We may be at the beginning stages of a new Great Awakening. Do you see it?

The phrase “Great Awakening” carries some historical baggage. History nerds like myself will remember learning about the large crowds that gathered to hear itinerant preachers during the 18th century. Men like George Whitefield were considered international celebrities and preached to thousands at a time (with no microphone!). Hearing their sermons was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and countless people flocked to their pulpits. The conversion stories and emotional responses of the congregants are the topic of countless history books.

During the 19th century, preachers like Charles Finney spurred people to action, calling them to approach the “anxious bench” – a precursor to today’s popular alter call. The 20th century was marked by spiritual crusades led by the popular Billy Graham, who preached to thousands in large stadiums, mingled with presidents, and appeared on late-night talk programs.

Today’s awakening is easy to miss. There is no singular event, organization, or preacher at the center of it. It isn’t predominantly marked by large crowds, fiery sermons, or emotional outpourings.

But there are signs…

SIGNS OF AWAKENING

College revivals across the country, beginning in Asbury.

A slew of championship athletes giving glory to Jesus Christ (even losing ones)

The Chosen rose to #1 on Prime Video in the US & Jonathan Roomie appeared on Late-Night

2 Christian songs cracked Billboard’s Hot 100

A Christian apologist’s viral appearance on the world’s #1 podcast

Recent Barna Study reports that most teens (77%) say they are open to learning about Jesus

STORIES OF AWAKENING

In addition to these signs in the mainstream, as a high school and college-age pastor, I’ve witnessed this awakening first-hand.

I recently reconnected with the college I once attended over 15 years ago. It was extremely difficult to be an evangelical Christian at this small, secular, liberal arts school. Despite my efforts to start Bible studies and talk to people about faith, it resulted in little fruit. Today, however, something remarkable is happening. Just in the last year, there were over 15 people who gave their lives to Jesus Christ. There is a Bible study for nearly every sports team – many with over 10 people regularly attending. These are results that I once thought were impossible… and it feels as if things are just getting started. College ministers that I speak to say this isn’t an isolated occurrence, but is now common around the country.

At church, I used to be the small group leader for a group of guys during their time in middle and high school. Although they were great guys and I grew very close to them, most did not take their faith seriously. Now, these boys are young men who just graduated college. After reconnecting with them over the past few months, I learned that three of these men (who were once the most distracted, disengaged boys) now took the initiative to not only join bible studies, but to help lead them.

A few weeks ago, I asked several of my high school students to consider starting a bible study for their public school sports teams. Two of them eagerly agreed and their “yes” to God inspired another student to do the same. This year we will have 3 sports team Bible studies for public school students. One of these has already garnered the interest of 5-6 of his non-Christian teammates.

CARPE DIEM

The reason for sharing these things isn’t to hear an “ah, cool” or see a “like” on social media. Quite the opposite, actually. If you’re a Christian, I want you to wake up to the awakening. I want you to see the opportunity and seize it.

¹⁴ “Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. – Ephesians 5:14-17

We are living in a new cultural moment – a historical opportunity. Forsake the business-as-usual mentality. Wake up to the new day. Carpe diem.

THE CALL

Drop one of your crazy weekly activities and start a Bible study instead. Your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and teammates are open to them. They are curious about the Bible – more than any time in recent memory. Forget the “tiptoe” approach of evangelism and invite them to look at God’s word with you. Knock down the barriers that make these studies hard to join. Start the Bible study at work, after practice, or in the neighborhood. Make sure people know this isn’t a group for Christians – just anyone who wants to talk about faith and learn more about what the Bible says.

I’m convinced that the crux of this awakening will not happen in large stadiums, but at lunch tables. It will not be by a silver tongued preacher but by students, workers, and parents. God is opening doors. Do you see the one He’s opened for you? Take a deep breath, pick up your Sword, and walk through it.

Not sure how to start an evangelistic Bible study? Download this sample outline:

Evangelistic Bible Study Outline Download