Revivals and Their Results by E. K. Slade

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1914

Revivals and Their Results

By E. K. Slade

E. K. SLADE

THE account of Christ's ministry furnishes a most profitable study for those who would be successful soul winners. To a large extent, he engaged in personal efforts or revealed vital saving truths to groups that gathered around him. His public efforts consisted largely of assemblies where he taught the people the great vital truths upon which their salvation depended. His ministry was effective. His methods and manner of labor are clearly revealed in the Scriptures. In so far as revival work is right and required in the ministry, it was employed by him; yet we see but little in his labors like the modern revivals, which have become so common and so much relied upon in evangelistic effort.

Unless our eyes are fixed much of the time upon our Leader and upon his teachings, our tendency will be to gravitate toward the modern, popular ways in public efforts. There has been a decided tendency on the part of some ministers to do this. Many young ministers have been made to feel that they are practically a failure in the work if they cannot conduct one of the efforts where the emotions are stirred to flow freely, resulting perhaps in a well-nigh universal move forward. Not only has such an effort been looked upon as about the only proper thing, but many at our large meetings have figuratively folded their arms, neglecting a work that they might accomplish, while trusting too much in the revival and the revivalist. There has also been some inclination to postpone and concentrate the great and vital soul-saving and reviving work of a meeting largely to one time and one man, when the burden should be borne by all during all the time.

Repeated warnings and counsel have been given relative to the manner of conducting revival services. The following paragraph from "Gospel Workers," page 275, is to the point:—

"There are in the ministry, men who gain apparent success by swaying minds through human influence. They play upon the feelings at will, making their hearers weep, and in a few minutes laugh. Under this kind of labor, many are moved by impulse to a profession of Christ, and there is thought to be a wonderful revival. But when the test comes, it is seen that the work is not enduring. When the feelings were stirred, many were borne along by the tide that seemed to be setting heavenward. But in the strong current of temptation they quickly float back as driftwood. The laborer is self-deceived, and thus he misleads his hearers."

While we have spoken unfavorably of such revivals as those mentioned in this quotation, and of our danger of drifting in that direction, it remains true that there is much good accomplished by properly conducted revival efforts. There is converting, reviving, and saving power in the word. The Spirit of God attends the ministry of the word. We should realize more fully and recognize more constantly that there is power in the presentation of those truths that relate to our time, and that reveal the love, the plan, the purpose, and the power of God. There is great need of more teaching that we may attain unto that wisdom that is unto salvation. We have seen most effective revival efforts, resulting from deep conviction through a clear setting forth of the truth without appealing to the emotions. One who leaves a meeting where he has listened to a clear-cut, convicting message is really benefited more than one who has been moved by the tide of influence, though he may go forward and be prayed for. The less spectacular and the less emotional revivals wrought by the mighty, moving power of the Spirit of God accompanying the preaching of the Word, will produce more lasting results and truer conversions.