Here are a few principles that can help leaders to create an atmosphere of spiritual renewal in a church organization. Leaders will:
1. Maintain their own constant personal connections with God based on quality time alone with Him Oohn 15:4-8, Ellen G. White in Education, pp. 260, 261).
2. Regularly remind everyone in their sphere of influence that "a revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work" (White, Selected Messages, Vol. 1, p. 121).
3. Prioritize constantly the call to personal and united intercessory prayer to unleash God's power in all planning and implementing of action plans, and telling the story of the Lord's works. "A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer" (Ibid.)
4. Make time available for regular praise, thanksgiving, and prayer in all committees, meetings, and activities. "Rejoice always ... in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:16, 18; cf Ps. 34:1-3).
5. Call our people to always check every plan and activity with the inspired writings. "Believe His prophets, and you shall prosper" (2 Chron. 20:20).
6. Make sure that God is at the center of all reporting of ministry results. Whenever possible, organizational reports should be full of stories and testimonies of the Lord's power and His wonderful providences at work in the lives of His people.
7. Encourage the organizational staff to use the "Experiencing God" principle (see Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King). Ask the Lord to reveal to you where He is already performing a special work in our territory. Then, instead of simply duplicating programs and activities being used in other places, ask to join Him in His work and seek wisdom as to His unique plans for the church.
8. Seek to clarify God's vision and priorities, believing that He will always provide for His own vision. Then look beyond human reasoning and resources to carry out His plan. Leaders speak and move in faith while avoiding presumption, "for with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:3 7).
9. Share all personnel, financial, and other organizational needs, problems, and challenges as calls to united prayer and opportunities for the Lord to receive glory as He leads your church.
10. Make available opportunities and resources such as the following to keep the above principles functioning:
A. A network of leaders to facilitate and equip all employees and members in spiritual renewal disciplines (Luke 10:2).
B. Spiritual retreats, ministerial meetings, educators' meetings, and other events to foster these principles with employees and members.
C. Articles, letters, and personal appeals from all levels of leadership to encourage spiritual renewal.
D. Channels of communication to tell the story of how the Lord is working to revive His people and grow His kingdom.
Our prayers are with you for the revival of true godliness through the Holy Spirit to be in you and your people until Jesus comes again.
Jerry Page is president of the Central California Conference, and his wife Janet is the prayer ministry coordinator in that conference.
