Revival and Disciple Making

Key takeaways

Revival has historically occurred in America approximately every 50 years.
The last major revival occurred in the 1970s, potentially signaling a new revival in 2025.
Preparation for revival involves prayer, fasting, repentance, and spiritual readiness.
True revival leads to lasting transformation and disciple-making, not just emotional experiences.
Engagement and activism in spiritual conversations are crucial in fostering revival.

Summary

Revival in American History

Josh and Jason explore the historical patterns of revival in America, noting that major revival movements have occurred approximately every 50 years. They discuss the First Great Awakening led by Jonathan Edwards in the 1700s, followed by the Second Great Awakening with Charles Finney, and later revivals led by D.L. Moody and Billy Graham. The episode highlights how these movements were marked by repentance, spiritual renewal, and significant cultural changes.

The Cyclical Nature of Revivals

The hosts analyze the cyclical nature of revivals, specifically emphasizing that the last significant revival, known as the Jesus Revolution, occurred around 1975. They suggest that based on this 50-year pattern, we may be on the brink of another significant revival in 2025. The conversation prompts listeners to consider how they can spiritually prepare for such movements.

Preparation for Revival

Josh and Jason emphasize the importance of being spiritually and structurally prepared for the revival that may be coming. They discuss actions like prayer, fasting, and repentance as essential steps to get ready for a movement of God. The hosts challenge listeners to make their hearts and communities ready, using Jesus’ teaching about counting the cost as a metaphor for preparation.

The Call to Action

The episode crescendos with a strong call to action for listeners. Josh and Jason encourage the audience to engage in persistent prayer and to wade into spiritual conversations proactively. They share inspirational stories, like the revival birthed during the Hebrides Revival, showcasing the powerful impact that prayer and commitment to God can have in a community.

Show notes

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Today’s episode will help us recognize the historical patterns of revival, awaken a deeper hunger for God, and take practical steps to spiritually prepare for a movement of disciple-making in our time.

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The Next Great Revival: How to Prepare for God's Powerful Move

In this episode of The Disciple Maker Podcast, hosts Josh and Jason dive deep into the topic of revival. They explore historical revivals in America, discuss the cyclical pattern of these spiritual awakenings every 50 years, and dream about the possibility of a new revival in 2025. Through lively discussion and passionate storytelling, they emphasize the importance of prayer, fasting, and repentance as essential preparations for a mighty move of God. Join them as they call believers to wage war on lukewarm Christianity and become disciples who make disciples in anticipation of a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

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Key Takeaways

00:00 Welcome Back, Disciple Makers!

00:45 Introduction to Revival

01:56 Historical Revivals in America

04:44 The Pattern of Revival

06:38 Preparing for the Next Revival

07:21 Skepticism and Faith

10:11 Current Signs of Revival

11:19 Revival Ready: A Call to Action

15:00 The Power of Persistent Prayer

15:57 The Role of the Pastor in Revival

16:28 Stories of Revival and Conviction

19:07 Practical Steps for Church Leaders

20:13 Counting the Cost of Revival

25:14 The Importance of Repentance

26:34 Waging War on Lukewarm Christianity

31:24 A Call to Action for Revival

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See Below for a longer description:

In this episode, Josh H and Jason I dive into revival—what it means, where we've seen it in history, and what it could look like today. Josh kicks things off by noting that listeners had asked for this topic, and he’s eager to unpack it.

They trace the major revival movements in American history, starting with the First Great Awakening around 300 years ago, led by Jonathan Edwards. They walk through the Second Great Awakening with Charles Finney and his intercessor Nash, and the revivals led by D.L. Moody and Billy Graham, all of which were marked by repentance and spiritual renewal. They land on the 1970s Jesus Revolution, which they say might be the last nationwide revival—exactly 50 years ago.

Josh and Jason suggest this 50-year pattern may signal another wave is coming. While not predicting anything specific, they urge listeners to stay spiritually alert and ready. They share powerful stories, like two elderly sisters who prayed revival into their community during the Hebrides Revival—where even ships passing by felt the weight of God’s presence.

Jason emphasizes the need to be structurally and spiritually prepared for revival, drawing from Jesus’ teaching about counting the cost before building. Both hosts agree: revival won't come without prayer, repentance, fasting, and a willingness to sacrifice.

They also stress that revival must lead to disciple-making—not just emotional experiences, but long-term transformation. True revival, they argue, involves everyone, not just a few leaders.

The episode ends with a challenge: join the growing movement of prayer and fasting through Discipleship.org and prepare your heart and community for what God might do next.