Revival Day 1!

Christopher Watson, Pastor Kilmarnock United Methodist Church

Revival Sermon at Bethel UMC August 6, 2025

Dear Church,

I pray this message finds you both challenged and encouraged. In this week's sermon, I felt led to speak honestly about the storms we face together—not just as individuals, but as a church body. Whether you were present in worship or are catching up now, I invite you to reflect with me on what it means to be Christ’s church in times of uncertainty and change.

Scripture and Theme

This week's sermon drew from Matthew 16:1-4 and 17-18, focusing on the theme: “Churchianity” ain’t “Christianity.”

We explored how Jesus challenged the religious leaders who could “discern the appearance of the sky, but are unable to discern the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:3) We looked honestly at the reality facing many churches today, and asked: What is the true foundation of Christ’s church?

Summary of Main Points

• Reading the Signs of the Times:
  Jesus’ words to the Pharisees and Sadducees—“You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but are you unable to discern the signs of the times?”—remind us that storms are not just weather but moments to see God at work. We, too, sense a storm in our churches—declining attendance, aging congregations, and a loss of cultural relevance.

• “Churchianity” vs. Christianity:
  Too often, we settle for “churchianity”—focusing on attendance, rituals, and appearances, confusing Sunday routines with genuine discipleship. “There are too many tee shirt wearing Christians, than actual followers of Jesus. See, they have the shirt but have never actually been to the place the shirt represents.” The real danger is when church is about comfort and survival rather than transformation.

• The True Church Will Not Fail:
  While the institutional church may feel like it’s dying, “Jesus never left the church to drown in despair.”
  Christ declared: “Upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18)
  The church is not a building or a program; it is the ekklesia—the “called out ones”—God’s people, alive and on mission.

• God’s Mission Through the Church:
  God still chooses to work through ordinary people, through local congregations, to accomplish His mission.
  “The church is not an optional extra; it is the vehicle for discipleship, fellowship, and mission.”
  Our calling is to lift the battering ram of the Gospel, break every chain, and announce the year of the Lord’s favor.

• Trading Survival for Faithfulness:
  We are called to look at church decline through an “Easter lens”:
  “Good Friday always feels like failure...but remember: before dawn broke over the garden, the stone had to seal the grave. Something has to die before something greater can rise.”
  We are called not merely to survive, but to be faithful—letting go of idols, nostalgia, and anything that hinders God’s mission among us.

• Victory in Christ:
  Because Christ lives, “we live too!” Our battle cry is to storm the gates, not simply defend our own.
  “The gates of Hades will fall! Principalities and powers break! Hate crumbles! Love rises! The lost are found! Hope roars back to life!”

Actionable Steps

1. Shift Your Focus from Survival to Faithfulness:
   Let go of survival-driven thinking. Instead, ask: “Where is Jesus leading us, and how can we follow—even if it costs us comfort?”

2. Release Idols and Old Patterns:
   Be willing to let go of buildings, schedules, and programs that no longer serve God’s mission. “Bury turf wars, nostalgia, and the need to control every outcome.”

3. Re-imagine Success:
   Instead of tracking attendance or budgets, focus on lives transformed.
   Ask: Are hearts burning hotter today than a year ago? Are we reconciling families, serving the hurting, making disciples?

4. Link Arms Beyond Our Walls:
   Seek collaboration with other congregations and ministries—join forces for a greater impact in the community.

5. Take a Step of Faith:
   Like Peter stepping out of the boat, step into new acts of service or discipleship.
   “If apathy has numbed you, step out and serve the neighbor nobody sees. If fear has caged you, join or start a group for prayer and confession. If you’re clinging to a beloved program, place it on the altar and ask, ‘Lord, must this seed die so something greater can sprout?’”

6. Embrace Our Mission:
   Remember that we are called to be a presence, not just a place—“the light bearers into dark places, offering a hand and saying, ‘Come, there is a better way.’”

Additional Scripture References

For further study and reflection, I recommend reading:

• Matthew 14 (Peter steps out of the boat)

• Ezekiel 37 (The valley of dry bones)

• Ephesians 5:25-27 (The Church as the Bride of Christ)

• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (The Church as the Body of Christ)

• Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)

Reflection Questions

1. Where have I confused “churchianity” with true discipleship?

2. What am I holding onto in church life that may need to die so something greater can rise?

3. How can I help shift our focus from surviving to being faithful to Jesus’ mission?

4. Who is one person I can encourage or disciple this week?

Conclusion and Prayer

Let us pray together:

Gracious God,
You have called us out of darkness into marvelous light, and set us upon the Rock that cannot be shaken.
Give us courage to let go of what is dying, and faith to step into the new life you offer.
Renew our passion, unite our hearts, and fill us with your Spirit, so that we might truly be your Church—alive, faithful, and on mission.
May your love break every chain, heal every hurt, and shine through us into our community.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is with us always.
Amen.