How to Explain Revival to Children

by PJ Keen, February  21, 2022.

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” - Psalm 85:6

Because of the recent revival at Asbury University and several revivals happening around the country, the question has become, what is revival, and how do we know it when we see it? I believe this is a fantastic teaching opportunity for you to share with your children. It is important to know what revival is and what it means in the life of the believer and community. 

Depending on the context, revival may mean different things to children. For example, in Southern Baptist life, revival is usually a 1-5 day calendar event led by a guest preacher/evangelist and music minister. While this is called "revival," it is more of the hopes of revival! It is our attempt to position the church and the hearts of the believers to be open for revival to happen. This is not a bad thing. It's actually a wonderful thing when the focus is the life change of the believer and for the Spirit to move. But what are the signs of real, authentic revival that we can communicate to kids? 

This is John Piper's thought on what revival is, and I think it is a good starting place for us to understand ourselves.

"In the history of the church, the term revival in its most biblical sense has meant a sovereign work of God in which the whole region of many churches, many Christians has been lifted out of spiritual indifference and worldliness into conviction of sin, earnest desires for more of Christ and his word, boldness in witness, purity of life, lots of conversions, joyful worship, renewed commitment to missions. You feel God has moved here. And basically revival, then, is God doing among many Christians at the same time or in the same region, usually, what he is doing all the time in individual Christian’s lives as people get saved and individually renewed around the world."

As an adult, we can understand the abstract idea of revival. However, young kids can't always grasp these concepts. Because of that, we often try to explain abstract concepts by using comparisons. It is important to avoid phrases such as "Revival is like..." with Biblical and theological conversations. Comparisons can lead to possible heresy and everyone leaves confused and frustrated. 

Now that we have a refresher on what revival is and understand how not to teach it, how do we teach it to kids?! This is my best and simplest description of revival. Use this as a starting place when explaining revival to your children. 

"Revival is when the Holy Spirit leads Christians to be honest about their sin, to live fully for God again, to share the good news of Jesus with all their family and friends, and when many people become Christians. Revival happens when Christians in a community or church remember God's love for them and live it out more openly and passionately."

I hope this is helpful, and know that the Holy Spirit is there while you are having these conversations with your kids. Please pray with your children that revival will continue to spread across our communities and the world. 

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-revival-and-where-do-we-find-it