RVOLUTION

Book Review

Barna, George. Revolution. Finding Vibrant Faith Beyond the Walls of the Sanctuary. Tyndale House Pub. 2005

Comment. Henry
Barna the pollster explains his understanding of church as he sees it in today’s (American) culture. He declares that millions of believers have moved beyond the established church and chosen to be the Church instead. He identifies such believers as being Revolutionaries. The movement, which he calls Revolution, is happening in a general way. It has not been given a specific name but it is having a significant influence in our culture. In as much that this resource has been around for a few years I am surprised that it has not created a greater stir in our evangelical scene. (Not a Canadian thing yet?)

Revolutionaries are defined as “devout followers of Jesus Christ who are serious about their faith”. (8) They may or may not be aligned with church. They are ‘full-time’ Christians. Because of the sincerity of their spirituality they are not welcome in a culture in crisis. A Revolutionary is “someone who lives only to love, obey, and serve God, rejecting and overcoming every obstacle that emerges to prevent such a life”. (17)

Based on passages about the early Church found in the book of Acts, seven passions of early believers (Revolutionaries) are deleted and discussed. They are “intimate worship, faith-based conversations, intentional spiritual growth, servant hood, resource investments, spiritual friendship and family faith”. (22-24) When these seven passions are used as a measuring device for churches the results are often of great concern. Fruit bearing (evidence of a Godly life) is synonymous with being a Christ-follower. It is only Jesus that is the hope of the world not the local church.

Barna identifies seven cultural trends that are part of the change “leading to the New Church”. (42) They are “the changing guard, the rise of a new view of life, dismissing the irrelevant, the impact of technology, genuine relationships, participation in reality and finding true meaning”. (42-47) these trends are most conspicuous in the youngest generations, Busters and Mosaics, Those born from 1965-2002.

The reality of genuine spiritual formation in people’s lives is evidence of God’s activity. “Spiritual mini-movements” (54) is where much of the transformation takes place. They are usually part of the organized church movement. This is controversial for the church culture.

“The two fastest growing macro-models of church are the house church and cyber-church formations.” (65) Micro models are growing even faster. Independent worship events are an example of a micro model. The freedom and excitement that these new models present will insure an increasing number of people whose spiritual lives are developing.

The life of Jesus is examined as a model of a Revolutionary. “The commands and admonitions provided by Jesus to all who would listen are designed to facilitate self-governance that makes each disciple a revolution in progress.” (70) We are to be imitators of Jesus. “He was a revolutionary because he lived differently.” (77)

Expect to “create your own reservoir of insights” (79) as you search the scriptures regarding Jesus our model. Live the life of courageous faith. Love and obedience should be the evidence of commitment and transformation. Make choices based on what is right. It is really living a paradox.

Revolutions have a significant impact on those who are part of the process. This is reflected in their core beliefs. They are comfortable with new forms of behavior. It is more the revolutionary than society that is reshaped by the revolution.

The distinguishing characteristics of a revolutionary are, “spiritual practices, personal faith, perspective of life, attitude, character, relationships and behavior”. (94-98)

Over the years revolutions have had major impacts on people and culture, e.g. protestant revolution, civil rights revolution, feminist revolution, etc. The Revolution of faith in America is having its impact on American culture. The development of spirituality will be a personal responsibility not the responsibility of the church. “The Revolution transforms believers so they can transform the world.” (105) The impact on the local church will depend on how it responds to this Revolution. Culture will be affected.

“Energetic resistance by the established church has accompanied every significant episode of growth in the Kingdom.” (111) Criticisms of the Revolution are summarized. Five different reactions to the Revolution are discussed.

Four options are presented on how the church and the Revolution can be blended. They are all about leadership issues.