Considering Revival as an Event

Bert dropped me a line about some events in our county that  are apparently making some big news around the country.  I was clueless, but I’m not anymore.  The coverage is interesting.

I’ve driven by the Ignited Church, and wondered what it was like.  I didn’t know it was pastored by Stephen Strader, son of Karl Strader the former pastor of Carpenter’s Home Church.  A few years ago, Carpenter’s Home Church was the site of Rodney Howard-Browne’s “holy laughter”.  You could watch that on TV, it was interesting but hardly edifying since the Word of God was not preached, just subjective experience run amuck.

The younger Strader scheduled Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley for a 5-day revival beginning April 2nd.  The terminology has shifted from revival as a sovereign work of God to an event you can schedule and expect/demand that God show up.  And they are claiming He has shown up in powerful ways as Bentley preached “intimacy with God” and extended his stay into May. 

For those involved, this is an obvious no-brainer: God is there.  For those within that theological tradition, the assumption is that God is involved.  It certainly sounds spectacular, and what Christian doesn’t want God to do great things?  But are great things happening?  Here’s what we know:

“Lord, remove the tumor,” Bentley shouted as he delivered a quick, open-handed blow to Borgelt’s midsection. Borgelt fell backward, eased down by the evangelist’s young staff members. A few moments later, after other healings unfolded above him, Borgelt stood.

“It still hurts,” he told Bentley. Not as much, he added.

Back on the arena floor, Borgelt seemed dazed. “I do sense that it’s better. But it’s still there.”

Will he go ahead with the surgery, scheduled today?

“I’m just going to wait and see what the Lord’s going to do.”

Hearing loss. Arthritis. Cysts. One wheelchair-bound woman walked with the help of two of Bentley’s staffers and then took a few steps alone.

Jesus’ miracles were undeniable, clear and everyone in the community knew they really had happened.  The guy born blind saw!  People crippled for years walked away boldly, not just a step or two.  What we read about here is hardly compelling evidence to people like me.  But to people who watch it on Christian TV it apparently is.  They are flocking to Lakeland just as they previously flocked to Brownsville and Toronto to experience miracles- supposedly hundreds of them.  But this “notable miracle” (as Brentley calls them) doesn’t seem notable.  No reports from doctors.  Just claims of …. well … something.  But they are not deterred!

The focus of the services has been on faith healings conducted by Bentley and his associates and Strader. A steady stream of people at the twice-daily services have presented themselves to ask Bentley and others to pray for relief from physical and mental ailments, ranging from cancer and deafness to diabetes and paralysis. Bentley and Strader say that hundreds have been miraculously healed.

“We opened a special room where people can bring the sick early so they don’t have to stand out in the heat. We’ve had people line up as early as 2 p.m. for the evening services,” Strader said. “Last night we had an incredible rush of miracles over cell phones.”

This is one problem as well.  Jesus is not the focus- healing is.  Our culture, our human nature, prefers the spectacular to the mundane.  A guy living out his faith at home and work … not interesting.  Healings, substantiated or not, draw big crowds.  I suspect God is more concerned with the former.  Then the reality that you can’t substantiate a miracle over a cell phone.  Why spread what could be a false report and potentially dishonor God?  Before announcing miracles, substantiate them.  We’ll wait.  We’ll praise God.

“It’s electric. It’s tangible,” said Bentley. “That’s what people are coming for and also the notable miracles.”

“It’s like the day of Pentecost,” said Brenda Copeland, of Lakeland, who has attended the events with her children and grandchildren. “We’re living in perilous times,” she said, and God “has told little Lakeland to throw its weight around.”

Tuesday’s meeting brought visitors from across the United States. Strader and one of Bentley’s assistants have begun holding 10 a.m. morning services at Ignited. More than 85 percent of the crowd at one meeting indicated they were from out of town.

There have been so many people the church’s facility could not hold them.  So off a larger sister church (pastored by Strader’s brother-in-law), the Lakeland Center and then to Joker Marchant Stadium, the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers (perhaps this may miraculously turn around their season).  4-7,00 people are showing up, and the security measures necessary are alleged to be putting a strain on the church.  Supposedly no one is making  money on this.  In revivals found in the Bible, people’s giving increases greatly as they are freed from greed.  If I were healed, I’d be grateful enough to dump in much of what I’d save in doctor bills.  But that is just me.

The services often go on for several hours, with worshippers engaging in ecstatic singing, laughing and shouting and frequently collapsing under what leaders say is the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Some of Bentley’s teachings are considered controversial in Pentecostal circles, such as his claim of being visited by angels. Asked whether Bentley’s theology was a concern, Simmons paused and said, “I think what we’re all about is seeing families put back together and people come to know Jesus. At the revival, I’m seeing people come to know Jesus, and I’m OK with that.”

One little mention of people coming to faith.  Is it to have their sins wiped away?  I don’t know, but there seems little to no mention of that message characterizing the preaching of God’s Word.  I don’t see the biblical pattern of revival here.  I don’t see the historical pattern of revival here (just do a search on this blog for revival and read to your heart’s content).  I believe God can and does send revival.  This just doesn’t seem like one of those times.  But may one come.

To read on this further consider these books:

Counterfeit Revival by Hank Hanegraaff

On Revival by Jonathan Edwards

Revival by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The Spirit of Revival: Discovering the Wisdom of Jonathan Edwards by R.C. Sproul and Archie Parish including a modernized version of Edwards’ Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God.