a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

There are certain common features found in both the Indian revivals and in other
revivals around the world which took place simultaneously. When the indigenous
people heard the stories of revival there created a desire in them to expect a
similar one in their own places. Conversions took place in great numbers during
most of the revivals. Transformation of the lives of existing Christians was very
evident. There was an enthusiasm for prayer, scripture reading and other spiritual
activities. An earnest desire to be involved in missionary activities was a major
outcome of these revivals.
On the other hand, certain distinctive characteristics were evident in the Indian
revivals. In most of them, indigenous leadership was a remarkable feature. The
Spirit used indigenous people, who played a significant role in these revivals.
Many revivals had a contextual element, not only in terms of preparation and
expectancy, but also in the way the actual revival took place and the local
expressions and styles that were observed. Although we see some common
features in all these revivals, there were some unique elements in each, which I
refer to as ‘local expressions of the Spirit revival.’ This shows that in revival, the
manifestations and expressions, and also the responses of the people towards it,
took place in indigenous and contextual ways. Another significant fact is that
Indian revivals mainly occurred among the marginalized and less privileged
groups like orphans, women and ordinary people. In most cases, people were
inspired to listen to revival stories from other places, and so there was a long
period of waiting and preparation prior to revival breaking out.
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