Lessons in Revival from Francis Asbury
Inspired by the book: “God’s Generals Who
Revived Nations” by Roberts Liardon. Whitaker House.
Francis Asbury was sent by the Wesley brothers
to set up circuits and reach the American frontiers, which he did by horseback!
1.
He showed tremendous resolve
during the American revolution to reach souls in spirt of political turmoil.
2. Francis encountered much persecution. Once had to hide in the marshlands to avoid his converts being associated with the British Colonial powers of the time. He later became the bishop of the newly formed American Methodist Episcopal Church, branching off from the British Methodist Society
He raised up disciples and created circuits for them to preach. He would not require formal education from his preachers so that they could more easily associate with the common folk. He often asked only four questions of the new itinerant preachers: "Is this man truly converted? Does he know and keep our rules? (Methodist Society standards.) Can he preach acceptably? Has he a horse?"
4.
He used printed media to
establish and ground the new converts in the faith. This would preserve them
while they waited for their next visit from a circuit rider which would happen
seasonally.
5.
Francis Asbury saw the need to
structure his revival and set up proper circuits with itinerant preachers who
gave account of all the souls saved. As the new country formed, the traditional
churches could not start and build churches quickly enough to handle the great
harvest, which gave Francis and his colleagues a chance to establish a new move
of God.
Are you ready for revival in your nation?
In our circuits we have received a mission
mandate: “Reform the church to reform the land.”
We like to raise up local bishops from the
leaders we have raised up or reached in Africa and Asia. We are seeing that the
local Bishops only require minimal support because they already have the vision
and understanding of their spiritual environments. With the help of our global
network and our Apostolic Council, we help to steer the doctrinal and spiritual
vision of a move of God, but we are careful to release leaders into their own
autonomous ministries to fulfil their God-given mandates. We offer spiritual resources
and support where needed with regular apostolic momentum occasions. Contact us
to become part of a global move that releases local churches to fulfil the
great commission to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ, and the command to
love God and humanity.
Comments
Post a Comment