Reformation of systems and structures must come if we hope to host revival.

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I've spent years traveling to churches all over the nation and have been blessed to get to know some incredible pastors. They are hungry for revival and are willing to allow God to move any way necessary.

It's also true that many who hold the office of Pastor either unwittingly or intentionally disrupt the pursuit of revival in their city. They simply aren't gifted or wired to understand the demands of revival much less the strategy to launch and sustain it.

I strongly believe we must embrace a shift away from pastor-led churches as apostolic and prophetic leaders advance the city-church toward an outpouring. The systems and structures must change dramatically allowing those with the gift of shepherding to eliminate the burdens of senior leadership.

What follows is a general analysis of the status of the church. By no means do I presume every pastor fits into this mold, but the definition and design of this spiritual office has its limits. Every biblical office and gift does. This is why reorganization is necessary as the entirety of the five-fold ministry begins to function together.

5 Ways Pastor-Led Churches Hinder Revival

ONE: They promote comfort over crucifixion

Those with a strong, dominant pastoral gifting with a mercy gift to match are keenly focused on protecting the flock. They easily tap into the hearts of the people they care for and typically desire to remove any sense of danger or discomfort.

Pastors are absolutely brilliant when functioning as nurturing shepherds. They are at their best when imparting into people one-on-one or in small groups. However, as apostolic catalysts for revival, their weaknesses become clear.

Instead of unapologetically calling people to “come and die”, their rallying cry is often to “come and find life.” Of course, abundant life is a clear benefit for every Believer, and there are countless other truths that reveal the joy, peace, freedom and wonder of a life in Jesus. These truths must be preached.

The problem is that advance toward revival is one that requires all who sign up to surrender as martyrs. The cost is extreme and the discomfort intense. A “happy family” style church gathering just won't cut it.

TWO: They are resistant to change

Pastors know that most people find comfort in consistency. A volatile, ever-changing church culture disrupts the peace and predictability that attracts increasingly stressed-out people.

The counsel is to steer a church like a cruise ship, not a speed boat. No quick turns or abrupt jolts. Many pastors will take several years to work into significant changes. Unfortunately, revival can't wait that long.

True apostle and prophet-led churches may introduce major transitions several times a year. Week to week the focus can dramatically change.

It's common to move from unplanned seasons of deliverance to strategic intercession to mass repentance—all in the same month. The activity of the Holy Spirit, prophetic revelation, attacks of the enemy and other happenings demand quick reflexes.

THREE: They lack an apostolic viewpoint

There are many leaders who are hybrids. Pastor/apostle, pastor/teacher, etc. However, those who are solely pastoral often have a difficult time grasping the ministry of apostles and prophets. As a result, their church is usually devoid of these influences.

Further, their daily focus is not the city. It's their own local church. This may be one of the greatest hindrances to revival due to the regional nature of outpourings. People who are pursuing revival in their own local context don't understand that God's eyes are on the city. In Scripture the church is not defined by street corner. It's defined by the city or region.

Advance toward revival absolutely demands that we mostly focus on the area outside the walls of our church. This tends to be difficult for pastors as their hearts are more connected to the people close to them than the multitudes beyond their reach. Apostles tend to come at it from the opposite direction. They see over the horizon and have a passion to equip a few carefully selected firebrands for the mission.

FOUR: They avoid alienating people

Apostles and prophets are eager to take the Gideon approach, eliminating 99% of those who are unready or unwilling, and advance with the remnant, the one percent who are willing to respond with precision.

Such an approach terrifies many pastors. The thought of losing people causes them to lie awake at nights. When people leave their church, depression can set in. The fear of loss consumes them. Promoting a purging of the sheep makes no sense to most pastors. Even if it does, they fight it at all costs.

The truth is that millions of people are waiting for a refined, holy, surrendered church army to get into position. Apostles know the mission can't be fulfilled with the wrong people. Of course, Apostles who have the heart of God are not cruel during the purging, but they allow the people to choose if they are willing to pay the price or not. Pastors usually don't even give people the option. They want everyone happy, relaxed and unpressured.

FIVE: They lack regional authority

By design, pastor's focus and authority is on the micro level. They are not often equipped or authorized to administer the church of the city. As I said before, some are hybrids, but for those who are not, frustration will come fast when they try to lead a region.

Pastors should certainly be connecting with apostolic city leaders, strategically planning how to advance toward revival. Pastors play a significant role in the process as they train and nurture people and make them ready for battle.

It's critical for all pastors, all local churches and all home churches to be deeply invested in the revival strategy in the city. There must be clarity on their specific role, on what other city leaders to connect with each week and on the overall vision as communicated through key city prophets and apostles.

When governmental order is restored in the church of the city, local churches will have burdens lifted and new strength will come. Regional revival is the goal of every church and the only way to experience it is if we are rightly positioned.