I was saved in 1972, and since then, I’ve been to more revival services than I can remember. Over the years, I have found there to be a common delineator between the revivals when I sense God’s mighty work in my heart and the revivals when I haven’t. The key? Preparation.

I suggest three ways to prepare before revival services.

Pray

Before the first sermon is preached, earnestly seek God’s face. Sometimes we forget how desperately we need revival. Without even realizing we’re doing it, we excuse away our own carnality and the distance that has grown between us and the Lord. (more…)

I’ve never been more thankful to be an American. I’m thankful for the men who pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to sign the Declaration of Independence and then gave of themselves in unspeakable sacrifice to birth this great nation.

These men understood that patriotism meant so much more than grabbing the family rifle and charging the red coats. It involved giving whatever was necessary to uphold the God-given values of freedom and equality which they had come to embrace. For many, patriotism meant giving their lives, their families, and their fortunes. They purchased freedom at a heavy personal expense.

I’m thankful for the heritage of these patriots, statesmen, and soldiers who embraced and upheld freedom—even at the expense of themselves.

I’m thankful for men and women around the world today (some from our church family) who are sacrificing for continued freedom. (more…)

Every January—since 1987—Lancaster Baptist Church has had winter revival services. Each year we’ve had the same preacher—Dr. John Goetsch. And every year God has used this time in a mighty way in our church.

Perhaps one reason God has so profoundly blessed these meetings over the years is because of the intense desire our church family has to see God work in their hearts. At the beginning of January, we ask every able member of our church to join together in a month of prayer and fasting. And every year, hundreds of our members participate. (more…)

What a joy it was during Spiritual Leadership Conference to be able to serve the many pastors, missionaries, and churches who attended. Many have expressed the services and workshops were a monumental help to them, and they are already letting us know how they are implementing the truths they learned this week in their home ministries. (more…)

Using my time wisely means more to me than ever before. I’m realizing with greater intensity that I have just one life, and I want it to count for Christ. I’m never at a loss for how to fill my time, but I’m constantly choosing between good things and the best things.

One of the projects to which I’m delighted to devote my time is our annual Spiritual Leadership Conference. This is not just one more activity to fill a calendar; it is a highlight event designed to equip each person who attends to greater potential for service to the Lord. For our church, this conference is not one of many options on a calendar; I believe it is a “must have.” Following are 10 reasons why I believe we need Spiritual Leadership Conference: (more…)