did not put up a fight with me as they were tired of trying to generate excitement for this as well.

There are numerous reasons these revival meetings died. One of the biggest was the invention of mass media. Even in my early years, people could tune in on Sunday morning TV and see some of the best preachers in America every week. They could flip on their radio while driving around the farm and listen to fantastic preaching. The chance to hear a challenging word from the Bible was available to them every week, not just when the revival speaker came around. Nowadays, we have added all forms of digital media, which make it possible to hear a sermon on any topic at any time of the day or night. 

There are other reasons, like busy schedules, vacation opportunities, every night sports for youth, and endless entertainment options that also led to its demise. No longer were they opportunities for growth and outreach, but they were simply another event to fill Christian’s schedules.

For me, there was another reason I wanted to stop having revivals. I hated people treating faith like it was a one-time event. The speaker would come in and call people to turn to God. Several would get excited. A few would make their confession of faith, repent, and be baptized. Then, when the revival was over, they would disappear from Church. The revival led people to view their faith decision as a one-time, often emotional event. True faith is about a whole life transformation.

In the last couple of years, I have noticed Churches and groups trying to push to bring revivals back. I recently saw a friend of mine posting all about their “Old Time Revival.” For you, that may be exciting as they do generate a feeling of nostalgia. For me, as a Church leader, I am glad they happened, but I would like them to stay dead. Much like 8 track tapes, they served their purpose, and it is time to move on to new forms of outreach.