Revival in America?

What percentage of Americans are Christians? According to a 2012 Gallup poll, 52% of Americans identify themselves as Christians (non-Catholic). This number is consistent with other recent polls I found. Recent polls by both Gallup and the Pew Forum report approximately 40% of Americans attend church regularly. Could these numbers really be correct? If they are correct, how can our nation be plagued by so much immorality and godlessness? Why does it seem that we as Christians are a tiny little minority? Why is America in such need of revival?

I believe that the above numbers are, in fact, incorrect or exaggerated. Just because someone claims to be a Christian or to identify with a Protestant faith does not make him a truly born-again believer. Unfortunately, our country has many historically sound churches that no longer preach the gospel. There are numerous individual churches, as well as entire denominations, that limit their preaching to topics like being good and helping others, without ever addressing the fundamental reason for those actions.

On the other hand, I believe there are more true believers and more Biblically-sound churches than we realize. I believe someone who suggests 5% or 10% as the correct figure is probably estimating low. As far as churches, there are tiny churches tucked away in little towns all across our country. They may not have ties to any denomination, may not be part of a fellowship with other churches, and may not have kinship with any Bible college or university. As such, they are beacons of light in their own community, but few people outside of their community know they exist.

Considering individual Christians, I believe there are many thousands who have heard and accepted the gospel, rejoicing to have finally found the truth. Unfortunately, they were never taught that there is more to Christianity than just salvation. Perhaps they were saved in a special rally or revival service, perhaps through a TV preacher, maybe through someone who knocked on their door but never came back. For whatever reason, these legitimate Christians never grew, and therefore never had much impact.

Is revival in America possible? I believe it is. The number of true Christians is almost certainly less than 52%, but it is still high enough to make a difference. If all those tucked-away little churches and never-trained baby Christians were to step forward and be known, Christianity would have a much stronger voice.

When I pray for revival in America, my prayers focus on three aspects. First, I pray that leaders, well-known and important people, and influential citizens would be saved. These could be politicians, news media, company presidents, and so forth. As true conversion is coupled with a transformed life, a few people of this magnitude could have a tremendous impact.

In my estimation the most potential would come, however, from the bottom up rather than from the top down. Secondly, I pray for churches and pastors in America. Well over a third of the population claims to go to church regularly. There are churches out there filled with people who are available to be fed. Too many churches are failing to feed them. They stick with messages sent down from the denomination, amusing spiritual lessons, or a social gospel. What if these pastors would determine to boldly preach the truth of the Bible and to give their members nourishing spiritual food? I pray that pastors would do what they ought to do.

Third, and most important, I pray for individual Christians. I think especially of those who are saved but have never been trained. These people have great potential to do a work for God, but they need some mentor or some pastor to show them the reality of everyday Christianity. What if these Christians started going to church regularly? I also think of Christians who go to church Sunday after Sunday, but live for themselves the rest of the week. With church checked off as the right thing to do, they feel free to pursue the world’s entertainment and activities the rest of the week. They look, act, and talk like the world. What if these Christians started seeking deeper spiritual teaching and preaching?

I’m not trying to criticize any church or individual. Many of these sincerely believe they are doing everything they need to do. For many, they do not realize there is anything more. Their heart is directed enough toward God that if they did realize it, they would do something about it. So what we need is for God to awaken hearts and to give that realization. We need people to have a thirst for more. All of us, no matter what level we are at, need that thirst. God can prompt the thirst on His own, but He also wants to use us as Christians to whet the appetite of those around us. This is the heart of my blog – to encourage Christians at all levels to shine brighter and to go higher with God. If that happens at the grass-roots level, God can do a mighty work in and through us.

“It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law.” Psalm 119:126 (NASB)

“LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear. O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2

“O LORD God of hosts, restore us; cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” Psalm 80:19