Great Awakenings

I am not an historian but I like history and am fascinated by reading the things that Christians have done to make this a better world. I do not mean that these things are appreciated or known by others or that they bring people to faith in Christ. In fact, good deeds often bring scorn and rejection by the very people who are helped.

It is a principle of family therapy that people, groups, nations or parents wo attempt to Rescue a Victim from a Persecutor will be blamed for their Rescue actions and attacked as a Persecutor and feel like the Victim. So, while we must always follow Jesus and do good to all people, we will rarely ever get credit for it on this earth.

History chronicles revivals that have an impact on a city, county or nation. In American history we can read about several Christian revivals that affected thousands of people and led to large scale cultural, emotional, legal and political changes. The First Great Awakening in New England is said to have spawned the Revolution of Freedom from Great Britain. So many people were personally touched and so many new churches, denominations and movements were begun that the tipping point was reached in the demand for freedom.

Had such an Awakening not happened and individuals stayed in a conservative, loyalist position it is doubtful that the sentiment for Revolution would have been strong enough to carry the day. The old established Congregationalist and Anglican denominations were not open to the raw power of individual initiative. In fact, many of the traditional ministers fought against the emerging Revivalist Methodists and Baptists because they were unlearned and too fiery. Presbyterian were in the middle. Many supported the Awakening and joined in the spiritual fervor.

The Second Great Awakening began in the late 1700's and spawned a new revolution of freedom evidenced by the involvement of women, laity and African Americans in spiritual activities. This led, naturally, to the notion that all persons being created with equal rights.

Again, the established churches and highly educated ministers often fought against such ideas but the groups known to be the most enthusiastic, evangelistic and fervent fought hard for freedom. John Rankin, the famous Presbyterian Minister from Tennessee, moved from his home in the south to Ripley, Ohio where he led the Underground Railroad.

Along the way, Rev Rankin stopped off to pastor a church in order to make ends meet and care for his young family. The congregation was in Cane Ridge, Kentucky, home to possibly the largest and most fervent Camp Meeting in hat entire period.

Groups that challenge the status quo and bring radical change are inspired by outpourings of the Holy Spirit and powerful changes in individual lives. These facts teach ordinary people to believe that change is possible and the word of mouth advertising is rampant.

This belief was wed with a fervent call to all believers to adopt new ways of living. Many laymen and women felt a call to serve Christ in non-traditional ways. The establishment of para-church groups to promote Abolition is such an example.

Organizational Development Professionals call these, Temporary Systems and indicate their importance in starting and maintaining social change. Traditional groups tend to conserve the past. New groups tend to seek new ways of doing things.

Do it again, Lord! Do it again!