EMQ » January–March 2021 » Volume 57 Issue 1
By James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer
InterVarsity Press, 2019
211 pages
USD $33.00
Reviewed by Kevin Kung’u, a youth pastor in Nairobi, Kenya, who is currently undertaking a Masters in Evangelism and Leadership at Wheaton College, Illinois.
Revival is a term that conjures up many thoughts due to its varied uses in the Christian faith. James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer acknowledge this from the very beginning of their book. The book starts with Choung detailing his aversion towards the word revival in the early days of his ministry. Through his and Pfeiffer’s experiences in campus ministry across the United States, Choung changes his mind and joins Pfeiffer in the writing of this book. The authors see revival as biblical, historical, strategic, global, powerful, and necessary. Their purpose in writing is to ignite, or reignite, a longing for revival among their readers and to prepare them to lead revival effectively when it comes.
The book is divided into three sections. In the first section, the authors lay the groundwork for their understanding of revival. They explore the breakthroughs it brings in word, deed, and power, as well as the new normal it ushers in. They outline what they refer to as the “breakthrough u-curve,” which covers the revival journey from holy discontent to breakthrough faith. In the second part, they talk through what it is like to experience revival from the processes of consecration and calling, to contending through tough times and accepting God’s character-molding process. The third section explores leading revival, highlighting the Holy Spirit’s central role and key leadership thoughts in stewarding revival. In the conclusion, the authors acknowledge the “already but not yet” tension in their own lives. They give their own stories of the revivals they have longed for and what parts of those visions and dreams they are still waiting to realize.
Choung and Pfeiffer state upfront that their book “is not a history book on past revivals, nor is it an analysis of broad-scale dynamics for revival” (9). Rather than offering formal definitions and macro-level analysis, they instead offer working definitions, simple models, Scriptural references, and inspiration through a number of well-used and well-placed anecdotes. The anecdotes in particular greatly enhance the applicability of the authors’ points. There are also discussion questions included that act as a good journal prompt and make the book additionally useful as a devotion or study guide.
This book could be useful for those looking for a personal and relatable description of revival and what it requires from the individual. It can also be recommended as Bible study material based on the inclusion of reflection points and questions at the end of each chapter. The ease of language as well as the length of its chapters should appeal to college students and those involved with college ministry. On a more personal note, those struggling through a crisis of faith or a season of despair may profit from the perspective given in the “breakthrough u-curve.” Finally, for pastors and Christian leaders who are looking for fresh inspiration regarding revival in their own ministries, this book provides a simple, easy, inspiring, and relatable starting point.
For Further Reading
Shaw, Mark. Global Awakening: How 20th-Century Revivals Triggered a Christian Revolution. IVP Academic, 2010.
Addison, Steve. Movements That Change the World: Five Keys to Spreading the Gospel. InterVarsity Press, 2011.
