The Revival Principles

Scripture and history tell the same story. When revival has come, certain truths were at the center. These principles are foundation that informs why The Revival Project exists and how we pursue what we're after.

Red neon sign on building reads JESUS SAVES in bold capital letters.

The Only Solution is Jesus

Both biblically and historically, a revival is necessary for our churches, communities, and nation to continue success.

For the last several decades, our nation has increasingly tried to solve its moral, cultural, and spiritual challenges apart from Christ, and the results have made it clear that these solutions can’t sustain a healthy society. Scripture and history both show that the only force capable of transforming hearts and renewing a nation is Jesus Himself. Every great awakening and lasting cultural renewal has ultimately flowed from people rediscovering and surrendering to Christ as Lord. When individuals and communities return to Him, the power of the Gospel begins to restore lives, churches, and cultures from the inside out.

A group of people standing by a lake; one man in white robes is speaking or praying to the group.

Revival belongs to God and is enabled through His people

Throughout scripture and history, God consistently shows that he wants to partner with strong Christians to bring about revival.

Revival is never something that humans can manufacture or control; It belongs entirely to God. Yet throughout Scripture and history, God consistently chooses to work through His people, partnering with believers who are surrendered to Him and willing to carry His mission forward. Time and again, spiritual awakenings have emerged when faithful Christians responded to God’s call and allowed Him to move through them. When the church humbly depends on God while boldly stepping into His work, He often uses those ordinary believers to ignite extraordinary revival.

Woman with eyes closed praying with hands together among a group of people in a softly lit room.

Revival starts with one heart

So often, revival starts not at the big picture, but with a single person first getting their heart right with God, then influencing those around them.

While we often imagine revival beginning on a national scale, it most often begins much smaller, with a single heart fully surrendered to God. As Anne Graham Lotz famously described it, “Revival begins when a person draws a circle around themselves and gets everything inside that circle right with God.” When individuals experience a renewed love for Christ and deeper obedience to Him, that transformation naturally begins to influence the people around them. One life changed by God can spark a ripple effect that spreads through families, churches, communities, and eventually entire regions.

Group of people standing indoors with hands raised, facing a musician playing guitar on stage.

Revival grows and sustains through the local church

Sparks of revival happen in many ways, but the local church sustains it over decades.

Although sparks of spiritual awakening can appear in many places – on campuses, in communities, or through individual believers – lasting revival is sustained through the local church. The church provides the discipleship, leadership, and spiritual community needed to nurture revival over time. Historically, every great awakening has ultimately taken root and grown through congregations committed to teaching God’s Word and forming faithful disciples. When churches embrace their role as centers of spiritual formation and mission, revival can move from a momentary spark to a generational movement.

Person holding pen over blank notebook with open Bible and red pen on dark table.

There are practices we can use to guide ourselves

God has shown us, and our research supports, that there is an approach

While revival ultimately comes from God alone, Scripture and history reveal patterns of spiritual practices that consistently accompany it. These practices create an environment where God’s renewing work can flourish. They are not a formula that guarantees revival, but they are habits that have repeatedly marked the lives of believers during seasons of awakening. By learning from these biblical patterns and historical movements, the church can intentionally position itself to participate in what God desires to do.