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By Dr. Mark Denison - October 29, 2018Every great awakening has its own unique DNA. No two are alike. But as we study the great revivals throughout history, we discover several common traits among the great movements of God. This is not an exhaustive list; to quantify the ways of the Holy Spirit would be in irrational endeavor. Still, several themes emerge. These are ten such traits that are common to the great awakenings of the past – and future.
- Timing
Usually, great awakenings occur at a time of moral decline and spiritual dryness. God shows up when least expected. - Prayer
No great revival has ever occurred apart from the fervent prayers of God’s people. Generally, these prayer efforts start small. - Biblical preaching
Each movement has been accompanied by strong, passionate biblical preaching. Though different movements have emphasized various doctrines, they were all rooted in strong preaching. - Holy Spirit
Each revival has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Often, these meetings have reported numerous miracles and healings. - Conviction
Unlike traditional religious services, great outbreaks of revival seem to have an unusually high level of conviction and life change. - Small beginnings
Most great awakenings start small. Many times, these movements begin with just a handful of faithful believers. - Reformation
Real life change emerges in the midst of great revivals. Often, entire denominations are rocked into major transformation. - Manifestations
Throughout history, many awakenings have been accompanied by the manifestation of miracles, but in the really great movements, these manifestations continued far after the meetings. - Decentralized
Rarely has a great awakening of God been rooted within a single denomination or church hierarchy. - Unpredictable
Every great awakening has been impossible to predict. Always, an unexpected movement of God breaks out in ways that cannot be measured or planned.