Examining Spiritual Awakening, Worship, and Stagnation in the Church
Spiritually Awake: A Biblical Perspective
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake, urging believers to live with vigilance and readiness. Luke 21:36 exhorts, “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” This call is echoed in Matthew 24:42: “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Being spiritually awake is likened to rising from slumber in Ephesians 5:14: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” This awakening is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, requiring believers to engage actively with their faith and align their lives with God’s truth. Revelation 3:2-3 further underscores this urgency: “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die…Keep it, and repent.”
True Worship: Spirit and Truth
Jesus’ teaching on worship is clear: it must be done “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Worship is not about fulfilling human needs or preferences but about surrendering to God’s desires. As John Piper articulates, worship involves “strong affections for God rooted in truth.”
True worship engages both the heart and the mind, blending emotion with sound doctrine. Piper warns against two extremes: “Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy…Emotion without truth produces empty frenzy.” Only worship rooted in God’s Word and energized by the Spirit can truly honor Him.
Signs and Causes of Stagnation in the Church
The term “stagnant church” refers to a congregation no longer growing or thriving. A stagnant church may exhibit:
- Decreasing Attendance: A noticeable decline in worship participation, both in-person and online.
- Lack of Growth: Minimal outreach efforts or an absence of new members.
- Resistance to Change: Reluctance to adopt new methods of ministry or engage with evolving community needs.
- Focus on Tradition: Overemphasis on preserving established practices at the expense of innovation.
- Lack of Community Involvement: Isolation from local initiatives and failure to address external needs.
- Internal Conflicts: Leadership disputes or congregational tensions creating a negative environment.
The Stench of Stagnation
Earlier this week, the Spirit revealed to me: “A stagnant church is a stench in the nostrils of God!” This stark statement mirrors Isaiah 1:13-17, where God condemns empty religious ceremonies and calls for heartfelt repentance. “Quit your worship charades,” He declares. True worship is not about rituals but about justice, humility, and devotion to God’s commands.
A stagnant church resembles a stagnant pond: lifeless, overgrown, and abandoned. In contrast, a vibrant church is like a running stream: fresh, clear, and life-sustaining. To restore vibrancy, churches must embrace fresh revelation from God, fostering spiritual growth through sound teaching and community engagement.
Revelation: The Catalyst for Change
Revelation is essential for spiritual vitality. As Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.” Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17 highlights the need for “the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Without revelation, believers become spiritually stagnant, wandering aimlessly without purpose.
Prophetic revelation expands one’s vision, enabling believers to see life through God’s eyes. It equips the Church to navigate challenges and fulfill its mission. Revelation transforms worship, energizes outreach, and revitalizes spiritual growth, making it indispensable for overcoming stagnation.
Reviving the Church: Returning to the First Love
In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus admonishes the church at Ephesus for forsaking its first love. Though hard-working, they had lost their passion for Christ. His call to repentance is a timeless reminder: “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Revival begins with rediscovering the love and devotion that once defined the Church.
The Church’s survival and thriving depend on obedience to God’s commands, a return to foundational truths, and an unwavering focus on Christ. Let us awaken from spiritual slumber, reject stagnation, and embrace the vibrant life God desires for His people.
Conclusion
The call to be spiritually awake and vibrant is not optional—it is essential for the Church’s mission in these critical times. Worship must be rooted in spirit and truth, and the Church must actively combat stagnation through revelation, repentance, and renewal. As followers of Christ, let us heed His words, awaken our spirits, and shine His light brightly in a world in need.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 