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History is not a straight line, but a series of divine cycles. As the Western church wrestles with decline and compromise, past revivals hint that a new spiritual awakening may be stirring.

You want the best of both worlds
You’re not getting either
You seem content to ride the fence
When you know which side is greener

Some run hot, some run cold
Some run from their maker
Some run the risk of losing out
With lukewarm friends and fakers

Chameleon
You blend with your surroundings
Chameleon
No one knows where you come from
Chameleon
You change with every situation
Compromising dedication

You compromise each word you say so inoffensively
You only want to hide behind your anonymity
You struggle for acceptance
And it takes you to extremes
The smile you hide your face behind
Is not all that it seems

Come out, come out
Come out from among them
Come out, come out
Come out and be free

There is no grey, no neutral ground
There’s only black and white
And nothing in between the two
To turn a wrong into right
There is no time for your charade
You’ve got to make your stand
When salt has lost its savour
The world becomes so bland

— Chameleon, Petra, 1981

Historical patterns have always fascinated me. The concept of cyclical time, deeply embedded in biblical narratives and echoed in modern social theories, offers a lens through which we can discern the ebbs and flows of social, economic, and theological transformations.

The Bible presents time not merely as a linear progression but as a series of recurring seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks of “a time to be born and a time to die… a time to weep and a time to laugh,” emphasising the cyclical nature of human experience. The Israelites’ history is marked by cycles of obedience, blessing, rebellion and restoration. The Book of Judges chronicles a repetitive pattern: Israel sins, faces oppression, cries out to God and is delivered – only to repeat the cycle.

These biblical cycles underscore a divine rhythm, suggesting that history is not a straight path but a series of seasons ordained by God. This perspective invites believers to recognise the patterns in their own lives, societies and churches – encouraging vigilance, repentance, and hope.

Church History and Fourth Turnings

Neil Howe and William Strauss, in their seminal 1997 work The Fourth Turning, propose that history unfolds in generational cycles, each lasting approximately 20–25 years, culminating in a “Fourth Turning”, each hundred years of so – a period of crisis and transformation. These cycles, they argue, are driven by generational archetypes and societal moods, leading to predictable patterns of upheaval and renewal.

The “Fourth Turning” is characterised by a crisis that redefines the social and political landscape, often leading to the establishment of a new order. Historical examples include the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Great Depression leading into World War II. Each of these periods was marked by significant societal shifts, aligning with the cyclical patterns identified by Howe and Strauss. Significantly, Howe believes the West is in the middle of a fourth turning right now and likely will be for the next decade or so.

I believe such cycles are also present in the church.

The 19th century witnessed a significant transformation in Christian theology, particularly in the West. Liberal theology emerged, emphasising reason, individual experience and historical-critical methods of biblical interpretation. This movement sought to reconcile Christian faith with modern philosophical thought, often at the expense of traditional doctrine.

In Germany, theologians like Friedrich Schleiermacher championed this approach, focusing on the individual’s feeling of absolute dependence as the essence of religion. In the UK and the US, similar trends took hold, leading to a decline in the authority of Scripture and traditional beliefs. Australia, influenced by British theological developments, also experienced the spread of liberal theology, particularly within its academic and ecclesiastical institutions.

While liberal theology aimed to make Christianity more palatable to the modern mind, it often led to a dilution of core beliefs, resulting in spiritual malaise and a departure from orthodox faith.

In response to the theological liberalism of the 19th century, God sent powerful revivals at the start of the 20th century, reigniting fervent faith with an impact that echoes to this day.

In 1904–05, the Welsh Revival, led by Evan Roberts, swept through Wales, leading to mass conversions, social reforms, and a renewed emphasis on prayer and holiness. Churches were filled and communities experienced profound transformation. In 1906–07 in Los Angeles, under the leadership of William J. Seymour, a former slave, the Azusa Street Revival became the birthplace of the modern Pentecostal movement. Characterised by speaking in tongues, healings, and interracial worship, this revival emphasised the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Both revivals served as counterpoints to the prevailing liberal theology, emphasising personal holiness, the authority of Scripture, and the active work of the Holy Spirit.

A Church Facing Crisis – and Hope

In recent decades, Western societies have witnessed a decline in Christian affiliation and church attendance. In Australia, for instance, the 2021 Census revealed that only 43.9% of Australians identified as Christian, down from 52% in 2016. At best, only half of those would attend church with any sort of frequency. Similar trends are observed in the UK, Germany, and the US, where secularism, pluralism, and skepticism have eroded traditional Christian influence.

Across the Western world, major ministries have undergone huge disruptions in recent years – think Ravi Zacharias, Willow Creek and IHOP.  Australia is sadly following a similar path. Jezebel has taken the upper hand at various times in large Australian churches in recent years and is wreaking havoc. Disruptive “Fourth Turning” leaders are presenting in the political sphere in the form of individuals like Trump. Sometimes these fourth turning leaders are part of the destruction; sometimes they are the revolutionary beginning of a fresh new cycle. Can you think of relevant equivalents in the church world? If you are in a “chameleon” church, let the words of Petra’s powerful song inspire you, which echo Revelation 18:4:

Come out, come out
Come out from among them
Come out, come out
Come out and be free

The decline of the church is not merely numerical but also cultural, as Christian values and narratives lose their central place in public life. Churches face challenges in engaging younger generations and many denominations grapple with internal divisions and declining relevance.

Despite the challenges, there are glimmers of hope suggesting the potential for a new spiritual awakening. There is a remnant that holds onto the promise of the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. And the divine cycles encourage us that a new day will dawn.

Jezebel will be trampled. Elijah will call down divine fire. And the rains of revival will fall once again.

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Image courtesy of Pixabay.