Every church goes through seasons of passion and decline. Activities might continue, but without spiritual fire, something feels missing. What the church needs in such times is not another program but renewal—a fresh move of the Holy Spirit that revives hearts and brings back purpose.
Renewal is God breathing new life into His people. It involves rediscovering our first love for Christ and returning to the simplicity and power of the gospel. A renewed church isn’t perfect but transformed—where God’s presence is real, His Word is alive, and His people are united in love and mission.
The first sign of a renewed church is a deep desire for God’s presence. Moses said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). A renewed church relies not on entertainment or emotion but on the Spirit. Worship becomes a genuine encounter with God, not a performance.
When the Book of the Law was rediscovered during Nehemiah’s time, the people wept and repented (Nehemiah 8). That is what happens when renewal occurs—the Word comes alive again. A renewed church values Scripture daily. Sermons deliver conviction because they are rooted in God’s Word, shaping lives and decisions.
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Renewal restores love among believers. In a renewed church, gossip is replaced by prayer, and differences are handled with grace. Forgiveness flows freely, and joy grows when others are blessed. Such love becomes a living testimony to the world.
Renewal always results in repentance and purity. When Hezekiah called the priests to cleanse the temple (2 Chronicles 29), revival followed. Similarly, God urges His church to purify her heart. Holiness is not a burden but the beauty of belonging to God. True renewal restores righteousness and reverence for God’s presence.
At the core of every true renewal is the Holy Spirit. During Pentecost (Acts 2), frightened disciples became courageous witnesses. When the Spirit moves in the church, fear gives way to faith, and weakness is transformed into power. The Spirit directs decisions, inspires vision, and empowers believers for service.
A renewed church reaches out with compassion. Like the believers in Acts 2:44–45, it shares, supports, and serves. It feeds the hungry, comforts the brokenhearted, and defends the oppressed. The church becomes the hands and feet of Jesus, extending grace and hope to the community.
When renewal occurs, evangelism becomes instinctive. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) is not just quoted but actively lived. A renewed church sends out witnesses, establishes churches, and radiates Christ’s light in every area—schools, workplaces, and the marketplace.
Renewal isn’t about being trendy or popular but about being alive in Christ. When the Church is renewed, worship becomes lively, relationships deepen, and the community feels God’s presence.
Our prayer should be: “Lord, renew us again. Let Your fire burn in our hearts and make us alive to Your purpose.”
Buildings or budgets do not recognize a renewed church, but through love, holiness, unity, and mission—the true marks of Christ’s living Church.
By Apostle Seth Gakpetor
TAC-GH, Kaneshie Area, Superintendent.
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