A Call to Revival and Reformation in America
We are currently witnessing one of the most remarkable seasons of transformation in American history. As a pastor of over four decades and the leader of a church network in 70-plus nations, I can say with certainty that a fresh wave of revival and reformation is taking place on a macro scale.
How can I be sure of this? First, it would be beneficial to agree about what the terms revival and reformation mean. My concise definition of revival is when souls are saved unto personal transformation. Reformation is when institutions, like our government and education system, are reformed unto societal transformation.
As everyone would agree, regardless of political affiliation, America has flipped a new page in the wake of the historic 2024 elections. Under President Trump’s second term, we are already seeing incredible signs of reformation. The Inauguration-Day affirmation of only two genders, the biological demarcation between men’s and women’s sports, the swift removal of violent undocumented criminals, and the overhaul of wasteful government spending form just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the wholesale change happening in our nation.
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Answers to Our Prayers
These signs of transformation are the direct results of the prayers of the church. The most well-known prayer, typically called “the Lord’s Prayer,” provides the basis for my perspective.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to decree for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). For the past two millennia, Christians have been praying for the kingdom of heaven—God’s rule and reign—to be demonstrated and established on earth. The Lord’s Prayer is not only for us individually or even just for our families. It is a reformer’s prayer for our nation.
As I share in my new book Blueprints for Transformation, righteousness (doing what is right) and justice (having just laws) are the foundational components of God’s rule and reign (Psalm 89:14). Therefore, we are actually praying for God’s righteousness and justice to permeate our lives and society. That would include the reformation of public policy and the institution of godly laws for the good of our nation.
Truth Is Transformational
When we talk about reformation, biblical truth is non-negotiable. To seriously become people of righteousness and justice, absolute truth is essential. God’s written Word, the Bible, is the ultimate source of truth. As such, it is the bedrock for a successful society (Joshua 1:7-8).
Revival, as seen through the lens of church history, happens when the truth of Christ transforms the human heart. This, in turn, awakens the church, which then draws in a harvest of lost souls to salvation.
Similarly, there is a natural progression from truth to reformation:
- Truth changes a person’s values.
- New values catalyze changes in culture.
- Cultural shifts lead to changes in institutions.
- Institutional changes that are based on truth will lead to justice and just laws.
- The restoration of truth and justice in society will reform a nation.
- Reformed nations will ultimately bring about global transformation.
Restoring Truth in Society
To transform culture, we must start somewhere. I believe that the restoration of truth in society begins with pastors preaching the truth in love. Sadly, many pulpits in America today are majorly lacking the proclamation of truth. Pastors, who ought to know the truth the most, should be sharing the whole counsel of God every Sunday. We cannot shy away from preaching values that are close to the heart of God, highlighting pro-life and pro-family topics that will edify our churches.
When truth and biblical values are embraced, they will catalyze a “kingdom” culture that influences all institutions. This includes promoting righteousness and justice, not just in the government but in every sphere of culture. For example, these values are reflected when we eradicate embezzlement, sexual harassment, and foul language from the workplace.
A culture rooted in biblical truth will ensure that societal transformation can be upheld for the long run. True revival impacts the church, but true reformation will impact every facet of life—and I believe that is God’s desire for this generation. We are praying for lasting transformation in society where godly laws prevail and where our value system aligns with biblical principles.
Keys to Transforming Our Nation
As we go about seeking revival and reformation in America, we must keep our priorities rooted in what God cares about most of all. The Great Commandment—to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40)—and the Great Commission—to evangelize and disciple nations (Matthew 28:18-20)—are the two biggest priorities that we as Christians must never compromise.
Rick Warren once said, “A great commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will grow a great church.” I couldn’t agree more. Committing our lives to fulfilling these two divine calls will empower us to transform our world, one decision at a time.
In this crucial season for our nation, we are hosting a gathering of global leaders, called Global Summit, for the express purpose of equipping Christians to be agents of transformational change in society. Join me and a powerful lineup of speakers on April 23-26 in Pasadena, CA.
When we unite for a purpose that is greater than ourselves, I believe God will empower us to catalyze historic transformation in our cities, states, and nations.
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Dr. Ché Ahn has been the Senior Leader of Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, Calif., since 1994. Ché received his M.Div. and D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves as the President of Harvest International Ministry, a global apostolic network equipping leaders, multiplying churches, evangelizing, and bringing revival and reformation to more than 70 nations. He is also the International Chancellor of Wagner University, an international educational institution equipping believers for practical ministry.
