Posts Tagged ‘church’
Stop Playing Games with Revival: Contending in a Culture of Positivity
We love the idea of revival. We love singing about the fire falling, we love the romanticized stories of past outpourings, and we love attending weekend conferences focused on the manifestation of God’s glory. But the sobering truth is this: we love the idea of revival, but we absolutely despise the agonizing, flesh-crucifying process required to actually birth it.
We have treated the outpouring of the Holy Spirit like a game. We have built an American church culture centered around relentless positivity, motivation, and encouragement, and in doing so, we have entirely lost our ability to mourn, weep, and contend for the desperate spiritual condition of our nation.
The Illusion of Positivity
A culture of relentless positivity is a deadly narcotic to the prophetic spirit. When our only goal is to leave a Sunday service feeling uplifted and happy, we become completely numb to the reality that our cities are racing toward eternal destruction. We ignore the undeniable fact that out of the over 19,000 cities in America, not one is experiencing a biblically normal revival.
True revival is not birthed in an atmosphere of casual, upbeat optimism. It is birthed in the trenches of agonizing intercession. It requires a remnant of believers who are willing to look at the darkness, feel the grief of the Holy Spirit over a compromised generation, and refuse to be comforted until the fire of God falls. We cannot contend for a massive move of God while simultaneously demanding that our religious experience remain comfortable, predictable, and positive.
The Elements of an Outpouring
If we want to see our cities shaken, we have to return to the biblical formula for fire. An enduring outpouring of the Holy Spirit is marked by specific, non-negotiable elements.
It requires a radical return to extreme holiness. It requires the fear of the Lord to re-enter our sanctuaries. It demands that the city church be identified, ordered, and gathered together, completely abandoning the territorialism and competition that divides us. Most importantly, it requires night-and-day, governmental intercession.
Revival is a violent clash between two kingdoms. It is the hostile takeover of a region by the Spirit of the Living God. You cannot engage in this level of spiritual warfare with half-hearted enthusiasm. It requires a shaking. It requires a reformation of our entire church structure.
Abandoning Revival Games
It is time to stop playing games. We must move past the superficial and enter into deep, passionate, relentless warfare. The prayer rooms must become the engine rooms of our churches once again, filled not with casual devotionals, but with fire-breathing intercessors who refuse to let the altar go cold.
Are you ready to pay the price? Are you ready to trade the illusion of positivity for the heavy, glorious, burden of the Lord? The harvest is waiting, but they will not be won by a compromised, casual church. Let the remnant arise, let the tears fall, and let the fire of true intercession consume us once again.
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Revival requires an army that knows how to hear the voice of God and enforce His will. Discover the shock and awe of true intercession by downloading the digital version of my book, Revelation Driven Prayer, absolutely free right here: www.revivalx.tv/revelation-driven-prayer
If your heart is burning to see a true, region-shaking outpouring of the Holy Spirit and you want to stand with us on the front lines, you can support the Revival X ministry here: www.burton.tv/donate
Sources & Citations for this Article:
- Contending for Revival in a Culture of Positivity (Ebook by John Burton): Sourced for the prophetic confrontation of the church's addiction to positivity and how it numbs believers to the necessity of agonizing intercession.
- Revival Games (Ebook by John Burton): Sourced for the core theme that the church treats revival too casually, and the mandate to stop playing games and pay the agonizing price for an outpouring.
- 20 Elements of Revival (Book by John Burton): Sourced for the framework of the “biblical formula for fire,” including the necessity of night and day prayer, extreme holiness, and the unification of the city church.
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
The Prison of Offense and the Tactic of Absalom
There is a silent, venomous disease rapidly spreading through the ranks of the American church, and it is entirely dismantling our ability to host the presence of God. It is not the moral decay of our secular culture. It is not the political landscape. The greatest threat to regional revival right now is the spirit of offense, accusation, and division operating freely within the walls of the ekklesia.
The enemy is absolutely terrified of a unified, praying city church. He knows that if a body of believers ever truly locks shields, honors leadership, and commits to standing their ground in the place of intercession, the demonic strongholds over that region will violently collapse. Therefore, his primary, number-one tactic is to scatter the troops. If he can get us to devour one another, he never even has to draw his sword.
The Casual Church-Hopper
We are living in an era of casual, consumer-driven church hopping. We have developed a highly sensitive, fragile version of Christianity where believers pack up their families and leave their local church at the absolute slightest hint of friction. If the pastor delivers a correcting word, if a worship set isn't to our liking, or if another congregant looks at us the wrong way, we immediately begin searching for a new building with a more palatable, accommodating atmosphere.
What we fail to realize is that the very friction we are running from is often the exact refining fire the Holy Spirit intends to use to burn the immaturity out of us. God places us in spiritual families not just to be comforted, but to be confronted. The local church is a tactical war room, and in war, you do not abandon your platoon just because the trenches get muddy. When we flee from divine discipline or interpersonal conflict, we abort the process of our own spiritual formation.
The Spirit of Absalom
Even more dangerous than the casual church-hopper is the one infected by the spirit of Absalom. In 2 Samuel, David’s son Absalom positioned himself at the gates of the city. He didn't outright attack the king at first; instead, he intercepted the people. He offered them a sympathetic ear, validated their complaints, and subtly undermined the authority of God’s anointed leader, stealing the hearts of Israel.
This exact spirit is sitting in the foyers and small groups of our churches today. It thrives on gossip disguised as “prayer requests.” It feeds on private conversations that critique the pastor's vision. It draws people into exclusive cliques and slowly, methodically sows seeds of distrust against the leadership God has put in place.
We must forcefully and unapologetically shut down the spirit of Absalom. We don't need more church splits, and we certainly don't need more self-appointed critics. We need fierce defenders of the church who will ruthlessly guard the unity of the body, honor spiritual authority even when it is imperfect, and refuse to entertain the venom of the accuser.
Breaking Free from the Prison of Offense
If you are carrying an offense today, you must understand that you are not just holding a grudge—you are sitting in a spiritual prison. A critical spirit will entirely blind you to what God is doing in the earth. You cannot carry the fire of the Holy Spirit while simultaneously carrying bitterness toward your brother or your pastor.
To become unoffendable is to step into glorious, shocking freedom. It means choosing to drop the stones. It means deciding that the corporate destiny of your city is far more important than your bruised ego. It means forgiving quickly, serving radically, and staying fiercely planted in the house of God, even when it costs you something.
Revival requires an army that cannot be offended. It demands a people who will take the low seat, wash feet, and battle alongside their leaders in extreme warfare. The world is watching. Let’s show them a Bride that is radiant, unified, and absolutely unbreakable.
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Are you ready to break free from the trap of a critical spirit and learn how to fiercely protect the unity of your local church? Equip yourself for the battle by diving into my books Defeating Absalom and Unoffendable, available now at www.burton.tv/books.
Revival X is mandated to equip a holy, unoffendable remnant for the coming outpouring. If you are blessed by these theological deep-dives and want to partner with our mission, you can support us here: www.burton.tv/donate
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
The End of the Living Room Church: Mobilizing the Remnant for Regional Revival
Right now, across the thousands of cities in our nation, revival is virtually non-existent. It is a sobering, terrifying reality that we can no longer afford to ignore or gloss over with enthusiastic Sunday morning worship sets. We have over 19,000 cities in America, and not one of them is experiencing a biblically normal outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Not one.
We have to admit that something is terribly wrong. We have settled for a localized, comfortable version of Christianity that prioritizes the ninety-nine over the radical call to equip a holy military. The undeniable truth is that the solitary local church, as it operates today, simply cannot support the weight of a true, regional revival. It’s time to stop pretending that our standard, scheduled weekend gatherings are shifting the spiritual atmosphere of our regions. They aren't. We are losing the battle for our cities because we haven't even shown up to the front lines.
Confusing Community with Commission
A massive part of the problem is that we have confused community with commission. While the desire for relational connection and organic fellowship is understandable, community in and of itself cannot be the ultimate goal of the ekklesia. God is not calling us to perpetually gather around the campfire to sing songs, drink coffee, and soothe our anxieties. We are being summoned to the theater of war.
We have built an entire religious system around coddling the immature, entertaining the passive, and protecting people from the very refining fire that is required to purify them. We don't need more entertainment, more fog machines, or more palatable, seeker-sensitive presentations masquerading as sermons. We need the burning word of the Lord, delivered by seasoned fivefold leaders, calling the remnant into radical consecration.
In my book, Fire Will Fall, I made this reality as clear as possible:
“With absolutely no city in this nation experiencing revival, we have to admit something is terribly wrong. We are zero for 19,000. Of the over 19,000 cities in America, not one is biblically normal. There is no revival on a city level. Until the city church is identified, ordered, gathered, and contending in prophetic, biblical, and governmental intercession night and day, there’s no way we can expect an enduring outpouring to overtake our cities.”
This is the mandate. We cannot rely on isolated islands of ministry to do what only a unified, governmental city church can accomplish.
The Necessity of Revelation-Driven Prayer
The shift required is monumental, and it begins in the place of prayer. True, region-shaking revival will never come because we asked nicely. It will only break out when a holy remnant refuses to move until they hear the voice of the Lord, and then ruthlessly enforces that word in the earth. We must transition from a pastoral, nurturing model to an apostolic model that equips warriors for the prayer room.
The prayer rooms in our cities must reopen. We need fire-breathing intercessors who will take the night watches, who will battle through the static of our culture, and who will contend for the shock and awe of God's glory to invade their region. When prayer is never-ending, when we refuse to allow the fire to go out, when repentance and holiness rage through the camp—that is when the atmosphere finally shifts. We must stop praying our own good ideas and start fiercely enforcing God’s burning mandates.
The Prison of Offense and the Spirit of Division
The enemy knows that a unified, praying city church is an unstoppable force. This is exactly why the spirit of Absalom sits at the gates of our local congregations, actively attempting to draw the hearts of the people away from anointed leadership. We are living in an era of casual church-hopping and rapid-fire offense. At the slightest hint of correction, a misunderstood comment, or a shift in leadership direction, people are quick to pack up their families and find a new building with a more palatable atmosphere.
We have traded the biblical mandate for gritty, enduring unity for the fragile comfort of our own egos. Let's get right to the point: easily offended Christians will never carry the weight of true, regional revival. When you allow an offense to take root, you aren't just holding a grudge—you are stepping into a spiritual prison. If the enemy can get you to leave your assigned post because your feelings were hurt or you didn't agree with how a situation was handled, he wins the battle for your city without even drawing his sword.
Fulfilling your calling requires staying power. It requires dying to yourself, choosing to honor authority even when it's imperfect, and contending fiercely for the house God has planted you in.
The Urgency of Eternity
Why is this so urgent? Because the stakes are eternal. We have bought into an unbiblical grace message that puts our very eternity at risk. In a culture of relentless positivity, we have forgotten the terrifying reality of eternity without Christ. Many Christians will be shocked to find themselves in Hell one day because they embraced a cozy, self-centered experience while ignoring the absolute terror of separation from God.
Salvation for the coming harvest cannot equate to a casual, convenient commitment. It must equate to passionate surrender to a zealous Bridegroom. We have a mandate to awaken a sleeping church before it's too late. The world is desperate for the remnant to arise, to lay down their personal agendas, to crush the spirit of offense, and to fight for the freedom of the captives.
The Joshua Mandate
It is time to abandon the pursuit of personal spiritual comfort. The Joshua Mandate is upon us, and the time for action is now. How will you handle the revelation you have received? What is God saying to you about the coming revolution?
The coming church is a city-taking church. It’s a unified ekklesia that refuses to back down, refuses to compromise, and refuses to let the fire go out. It is time to cross the Jordan, leave the wilderness of “church as usual” behind, and take our cities for the Kingdom.
Are you ready to embrace the burning?
Go Deeper & Partner With Us:
Are you tired of powerless prayers? It’s time to discover the shock and awe of God's voice and partner with the Holy Spirit for regional revival. As a free gift to you, you can download the complete digital version of my book, Revelation Driven Prayer, absolutely free right here: www.revivalx.tv/revelation-driven-prayer
If you are burning to see true revival hit our cities and want to stand with us on the front lines, you can support the ongoing mission of Revival X here: www.burton.tv/donate
Content Transparency: The material presented in this article is 100% sourced from the proprietary writings, books, and hundreds of online articles by John Burton. AI technology was employed exclusively to assist in the compilation and drafting of this text based on those original teachings.
ICE, POLITICIANS & THE POLICE: Rebellion, Independence and Resistance to Authority
A lack of honor, submission and love of those in authority is spreading in the nation—and in the church.
No matter how terribly the policies and character of someone in authority might trouble me, I refuse to lash out, disrespect or defame them. While President Biden and others on the left promoted many egregious mindsets when they were in office, as a follower of Jesus it would be wildly inappropriate and sinful if I were to express myself through personal assaults.
The same is true now, when President Trump is leading our nation. Our words matter.
When he was in office, President Biden was my authority. In fact, he was placed there by God and the way I responded to his placement revealed the condition of my heart. The way we respond to President Trump, ICE, the police, bosses at work, judges and other authorities is equally significant.
Romans 13:1: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
Before you presume that we are only subject to righteous governing authorities, check out what Jesus told Pilate:
John 19:11: Jesus himself acknowledged this when he told Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.”
Current events have the nation debating the activities of ICE, the police, politicians and other authorities, and it's shameful the way so many are responding. Each of these positions hold God-given authority and our response to them must be honor, respect, love and subjection.
Instead of exhibiting aggression, resistance and employing strategies to make it hard for ICE and the police to do their job, the right response is something altogether different.
We honor them.
We respond with humility.
We comply with every directive unless it's clearly and obviously evil and illegal. (This means clear wickedness, not disputed interpretations of law.)
“Yes, sir,” and “yes, ma'am” should flow from our mouths.
1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”
The spirit of independence that so many are overly proud of in this nation very well might be our downfall. Resistance to authority as we beat our chests and denounce every detractor is a vile trend that's weakening society.
Titus 3:1: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Remember, if we fail to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and to do whatever is good, severe judgment follows. Romans 13:1-2 makes this clear:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.“
Gossip, slander and other speech that attacks, shames, defames or reveals hatred in our heart is forbidden for Christians. Judgment will be swift.
How should we respond instead? Scripture addresses that as well:
1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
REBELLION IN THE CHURCH
It can be argued that those who are resisting the authority of the police in the streets of our cities are mostly on the left and mostly by those who have not surrendered their lives to Jesus. It would be easy to point the finger toward the other side of the aisle and arrogantly presume we are more righteous.
On the contrary, deep repentance must hit the church due to our resistance of God's ordained leaders. The anti-leadership movement is alive and well among America's Christians.
Hebrews 13:17: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
An Absalom spirit has overtaken many who are determined to highlight weaknesses in their leaders. They bring their complaints and ensure they spread far and fast to any who will listen. They spiritualize their “concerns” and put leaders on blast, whether it's in their small circle or on social media for all to see.
2 Samuel 15:6: And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.
Absalom received the gossip, the complaints and the concerns about their rightful leader David. This was his sin.
Instead of ensuring the work of their leaders are a joy, according to Hebrews, resisters of God-ordained leadership become burdens, distractions and antagonists.
Just as with the police and politicians, God ordains all authority, including pastors and spiritual leaders. Our personal opinions and insights cannot be allowed to bring division to the camp or to threaten the greater mission.
Of course, we will never agree on every point, but we must have the fear of the Lord weighing heavily on us before we presume it's appropriate to spread those disagreements like a virus. Gossip is deadly. Gossip is witchcraft. A group of gossips is nothing less than a coven meeting of people operating in the sin of witchcraft.
1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…”
The following is from my article, 5 Reasons Not To Leave A Church.
(A reason NOT to leave a church) The leaders aren’t doing things the way most people think they should. Many people believe leaders should make it easy for people to follow them. I disagree. Church leaders are mandated to lead people into some of the most challenging, risky and costly missions the world has ever known. People should actually make it easy for church leaders to lead them.
People made it hard for Moses to lead them into the Promised Land and they died. They made it easy for Joshua to do the same, and they dominated.
It's evident that rebellion, gossip, a lack of honor and an independent spirit are rampant in the church today. It couldn't be clearer and it's deadly both to the church and to those who have been poisoned by their own destructive opinions. (Keep in mind, opinions can be destructive even if they are correct.)
WHAT ABOUT EXTREME SITUATIONS?
I was hesitant to include this final section as it seems obvious that we shouldn't submit to clear and obvious evil. However, whenever I teach on healthy, biblical honor of authorities, this is the accusation that most immediately rises up.
We must understand the difference between our attitude and our actions when presented with commands that would require us to defy clear and obvious scriptures.
If an authority were to command me to cover up theft, for example, my response would be to refuse. My action must align with the Word of God.
However, my attitude must also align with the Word of God. I would honor them, pray for them, refuse to gossip about them and carry the burden of deliverance for them. I would have an assignment to do all I could to campaign for their transformation.
Of course, different situations demand different responses, but the truth about our actions and our attitudes remain.
Matthew 18 protocol may need to be enacted. The step-by-step process must be followed.
Matthew 18:15-17: “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
In severe situations, when people are in harm's way, our response should be immediate. Help should definitely be sought out and people's well being must be primary. A clear and present danger requires this.
But, again, our attitude and our actions matter. The way we carry our heart is significant. Our intercession is important.
We must ensure we don't become jaded due to the actions of others. If we remain in a place of love and allow the Holy Spirit to guide every step in difficult situations, the life and peace that results will be the strength we need. God's grace is sufficient.
The truth remains, our nation is at risk due to an independent spirit, rebellion and a spirit of witchcraft that has been unleashed as a result.
The same is true in the church. Widespread and immediate repentance must overwhelm us. The Holy Spirit cannot move the way he desires if rebellion, pride and a spirit of independence continues to dominate the way it has been.
Let's lift up our leaders and get ready for a mighty move of God in our nation! We are in desperate times!
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
Today my pastor released the following as part of our twenty-one-day fast. I think it's appropriate given the subject of this article to share it with you:
DAY 2—SPIRITUAL COVERING FOR LEADERS
Scripture: Isaiah 54:17 | Hebrews 13:17 | Ephesians 6:12
Victory Church Family,
Today we stand in the gap for every leader—our pastors, ministry heads, and their families. Leadership carries weight, responsibility, and unseen spiritual warfare.
TODAY WE PRAY:
• Protection over their lives, families, and ministries—no weapon formed against them shall prosper
• Supernatural strength to serve from intimacy with God, not exhaustion
• Wisdom and discernment in every decision
• Joy in their service and covering over their households
Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Let’s contend together in prayer, believing our leaders will finish well with joy and the fullness of God’s favor.
Join us in praying for our leaders today.
An Open Letter to Normal Christians
Delay is no longer an option.
The term normal Christians is in no way meant to be disparaging. It's defining.
For the sake of this letter, a normal Christian would be someone who faithfully connects in a church, develops life-giving relationships with other Believers, gives joyfully, loves to worship and has a desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Further, they may be in the Spirit-filled camp or may align with any number of additional authentic, Christian expressions. These are people many would consider the spiritual backbone of society. Some may be candidates to serve as elders, Sunday School teachers, small group leaders and pastors. This healthy, vibrant church crowd has a significant measure of devotion, or at least wild curiosity.
However, such a devotion to their “Jesus experience” isn't enough. This is the purpose of this letter.
YOU WERE BORN FOR MORE THAN THIS
There's a difference between our personal journey and our ministry. Now is the time for ministry. Revival needs you.
We are on a rescue mission to save multitudes from the torments of Hell. When this is what drives us, it becomes quite clear, quite fast, that personal edification and satisfaction once or twice a week won't suffice.
The experience God has for all of us eclipses the “church as usual” paradigm that nearly every Christian is familiar with today. A massive, all-encompassing reformation, a radical revolution, is required.
Revival is not a meeting under a tent and it's not a pie-in-the-sky dream. Revival defined is simply biblical normalcy. When we are living a biblically normal life, the fireworks start exploding all around.
You weren't born to stop short at a church commitment, bedtime prayers and a nice, safe, Christian life. Simply, you weren't created to be normal.
THE SIN OF BEING AVERAGE
In this hour when normal, average Christianity will compromise the advance of revival and the salvation of millions, I must challenge you to radically, comprehensively reconsider your spiritual life. Everything must change.
Satisfaction with the present is fatal to the future. ~Glen Berteau
While the church you attend might not be ready to cater to the hungry, desperate remnant, you have no choice but to join the ranks of the radicals. Burn hot, contend in fervent intercession, discover your spiritual gifts, shift atmospheres and unite with a Gideon's army to route the enemy and call down fire from Heaven!
THE CALL OF ALL
Again, this letter is being written to normal Christians. It's time to awaken the Jesus freak within and live a life worthy of a bloody cross and an empty grave.
It's time to lay down the dream of finding a happy church experience where the baristas know your name. The call of all in this desperate and glorious hour is to die to self, take up our cross and burn with Holy Spirit fire. No longer can we be satisfied with lesser things. The deep is calling and we must respond.
If your church doesn't provide the opportunity to rage on fire like this, then, don't jump ship. Stay faithfully connected while you add to your weekly schedule prayer meetings, prophetic gatherings and city-focused missions. Find a tribe that will not stop until full-blown revival, reformation and revolution strikes your city.
GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Ben Johnson, the new Head Coach of the Chicago Bears, announced to his team, without apology, that they must get comfortable being uncomfortable.
For too long the church has been about us. Our experience, our satisfaction, our enjoyment, our promotion, our ministry, our connection, our growth. A shocking shift that's coming to the church is a disruptive departure from the tired, powerless norms of the previous generations. The remnant must arise and the focus now becomes an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the region.
The only way to see this come to pass is if we cancel the “sail away party” on the cruise ship and enlist on the battleship. You are a soldier not a tourist. You're on a mission, not on vacation.
No longer is the church to meet our demands and expectations. We are there to meet the demands of the mission. Blood, sweat and tears will flow as we pray continually, walk in the spirit, burn white hot and run toward a fulfilled assignment.
THE BLUEPRINT
The severity of the season demands all hands are on deck and ready for war.
Instead of Ted Talk-style encouraging nuggets of truth to help us get through the upcoming week, pulpits must erupt with prophetic revelation as anointed men and women of God equip the saints for battle. The goal isn't to alleviate stress. It's to become specialists, Navy Seals, Green Berets, people who have the skills, devotion and passion necessary to look wickedness in the face and blast the light of Jesus into dark, demonized territories.
This means we must gather frequently, pray strategically, grow in the prophetic, understand our authority and advance in our supernatural superpowers. This type of life starts on our own, in our prayer closets, but it can't end there. The corporate assault necessary against the kingdom of darkness requires a unified advance. This is why this letter is so critical. You can't be normal. You can't be average. You can't do it alone. You are needed in the war room and on the front lines.
So, all who are living a predictable, typical, normal, average, tired life that looks no different than the way most every other normal Christian is living, pray for shift.
A mighty shockwave will indeed impact you, shaking you off your feet and driving you to your knees. If God is to manifest today, we cannot remain the same. Today's church shows little blood, bruises, tears or desperation as a result of the cross they supposedly carry. Most don't even bear a single splinter.
You were called to be different.
5 Ways Pastor-Led Churches Hinder Revival
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.
5 Reasons NOT to Leave a Church
People are leaving or changing churches at a record pace—when should we NOT leave a church?
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Ghosting happens at churches every Sunday. Pastors are confused as to why someone has disappeared or why they started attending elsewhere. Process has been violated.
We should never leave a church unannounced.
We should never decide on our own to announce that we are leaving a church.
We should always allow for extended time to discuss the possibility of leaving a church—and openness to staying—with the leader.
Unity around the mission of the church is something Satan cannot risk. The moment people lock arms, take their positions and unify with the Great Commission in front of them, it’s over. He’s done.
An opposing spirit, a spirit of independence, is convincing Christians that it’s time to take control of their lives and forsake the call to gather as the Ekklesia. We must repent, and we must return to position and get ready to move as the alarm sounds.
While there are (rare) times to move from one church to another, I want to share five reasons NOT to leave.
ONE: WHEN YOU DON'T FIT IN
My children would never leave the Burton family if they struggled to fit in, if they were misunderstood or if they were having a bad season of life. My wife wouldn’t either, nor would I. If we see the church as a part of the service industry like McDonald’s or Wal-Mart, we will end up leaving if we don’t feel welcomed or served. However, God plants us in a covenant family, not a shopping center.
What most people really mean when they say, “I don’t fit in at this church,” is that they aren’t enjoying themselves. Possibly, they feel rejected. I find it disturbing when rejection causes people to leave a church when rejection is what propelled Jesus to die and launch the church. Remember, the church isn’t to be there for us as much as we are to be there for the church. The mission of the church is demanding and not always enjoyable and we must be in position ready to work. I guarantee anybody who approaches leadership and offers to serve in the nursery or by cleaning the church would absolutely fit in. Their serving heart makes a place for them.
TWO: WHEN IT'S EASIER FOR YOU TO CONNECT WITH GOD ELSEWHERE
I know this may be a shock, but the primary purpose of the church isn’t to make it easy for you to connect with God. If we understand this, a million arguments against staying at your church will instantly disappear. It’s our job, individually, to develop intimacy with Jesus. If we are dependent on a pastor, worship leader or others to nurture our relationship with Jesus, we’re in big trouble.
Take fire that you’ve cultivated in your own time into the corporate gathering and burn hot. Serve well. Get into position, lock arms, serve the vision and advance the mission.
THREE: THE LEADERS AREN'T DOING THINGS THE WAY I THINK THEY SHOULD
Many people believe leaders should make it easy for people to follow them. I disagree. Church leaders are mandated to lead people into some of the most challenging, risky and costly missions the world has ever known. People should actually make it easy for church leaders to lead them.
People made it hard for Moses to lead them into the Promised Land and they died. They made it easy for Joshua to do the same, and they dominated.
The demand of the people can be so strong sometimes that pastors and leaders forsake their mission. They end up pleasing the people instead of God.
We need to repent for putting inappropriate expectations on leadership.
(Of course, I'm talking about paradigm differences, not severe situations like abuse or other such violations.)
FOUR: WHEN ANOTHER CHURCH HAS BETTER PROGRAMS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
We should never choose a church based on what we can get out of it. We are actually assigned by God himself to serve and build it.
My definition of religion is: Man’s attempt to use God to get what he wants.
When we expect to gain from the church ahead of sacrifice, we are embracing the same spirit that killed Jesus. The spirit of religion wanted to use Jesus for personal gain.
While it's okay to desire your family to thrive spiritually, we put too much emphasis on the church's role. Remember, we are to serve as soldiers in the church, not use it to fulfill our own spiritual desires.
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
FIVE: WHEN GOD TELLS YOU TO
Have you ever played the God card?
As a leader I’ve heard many times, usually through the grapevine, that, “God told so and so to move to another church.”
Really? That’s odd. I was entrusted as their leader, which is a very serious position, and God just forgot to tell me about this? He left me out of the loop? Maybe Hebrews 13:17 isn’t what we think it is? The church I'm leading isn't important enough for people to honor the mission? They just left because, “God told them to?”
The point is this—most always, God wouldn’t just tell you to leave without your leader being involved in the process. In fact, can I just be blunt? It’s extremely disrespectful, presumptuous, rude and self-serving to abdicate your responsibility in your current church by leaving without honoring the authority in your life. Your pastor has every right to participate with you in your process.
Yes, God may have called you to move on, but there is extensive process required before you do so. An independent spirit would tell you that nobody but God has any say in the matter. That's simply not scriptural. There is too much at stake to drop balls by leaving inappropriately.
The mission is too great, and you are too important to lose to greener grass somewhere else in town.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV) 12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Prayer-Driven vs. Worship-Driven Churches: The Great Debate
What's on people's church shopping lists?
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The validity of “church-shopping” is a discussion for another day. Suffice it to say, people do it, and they have their lists.
Powerful worship, excellent teaching, a powerful youth ministry and dynamic children's ministry are in the top ten, if not the top five of all-time desires in a church experience. After all, what else is needed? You have deep, overwhelming, supernaturally charged worship and excellence in teaching and family ministries. Based covered.
Oops. We forgot something. Don't fret, though. It's been forgotten for quite some time, especially in today's church.
Intercession. Tongues of fire. Contending in unified decrees, declarations, warfare and passionate eruptions of oracles from heaven. You know, prayer.
DO PASTOR'S EVEN CARE?
In my early years of ministry, I was never asked about my prayer life or intercession strategies when interviewing for open church staff positions.
Many pastors (thankfully, not all) are uncomfortable in the prayer room and will either eliminate it from the culture of the church or minimize it to something less threatening. At best you'll find a group of faithful warriors praying in a glorified janitor's closet down a dark hallway in the church prior to the service. The pastor doesn't typically lead the meeting, much less attend it or even promote it.
If worship is strong and teaching is effective and other ministries are growing, all is well. Sure, they may say prayers at times, but a firehouse of burning intercession is a foreign concept.
WHY WORSHIP IS ADORED AND PRAYER IS A STRUGGLE
ONE: It's all about the experience
If we aren't careful, worship can become more about us than about Jesus. As I'm writing this, I'm pumping my spirit with worship music. Like many, I absolutely love anointed music whether it's in my headphones or in the sanctuary. It's enjoyable. It's edifying. It's emotional.
Prayer, on the other hand, can often be difficult. The cost is greater and the energy necessary to push through can be extreme. Of course, there are different modes of prayer including soaking, meditation, petition and others. From my experience, the greatest impact both for the church and for the individual comes when there's a healthy dose of strategic, informed, prophetic intercession, decrees, declarations and warfare. The breaking power of such prayer is intense.
The tender connection with the Holy Spirit that we might get with musical worship often shifts to a raging internal fire that demands mountains be moved and darkness be invaded. Of course, we aren't choosing between worship and prayer. We need churches to be driven strategically by both with prayer as the foundation.
TWO: There's a lack of equipping in prayer
Worship is easy to understand. Surrender, love, adore and exalt as some beautiful and anointed music fills the room. I'm not saying it always easy to enter in, but the concept of worship is easy to grasp.
The purpose and function of strategic prayer? Not so much.
We need training in what I call Revelation Driven Prayer. How do we hear God's voice? How do we declare prophetically what he's saying? What do we see in Scripture? How should we not prayer? What are the roadblocks?
Exhausting, right? As a prayer freak, I'll admit that it can be a battle. Often it's a war. I've wasted a lot of time and energy in prayer over the years by not praying correctly. If prayer is to be foundational in our churches, equipping in prayer must be equally foundational.
THREE: There's no vision
The concept of “having a vision” isn't something many people think about. Often, people go to church largely based on their desires, not their God-given vision for advancing the Kingdom. Again, they want a satisfying experience with great worship and great ministry. There's nothing inherently wrong with that, though it's tragically limiting. There's so much more.
When prayer-driven churches gather, the focus isn't mostly on giving the people a nice Sunday experience. They have gathered with war in mind. The vision is too intense to be okay with anything less than conquest. Plundering Hell and contending for revival consume their thoughts. Such a vision demands prayer at a level few would ever sign up for.
FOUR: Prayer can be deflating
Regular people don't want to be part of a church that struggles to punch through into the miraculous. Remnant Believers do, however.
A vision of intercession has built into it a resolve to keep pressing, keep prophesying, keep standing in faith until the breakthrough comes. If quick growth, instant wonders and visible impact are required to stay faithful in the place of prayer, most will quit. This is why churches often have to keep the hype going. We need the dopamine hits and the adrenaline rush every Sunday.
FIVE: Tongues are rare
Groans of intercession are required if we want to pray, walk and live in the supernatural. This type of corporate expression is rare as pastors accurately predict that many would run for the exits should it explode in the church.
The Holy Spirit must be invited to rage in our gatherings again! Baptisms in power must be non-stop as people become infused with an other-worldly language of intercession!
PRAYER-DRIVEN CHURCHES ARISE
I've campaigned for churches to eliminate all ministry for at least six months – except for prayer. Bring the worship team down from the platform. Call the youth and children into the auditorium. Shut down everything except for fiery, prophetic prayer in every service and see what happens.
When we return prayer to first place in the church, everything else will start to calibrate with God's design and the power of the Holy Spirit will again manifest.
BURNOUT! Are American pastors too busy?
According to Barna, one third of pastors are considering quitting.
One in five have considered self-harm or suicide within the past year.
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I'm writing this from the SonScape Retreat Center in beautiful Divide, Colorado. The solitude, rest and fun that my wife and I are having along with other ministry couples and the incredible ministry staff is good therapy indeed.
Hard driving, production minded, spiritual leaders often admit they are burning out, losing the passion and considering stepping out of ministry while, at the same time, refusing to stop, breathe and refresh. The idea of a sabbatical never even enters their minds, or, if it does, they are convinced their board would never grant such a request. The only option is to keep working until the fire eventually goes out and families are left emotionally destroyed.
Last night, a former pastor shared a story with me of his desperate need for a short, six-week sabbatical a few years back. Many in his church aggressively campaigned against it, presuming he wasn't worthy of such an extended “vacation.” It went to a vote and his request barely passed. Upon returning, the tide had turned against him in even greater measure, and he resigned on the spot. Forty years of pastoral ministry was over.
We must understand that pastors are often depressed, have high blood pressure, are constantly attacked, poorly supported, in counseling, on medication, suicidal and desperate to quit. Further, pastor's wives are often ripped to shreds by destroyed friendships, gossip against their husbands, manipulative parishioners and nonstop unrest. It quite literally is a pandemic.
Even after three decades of ministry and reaching 55 years of age, I know I have so much to learn. In fact, after a week at SonScape, I'm invigorated, not discouraged, by my past blind spots. The fresh perspectives and input by the leadership team is making me excited about healthy shifts to life and ministry.
The point? Pastors especially need to continually re-sign up, get healed and allow themselves to come alive with what the next season holds.
Barna reports:
Henri Nouwen famously characterized the role of a pastor as being a “wounded healer.” This perspective underscores the importance of congregants, church staff and others actively supporting their spiritual leaders. Such care acknowledges that a pastor’s resilience and well-being are fundamental not only to their personal lives but also to the health of the communities they serve.
We must rest and play.
Sabbath means rest. It also means celebration.
The New Covenant Christian should be living a Sabbath life, playing, celebrating, rejuvenating, and ensuring they are not burning out, fading and emotionally dying. This isn't a Sunday plan of action. It's every day.
Sadly, the families of pastors and ministry leaders are often strained due to the unnecessary and unrealistic demands of the church. Vacations, recreation, turning off the phone and retreating to recharge are fiercely frowned upon by many. Pastors, after all, must be fully available, dead to their own desires and crucified by the demands of the people, right? It's dysfunctional.
When we launched our current ministry, I made it clear that I'd be burning hot and working hard to fulfill the vision God has given me. I also clearly communicated that I would not apologize for tending to my own heart and to my family. Ministry is a major focus, but not the only focus. It's also not the primary focus. I know, that sounds sacrilegious to some.
I let my leadership team know they would have room to grow into key roles in the ministry. When we move out of the way and encourage them to advance in ministry, it's quite powerful. Additionally, I said my family and I would be involved in other ventures on a regular basis. Vacations. Retreats. Recreation. Fun. Rest. Other ministry. Personal growth. The baton of leadership would often be placed in their hands.
Our current trip to Colorado will last three weeks. We've been away from the church several additional weeks this year as well. Additional time away is coming next year. If the church is dependent on me being front and center at every service, my leadership is failing.
I won't apologize for the priorities, and I believe pastors will be well served to adopt the same demeanor.
Schedule rest and fun on your calendar.
Block out significant time every year to disengage fully from the church. No ministry phone calls, no church work and no pastoral responsibilities. Play with your kids, date your spouse and relax.
Do not apologize to anyone. It's time to confront the ridiculous burnout culture in the church.
Preventative maintenance is necessary
The threat of depression, fatigue, disillusionment, health issues, emotional crashes, relational crisis and more severe consequences like heart attacks and marital affairs demand our immediate attention.
If we delete the noise on a regular basis, become unreachable at times, delegate authority and responsibilities and tend to our hearts, the crisis moments will begin to diminish.
I strongly recommend scheduling retreats like the one my wife and I are currently enjoying as often as you can. Our lives have been dramatically impacted here.
Focus on the Family and many other reputable organizations provide preventative maintenance opportunities that focus on everything from your marriage to your emotional health, and so much more.
Classes, workshops, retreats and other helps will strengthen your heart, your family and your ministry.
Churches, invest the money in your pastor.
The church should be budgeting a significant amount of money for self-care. Pastors don't need the added burden of attempting to finance strategies to support their emotional health. Church boards, pay up.
Pay for a month of fun and rest every year for the pastor and his family.
Pay for retreats and workshops several times a year.
Pay for training for other ministry leaders so they can be ready to lead when the pastor is tending to his heart.
Create a culture of spiritual, emotional and physical health in the church. This will not only strengthen the pastor, but everyone that attends will experience the benefits and, hopefully, tend to their own hearts in a similar manner.
We need more pastors and leaders, not less. This burnout crisis must be dealt with and the hearts of pastors and their families must be tended to.
5 Marks of “The New Normal”
The shift must come to every church –immediately.
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There are over 19,000 cities in the nation and not one is experiencing the biblical normalcy of revival. Yes, there are pockets of Holy Spirit activity, but when considering regions, there's no smoke, no fire.
Every church and every Christian must not only be ready for reformation, they must initiate a massive revolution. Our daily experience will soon look nothing like it does now.
5 Marks of the “New Normal”
ONE: A radical devotion to the local church
A casual “commitment” to the most important, catalytic and strategic vehicle for the advance of the Kingdom in our nation's cities will result in devastation.
Lesser activities, entertainment and endeavors must yield to the schedule of the church as we gather with extreme discipline several times each week.
No longer can we allow schisms, opinions, frustrations, offense or any Leviathan or Absalom influenced emotion to derail us. The fire on the altar must never go out and the laborers are needed to tend to it.
TWO: A troubling, challenging, fiery church culture
Even in the most Spirit-driven churches it's easy to spot disinterested, disengaged people who are more interested in clock-watching and the buzz from their phones than in going deep in God with their fellow warriors.
A seeker strategy in the church over the past decades has resulted in a babied, hyper-sensitive people who will refuse to return if the fire gets too hot or the challenge is too intense. Of course, there's a ready remnant, but they are the exception.
We need to get used to anointed preaching that is roared from the pulpit and a vision that puts a tremble in our spirit, troubles us to the core and awakens us to action.
THREE: Spirit-filled, prophetic intercession that consumes our lives
Church services must look nothing like they have, and leaders have to be okay with the masses heading for the exits. The church gathering is not for the lost. It's not an evangelistic tool. It's a Believer's meeting. It's a prayer meeting.
Decrees, declarations and an atmosphere filled with fiery tongues must overwhelm the sanctuary every Sunday morning. The prophetic charge will shock the meeting and shatter the heavens as we move beyond tired, predictable church services.
Leave the list of desires and expectations at the door when searching for a church. It's not about us. It's not about “good teaching, good worship and good children's ministry” like so many have on their church shopping list. It's all about sacrificial, tear-inducing, desperate intercession.
When our lives, night and day, are filled with prayer like this, anything less when gathering as the church body won't be tolerated.
FOUR: Repentance and holiness are non-negotiable
Wickedness in our culture has flooded into the church, and it's time for aggressive, ferocious preaching to return to the pulpit. It will offend the casual and will invigorate the remnant to move into deeper realms of holiness and intimacy with Jesus.
Those who are driven by an independent spirit, who refuse to relinquish control of their lives and who scoff at such a separated, consecrated life will cause many problems. Apostolic, prophetic leaders must be ready to confront the attacking demonic spirits that will manifest through gossip, accusation, lies, hatred and manipulation.
Yes, a focus on holiness and a call to repentance will result in a spiritually violent assault. This is evidence that it's a great threat to Satan.
FIVE: Ministry will dominate our priorities – and our families will thrive
Cindy Jacobs prophesied over my wife that it was time to start a school of the Spirit, and that it would dramatically impact our children and family. We responded, and our family is burning in the furnace of ministry together.
The end-time season we are in will absolutely consume our thoughts and our plans. While much of the ministry will happen as part of the local church army we are assigned to, our focus will also expand into the city and beyond.
Every moment of our lives must be lived in the Spirit, understanding the critical call to fulfill our unique mission. Whether it's marketplace ministry, leading small groups, training for missions or any number of other ministries, we have to be locked-in. Every Believer is a minister.
We must be careful not to underemphasize our role in the local church as it is the primary strategic company that God has ordained. The foremost emphasis is intercession, and from there you will discover what your future role will be.
We are living in critical times.
Don't allow recent political victories to lull you into a state of comfort. The enemy is ramping up the assault and we can't afford to take a break.
Everything in our lives and in our churches must dramatically and immediately shift if we hope to see revival come, the Kingdom advance and the darkness recede.
This is our new normal.