God’s instruments, past and present

Is the West experiencing a resurgence of Christian faith? We at least have seen evidence that the growth in the “nones” who hold to no particular religion has plateaued. We even see signs of renewal, not just in the United States, but in Great Britain and in pockets of Continental Europe. The response to Charlie Kirk’s murder, including his memorial service, has supercharged this hope that we are witnessing an awakening or a revival.

God has done such work before in our history. Fittingly, today marks an important moment in that story. Two hundred and fifty-five years ago, on Sept. 30, 1770, George Whitefield died in Newburyport, Mass. Whitefield was a clergyman in the Church of England, ordained to the diaconate in 1736 and to the presbyterate in 1739. Whitefield was crucial in the start and growth of the First Great Awakening that swept Great Britain and the Colonies in the 1730s and 1740s (other important contributors included the Wesley brothers and Jonathan Edwards). This period saw a massive receptivity to the gospel, imprinting a revivalist element into the DNA of American Christianity that remains to this day.

That prompts some thought. First, Kirk and Whitefield were exceptional communicators. Kirk possessed an ability to state his political and religious beliefs succinctly and clearly. He thrived in speaking to audiences and one-on-one. The conservative and Christian positions he advocated for struck a chord, especially with young people. They were moved in their minds and hearts by his speech. Relatedly, it was fitting that Whitefield died on a Sunday; for he was one of the greatest preachers God has brought out of the English-speaking church. His early love of theatre showed in his sermons, as he could command an audience, keeping them enrapt by his movement, tone, and the eloquence of his words. Whitefield also had a message that resonated with his hearers. His preaching focused on the need for the new birth, for a heartfelt faith in Christ as revealed in Scripture. It argued for holy living in response to the Holy Spirit’s gracious work in the Christian’s soul. We saw continued elements of Whitefield’s combination of personal faith and piety in Kirk’s own presentations of the gospel as well as the music and speeches at his memorial.

Second, Kirk and Whitefield took their messages to the people. Kirk traveled across the country to discuss his political and religious beliefs. Millions heard him in person and many more online. Whitefield traveled across Great Britain and made numerous visits to the Colonies. As with Kirk, people came out in droves to listen to this preacher. It is estimated that around 80% of the American Colonists heard Whitefield preach at least one time, a number astounding to us with our myriad siloed subcultures.

Third, Kirk and Whitefield were savvy in their methods. Kirk made fine use of social media, podcasting, and grassroots organization. Also, in his extensive travels, Kirk went to places where people did not agree with him and welcomed engagement with opponents. By comparison, Whitefield had the help of Ben Franklin, whose gift for marketing aided Whitefield’s ministry greatly. Whitefield traveled widely and stepped beyond pulpits (sometimes because he was excluded from them) to preach in the open air. In doing so, he brought the gospel to people who needed to hear it, to enemies of God who by sovereign grace might be made sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

Fourth, both men faced significant opposition. Kirk faced reviling, attempts to be cancelled, threats, and, eventually, murder. Whitefield was reviled by many for the message and the manner of his ministry, too. He was excluded by many, especially within the church in Great Britain and the Colonies. People would throw things at him while preaching, with one man reported to have tried urinating on him from a tree. Whitefield’s life also was threatened, though by God’s grace he escaped.

As we assess whether we are witnessing a resurgence of Christianity among us, we should consider the past work of men like George Whitefield. These men were not perfect. Whitefield certainly was not, as he readily would tell you. Moreover, elements of revivalism have their own weaknesses of which we must be cognizant and ready.

But we should pray that God is moving among us. We should pray for God to raise up new servants to gather the current harvest of souls. And we should thank God for those He already has given us, past and present, who take the gospel to the ends of our communities, our countries, and the earth.