Preparing For A Crusade

This is a collection of thoughts that comes out of a few hundred Rekindle The Flame events we have held over the years. God has accomplished something in every one of these meetings, and in some He did extraordinary things. Though I still can’t answer the question of whether divine sovereignty or human responsibility has more to do with revival, I know there are things God has given us to do that prepare hearts and repel satan in preparation for His reviving work.

Prayer

A significant revival has never occurred in the absence of prayer. Any form or expression of prayer that you can encourage in preparation for our meeting is a significant investment. Small groups, cottage meetings, men’s or ladies’ groups, all night meetings, and many other approaches will prepare hearts to hear from God.

Fasting

Jesus said we would encounter demons that would only come out by prayer and fasting. They seem to still be in operation today. Fasting is a powerful spiritual tool that disciplines the flesh, strengthens the spirit, procures God’s power, and repels the enemy. Fasting comes in many forms, but any time anybody deliberately turns from the physical to the spiritual something good is going to happen. Fasting is hugely effective in seeking revival.

Scheduling

A revival crusade should be surrounded by as few other events as possible. The energy and commitment that must go into a successful crusade are easily dissipated by other activities. Try to reserve the weeks ahead of a crusade for extra prayer and fasting and the week or two after a crusade for follow-up prayer and personal ministry. Youth activities, children’s events, trips, etc. will be more effective at least a month before or after a revival crusade. Church leadership and staff members should absolutely be at all sessions of a crusade unless it is completely impossible. A crusade is a protracted time of focused effort to meet with and hear from God – competition for the time won’t help.

Attitude

The key words in promoting a revival crusade are investment and sacrifice. If people can understand that extra time is being set aside for a concentrated effort that will have a great impact in many lives, they’ll commit to it. Each format has distinct advantages. Discuss the possibilities with your people, involving them in the decision so they have a sense of ownership in the event. Be sure to emphasize that a crusade is a sacrifice and should be viewed as such. A sacrifice that will pay dividends in time and eternity.

Offering

Rekindle The Flame is a faith ministry supported primarily through love offerings. Please consider the following suggestions in this important aspect of the ministry:

Follow Up

Much of the fruit of a Rekindle The Flame Crusade may come after the meeting concludes. Over the next several weeks folks will make their decision known at the altar or in personal conversation. It is very important to encourage people to share what God is doing in their lives and to review the areas in which He has worked with them. Personal ministry has historically been a huge part of great revivals. The Pastor and his staff can be used greatly of God to bring people on in to where God has called them. Special prayer times after a crusade are just as important as before.