Under-Taught Serious Christians With A Desire To Think & Revival

The reality is that you won’t get people to the point of the kind of prayer that sparks revival without educating Christians in their faith.

The Need For Fervent Prayer

Don’t misunderstand me. The relevance of fervent prayer to revival is clear. J. Edwin Orr makes a powerful case giving example after example of revival breaking out after prayer meetings. But, as he pointed out these meetings were always encompassed by good sound preaching. I don’t mean hellfire and brimstone preaching. Though there is little doubt that many such sermons were preached. But all the revivals I have read about, including those in the Bible, ¹ have been supported by sound and solid teaching. History shows us that all the major positive movements of the church have been supported by good teaching that has allowed Christians to, not only grow in their faith but understand their faith better.

I don’t think that J. Edwin Orr intended for this point to be missed. After all, he was directly responsible for a lot of preaching. However, his emphasis on prayer, though correct, does tend to overshadow the teaching element of revival.

The Need for Deeper Teaching in Churches

Doctor Michael Heiser, PhD, highlights a critical issue in modern churches. He asserts that a high percentage of churchgoers, who are serious Christians, are dramatically under-taught. This lack of teaching doesn’t reflect their true desire and appetite to think deeply about their faith.

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The Problem of Underestimating Churchgoers

Many church leaders underestimate their congregations’ intellectual and spiritual appetites. These under-taught serious Christians with a desire to think are often left feeling unsatisfied. They want more profound teachings that challenge their minds and spirits. Without this, they tend to compartmentalize their faith, seeing it as something only relevant on Sundays. This separation leads to a disengagement from faith in their daily lives.

The Consequences of Compartmentalized Faith

When church members do not receive adequate teaching, they may begin to see their faith as a Sunday-only activity. This compartmentalization results in their brains being fully engaged outside of church, while their faith remains stagnant. This division can weaken their overall spiritual growth and understanding. They need intellectual stimulation to integrate their faith into everyday life.

A Call for Deeper Engagement

Church leaders need to recognize and address this issue. They should provide more robust and thoughtful teachings to their congregations. By doing so, they can engage these under-taught serious Christians with a desire to think. These individuals crave deeper insights and intellectual challenges that align with their faith.

Strategies for Improved Teaching

1. **Encourage Critical Thinking:** Teach congregants to ask questions and seek deeper understanding. This can help bridge the gap between faith and intellect.

2. **Offer Diverse Learning Opportunities:** Provide classes, study groups, and discussions that go beyond basic teachings. This can cater to different learning styles and interests.

3. **Integrate Faith and Daily Life:** Show how faith principles apply to everyday situations. This helps congregants see the relevance of their beliefs in all aspects of life.

4. **Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning:** Encourage lifelong learning and growth in faith. This can prevent the stagnation that comes from compartmentalization.

The Benefits of Addressing the Issue

By addressing the issue of under-taught serious Christians with a desire to think, churches can cultivate a more engaged and intellectually satisfied congregation. This approach can lead to deeper spiritual growth and a more integrated faith. Congregants will begin to see their beliefs as relevant throughout the week, not just on Sundays.

Moving Forward

Churches have a responsibility to nurture both the hearts and minds of their members. By recognizing the intellectual and spiritual needs of their congregations, they can provide more meaningful and engaging teachings. This can help prevent the compartmentalization of faith and promote a more integrated and fulfilling spiritual life. Leading to better prayer lives and perhaps revival.

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