The Charismatic Renewal was one of the most significant outpourings of the Holy Spirit in the modern era. It crossed denominational lines, disrupted traditions, and breathed new life into churches that had forgotten the vibrancy of Pentecost. From the 1960s through the 1980s, millions encountered the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and a renewed passion for worship and discipleship. Yet, like every great move of God, it was also a season of tension—between freedom and order, revelation and structure, Spirit and flesh.
It was in this tension that I sat down with Charles Simpson, one of the leaders who lived through it. I didn’t want a filtered history. I wanted firsthand wisdom fro+m a man who had seen the mountain peaks of revival and the valleys that followed. My heart in that conversation was not to dwell on the past, but to hear what the Spirit might be saying through it—to learn how to walk rightly as we prepare for what many of us sense will be an even greater move of God in our generation.
- Revival Begins in Relationship
As Charles reflected on the Charismatic Renewal, one truth stood out: revival always begins in relationship. Before it becomes a public movement, it’s a personal encounter. Before it fills stadiums, it fills living rooms.
Scripture tells us, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, NKJV)
The Holy Spirit never bypasses love to reach power. The Renewal of the past flourished where believers gathered as family—breaking bread, sharing life, praying for one another, and learning together. It faltered when structure replaced relationship. As we look ahead, the next move of God will once again be relational before it is organizational. Revival will not begin with microphones, but with hearts knit together in covenant love.
- The Holy Spirit Is Both Personal and Powerful
Charles reminded me that the Charismatic Renewal was first and foremost a rediscovery of the Holy Spirit—not as a doctrine, but as a Person. Many had known God the Father and God the Son, but the Spirit was often treated as an impersonal force. When He began to move, believers found that He is both gentle and powerful, both intimate and world-shaking.
The Word says, “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6, NKJV)
In the years that followed, some tried to manage the movement, to turn a visitation into a system. But the Holy Spirit cannot be contained. As we prepare for the next great outpouring, we must welcome Him afresh—not as a doctrine to debate, but as the living presence of God who leads, convicts, and empowers His people.
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- God Builds Through Process, Not Performance
Another deep insight that emerged from our conversation was this: God builds through process, not performance. Many who experienced the Renewal expected instant maturity. They thought that because the Spirit moved suddenly, the results would last effortlessly. But true discipleship takes time.
Paul wrote, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19, NKJV)
Growth in the Spirit is not measured by how loud we shout or how many gather in our meetings, but by how much we reflect Christ. The Renewal’s early years were filled with passion, but passion without patience can produce disappointment. As we stand on the edge of another move of God, we must be ready to walk through the slow work of transformation, not just the sudden rush of encounter.
- The Church Must Return to Covenant Community
The Renewal taught us that Christianity is not a solo faith. It thrives in covenant community—believers joined together in shared commitment to Christ and one another. This kind of community goes beyond Sunday gatherings; it means walking together through joy, conflict, forgiveness, and restoration.
The Bible says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42, NKJV)
In every true move of God, the Spirit gathers people into spiritual families. Programs may attract crowds, but only relationships make disciples. Charles often spoke about how small groups and home fellowships became the living cells of renewal. I believe we will see that again. The next wave of revival will not be sustained by buildings or budgets, but by covenant relationships rooted in love and humility.
- Prepare for the Harvest with Humility
Perhaps the most sobering wisdom from Charles was his call to humility. Revival is not a reward for our righteousness—it’s an act of divine mercy. When God begins to move again, the temptation will be to take credit, to build names or networks instead of altars.
Peter exhorted, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6–7, NKJV)
We prepare for the coming harvest not by promoting ourselves, but by humbling ourselves. The greatest leaders in the next move will not be celebrities, but servants—those who know how to wash feet, not just lead platforms.
The Coming Great Harvest
As I listened to Charles, I sensed that God was using his reflections as both a mirror and a map. The Holy Spirit was showing me—and now, I believe, showing us—that what’s coming will be greater than what has been, but it will also require greater maturity.
The Lord is raising up fathers and mothers who will nurture sons and daughters in the faith. He is calling His Church back to simplicity, back to Scripture, back to Spirit-led relationships. And as He does, I believe we will see the gospel spread with a purity and power not witnessed in generations.
Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37–38, NKJV)
The coming Great Harvest will not just be about filling buildings—it will be about filling hearts with the presence of God. The lessons of the Charismatic Renewal, and the wisdom of voices like Charles Simpson, remind us that revival must begin in love, move in humility, and end in glory to Jesus alone.
May we be found ready—not just to witness the next move of God, but to steward it with wisdom, unity, and the fear of the Lord.