For a long time, I have had a custom of asking every preacher that comes by, especially those that travel a great (missionaries, evangelists), the common attributes of growing, revival churches. Not surprisingly, their answers are typically very similar. Four categories emerged in these discussions that seem to be common characteristics:
1. Emphasis on doctrine and holiness. Revival churches are Bible preaching and teaching churches, that are passionate about Bible preaching.
2. A move of the supernatural. Revival churches have the Gifts of the Spirit in operation, have powerful worship experiences and know how to pray.
3. A framework of ministry programs. Revival churches understand their communities, and devise ministry programs in ways to reach the community. These structures are not happenstance, but are carefully designed and monitored. Staff are given frequent training experiences at home, and away.
4. A prophetic pulse. Revival churches frequently discuss prophetic events, current events, and have an idea of where they fit into the overall scheme of God's plan for the endtimes.
Interestingly enough, it is not only important that these elements are present- it is important that they are ALL present in balance, for a church to sustain ongoing, consistent revival
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Pastor Deckard
About Me
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- R. Deckard
- Des Moines, Iowa, United States
- Pastor Rex Deckard was born in Bloomington, Indiana. He received his BS degree from Indiana University, his Masters degree from Trevecca College, and did post graduate work at the University of Tennessee. He is a licensed K-12 School Administrator and a certified teacher. Pastor Deckard has been involved in a variety of ministry roles: planting churches, home missionary work, curriculum development for Word Aflame publications, teaching overseas in Papua New Guinea, and leadership development. His writing has been featured in numerous magazines, both secular and Christian. He has pastored churches in Tennesee, Indiana and Iowa. He is the Coordinator of Apostolic Training Institute, a distance learning initiative of the Home Missions Division, and is a member of the Iowa District Board of the United Pentecostal Church. He is the pastor at Calvary Apostolic Church, 2611 Easton Boulevard in Des Moines, Iowa. Family and Interests The Deckard family consists of wife Brenda (both a musician, songwriter and nurse), daughter Emilile (student at Des Moines Area Community College) and son Rex Adam (student at Iowa Christian Academy).