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What has happened since Azuza Street

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Most of us trace our roots to revival movements in the early 1900’s (i. e. Azusa Street).  At that time those ministers experienced unprecedented harmony working together in an association.  However, what the Spirit put together, racism, dogmas and politics began a pattern of division that has left the body of Christ resembling a disfunctional family rather than the unity of the Spirit that the Scripture speaks about. 

 For over 100 years, the children of the Azusa Street revival have worked in separate corners, theoretically toward the same goal.  We read each others newsletters, we even meet in places like the White House, but we don’t know each other,  We seldom (if ever) fellowship together and have no forum to work together toward the common goal of sharing Jesus with the whole world.  We are more divided today than when we were when the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit came to us 100 years ago!  In the last 100 years ‘the children of Azusa Street’ have witnessed unprecedented growth (in spite or us).  However, I am not convinced that we have accomplished what the Spirit was directing us toward.  It is evident to me that most leaders are thrilled to have others join their group.  However, “Come join us” is simply not good enough to undo 100 years or more of damage!  As a movement we continue to be plagued with a divisive mentality. The leaders who shape the Kingdom and the world cannot be mass-produced.  They are not found in herds, but are found like eagles; one at a time.   Such leaders cannot be birthed by a surrogate system, they must be produced through fathers.  “Though you have 10,000 instructors in Christ, you have not many Fathers”.  These leaders are sharpened and polished one by one to fulfill their God-given calling.  We are looking for; proven leaders, anointed, gifted, not average; authentic, not superficial; relevant, not cliché.  Leaders with God given vision. 

Apostolic people come ready to do something. They come asking, “What can I do? How can I be mentored?” They desire and need feedback and input in order to feel fulfilled and on target. I believe, too, that when the apostolic leader offers training for a wider variety of people than just those who are apostolic, he or she will reap the benefits of a local church body that has an apostolic flavoring on all the five-fold dimensions, which have been allowed to flourish under his or her leadership.

Regardless of the grace on a disciple’s life, apostolic leaders must transfer a mission-mindedness. The Apostle Peter said, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1:10). The apostolic leader must be strategic in specifying and mobilizing the different arms and giftings of the people.

 For a moment, imagine what we might accomplish without the divisions!  As the lyrics of this song say,  “Sometimes its hard for me to understand why we pull away from each other so easily, even though were all walking the same road.  Yet, we build dividing walls between our brothers and ourselves,  I dont care what label you may wear, if you believe in Jesus You belong with me, and the bond we share…