What the Church Must Not Miss When Faith Becomes a Growing Force in Secular Culture

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There is a profound nugget that was written by Brooklyn Tabernacle Pastor Jim Cymbala in his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: “Revival takes place when people become sick and tired of what is, and yearn deeply for what could be.” The book was originally released in 1997 and tells the story of how the Brooklyn Tabernacle became a church of such amazing influence. Cymbala’s wife, Carol, is the Music Director for the well-known Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. 

Gen Z on a Quest for Identity, Purpose, Meaning

Some might refer to revival as spiritual renewal, and Gen Z is a generation that many believe is ripe for spiritual renewal. Gen Z consists of those who were born primarily between 1997-2012, according to Beresford Research. Gen Z has experienced an unprecedented amount of turmoil. Some of that includes crises such as the COVID pandemic, multiple mass shootings in schools and other public areas, issues of election integrity, massive inflation, woke ideology battles, and radically intensified pressures to keep up with the world system through social media platforms. It has all left many in that generation wondering about their own identity, their purpose, and what’s truly important in life, according to The Gospel Coalition. 

Gen Z has become the loneliest generation in American history, according to the Cigna Loneliness Index, and they are the most anxious and depressed generation in history, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Because of what they’ve been through and the day and time in which they live, Gen Z is asking the hard questions and looking for real answers. Trying to project a perfect life on social media has become exhausting, and they’re looking for relationships in which they can be accepted for who they are, and grace is extended to them in spite of their imperfections, according to The Gospel Coalition.

True Spiritual Renewal

True spiritual renewal changes both believers and unbelievers. Unbelievers will discover what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, while believers will ache to experience more depth in their relationship with Jesus. Believers will also experience a burden to reach those who don’t know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. True spiritual renewal has to happen inside the church and the hearts of believers before it can go out into the community.

True spiritual renewal will also put an ache in the hearts of believers to spend more time in prayer, the Word, and Worship. It burdens church leadership to help their congregations figure out how to step into their giftings and callings so that growth can happen. 

Another facet of true spiritual renewal highlights God’s sovereignty in that He decides when, where, and how long He will pour out His Spirit. A few other things (of many) believers might see if spiritual renewal were to become a growing force in secular culture are:

• Prayer will be led by either students or staff in schools.
• The 10 Commandments will be able to be displayed in schools and other public places without secular groups fighting against them.
• Christian companies can refuse to take on projects that are an assault on their Christian values without fear of prosecution.
• Christians will make a point of supporting Christian and positive – values entertainment over that which is contrary to those values.
• Motherhood and the choice to be a stay-at-home mom will be valued, honored, and respected again.
• Fathers and Fatherhood will be valued, honored, and respected again.
• Children will be recognized and valued as a heritage of the Lord again.
• Relationships will be restored because, with God’s supernatural intervention, true forgiveness will be extended.
• America’s leaders on the federal, state, and local levels will implement policies that protect religious freedom and free speech and are friendly toward families and those who want to live a life of Christian values.

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is partnering with the White House for an “America Prays” initiative as the country approaches the celebration of 250 years of American freedom, according to the NRB.

Details regarding the event and how believers can participate can be found here.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Christin Lola

Elizabeth Delaney has been a freelance content writer for over 20 years and has enjoyed having her prose published in both the non-fiction and fiction markets. She has written various types of content, including Christian articles, healthy lifestyle, blog posts, business topics, news articles, product descriptions, and some fiction. She is also a singer-songwriter-musician. When she is not busy with writing or music, she enjoys spending time with friends or family and doing fun social activities such as hiking, swing dancing, concerts, and other activities.