Lessons from a Household in Revival

There is much I have gleaned from my (together with Nick and Duncan) recent trip to Bethel Church, in Redding California. We purposefully went outside of the buzz and busyness of conference time as we wanted to discover the DNA of a family of faith in prolonged and increasing revival. We were not disappointed and here are some discoveries ...

1. Bethel Church is filled with saints who prioritise and are passionate about the Presence of God. During worship, while the band changed songs and song sheets (one moment nearly taking a minute), there were no people looking up to see what leaders were doing or not doing to make worship happen. Rather, people continued to posture themselves in loving worship regardless of songs or pauses in songs. There was a greater God-awareness than Man-awareness!
2. Although clearly led by passionate leaders, the church was filled with a faith-filled priesthood! Two guys,both of whom we had just met and not part of the official leadership team, prayed and prophesied over Nick and myself for 30mins and absolutely 'read my and LCi's mail'! No 'courtesy prayers' lasting a few sentences where the prayers are more concerned with getting a cuppa coffee; rather, patient and faith-filled ministering the life of God!
3. This above revealed a genuine culture of love. We were accepted as part of the family without reserve, suspicion or arms length 'you are from another flow' caution. Beautiful! We left knowing that when we return we have mates we could hang with and that we'd totally love to have them in our homes.
4. Rest! All they do is from a secure place that God loves them, is for them, is not angry at them, is in a good mood, will not change His thoughts concerning them,and embraces them in Christ for all eternity! There is no striving for the favour of God through Martha-like church activities - they know they have it, and all they do is from His constant and consistent favour that results in grace-girded faithfulness and supernatural fruitfulness ! As a result they work hard with a smile on their faces - yeehaaaaa, that's grace!
5. Finally, as Keath G said - this was no 'Christian Disney'! These were real people representing the Living God in a real way with real power! There was not a hint of hype and weirdness, simply genuine Jesus wildness! Unreligious, unpretentious yet unfettered. The real deal! I loved it!!

I came back highly encouraged knowing that, although they are a long way further down the road, we are on the right track! We are seeing similar things in our midst albeit in a smaller dose. Ha, but we've got it! So let's keep going for it - revival of the church and reformation of the world!

Here's to increased blessings on Bethel and a rising tide of the unshakeable kingdom in our midst!

Mountains of love,
Ryan