Longing for Revival: From Holy Discontent to Breakthrough Faith

by James Choung; Ryan Pfeiffer

Publisher:

IVP

, 2020

Overview

Revival begins with God. But it’s lived out through us. While we can’t determine how God will act, we can be expectant and anticipate his work. And revivals are not just experienced—they can be led.

James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer have seen revival in their own ministries, with remarkable transformation in both individuals and communities. They unpack what revival looks like, how Christians can anticipate it, and how they can experience it in their own lives and in larger movements. They provide a model of revival leadership for Christians who want to facilitate and spread revival in their contexts, with implications for evangelism, mission, and growth.We all need a spiritual breakthrough. Discover what revival can look like for you and those around you.

Contents

Intro: Why Revival?

Part I: Defining Revival
1. Revival for the Rest of Us
2. From Holy Discontent to Crucified Hope
3. From Crisis of Faith to Breakthrough Faith

Part II: Experiencing Revival
4. Consecration
5. Calling
6. Contending
7. Character

Part III: Leading Revival
8. All Play
9. Mystery and Strategy Paradox
10. Communal Discernment
11. Kingdom Building
Outro: Already and Not Yet

Acknowledgments
Notes

Praise for Longing for Revival

"There’s no better time than the present for a grounded, holistic, and strategic book on revival. James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer have masterfully crafted a timely book that deals with head, heart, and hands in sustaining times of revival. Longing for, pursuing, and persisting toward revival are important precursors to sustaining and multiplying a move of God’s Spirit among a people. You cannot read their book on revival without being profoundly moved to pray, ‘Lord, do it again!’ Read this book, learn from their experiences, and be shaped through their insights into all it takes to be ready for a move of God."

"James Choung and Ryan Pfeiffer take you on a remarkable journey in Longing for Revival by authentically sharing their own search for revival. They share the ups and downs of their faith all the while helping us believe that revival is possible today. If you long to see revival and want to be a part of one, you’ll want to read this book!"

"I love spiritually insightful leadership books, and this is a gem! The chapter on the ‘breakthrough U-curve’ will totally change how you approach God with your disappointments and failures. And the genius of the ‘mystery/strategy paradox’ is worth the price of the book all by itself. Enjoy!"

"In my weaker moments I’m content with mere programs of our own making. But deep down I long to be a part of a genuine work of God. Longing for Revival is bursting with the clarity, inspiration, and wise counsel we all need to get involved in what God himself is already doing around us."

"Every generation needs its own revival. My generation of boomers experienced the Jesus movement. We witnessed thousands of counterculture people, who had said no to organized religion, say yes to radically following Jesus. It’s time for a twenty-first-century awakening. These thoughtful pages are filled with hope that may break up the fallow ground and prepare our hearts for a fresh move of heaven."

"A powerful and must-read primer for anyone longing for revival. Choung and Pfeiffer vulnerably present a thoughtful, biblically grounded framework, without silver bullets or shallow formulas. Longing for Revival will inspire and transform not only your leadership but also your faith!"

"At this time in history, there is a critical need for serious answers to the condition of our world. This book is honest, convincing, hopeful, redemptive, and thorough, and provides a way for every follower of Jesus to become part of the answer, no matter your age and place in life. It is a must-read for every church leader!"

"Nothing more is needed in the church other than revival at the present time. James and Ryan have done us a great service by bringing forth Longing for Revival. I strongly believe that this book serves all Christian leaders in all spectrums of leadership, because revival should be the prayer of every church in every part of the world. In Longing for Revival, the authors have woven together a vast array of crucial topics of defining revival, experiencing revival, and leading revival. The chapters on the breakthrough U curve have challenged my ways of how I deal with all the frustrations that I am faced with in the ministry that I am leading. The chapter on ministry and strategy has given me insight into how I should reconcile the paradox. I applaud the impact of this book and invite you to read it and join the big rally of longing for revival around the globe."

"This is an amazing book. Ryan Pfeiffer and James Choung share their honest, personal journeys, dig deeply into the character of God and his word, and give an overview of global revival history to see what can be learned from it. And there is a lot! The book is brimming with thoughtful wisdom and experience, and is practical and visual in its explanations. As I read it I was challenged, convicted, and energized. This is revival theology at its best!"

"It is so helpful when someone tackles a word or theme when there are so many opinions as to what it means. James and Ryan have done a great service to all of us by doing just that. As a friend once said to me, ‘The problem with words is, you do not know where they have been.’ This is a book that will feed the hungry pilgrim and renew a longing prayer that lies within so many hearts."

Product Details

• Title : Longing for Revival: From Holy Discontent to Breakthrough Faith
• Authors:
  • Choung, James
  • Pfeiffer, Ryan
• Publisher: IVP Books
• Publication Date: 2020
• ISBN: 9780830836468

About the Authors

James Choung (DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is vice president of strategy and innovation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. He previously served as InterVarsity's national director of evangelism. He is the author of True Story and Real Life.

Ryan Pfeiffer is Next Gen pastor at North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, California. He previously served with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA as the divisional director for San Diego.