Tent Revivals -- Are they still a thing?

[Bro Flame]

Yeah, I've been away for a while, I know, but...

Does your church or anyone that you know of still have tent revivals?

I repented underneath a Gospel tent back in May 2015. The Lord had been dealing with me for a few weeks, and when we went to church that night, I knew I was going to the altar. It was a powerful night. I felt fresh, brand new, like every burden and every heartache had been completely restored. The love I felt was overwhelming and yet peaceful and comforting.

I have a soft for tent revivals. Our church tries to do at least one a year. Sometimes we do more if ministers within the church are able to find places that will allow us to put up a tent and preach.

We are in the midst of a tent revival right now. One of the preachers in our church has been called to pastor, and we've set-up the tent in his side yard. He's preaching and we're there to help. We're all stepping forward in good faith that God is going to bless him and his wife to oversee a congregation of believers in the very near future.

So, what say you? Do y'all still have tent revivals?

[diakonos]

Some people do them. I see no purpose if you have a building.

[Bro Flame]

Originally Posted by diakonos

Some people do them. I see no purpose if you have a building.

I see a purpose. You can take the church to the lost with the tent. Yes, you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners that will never grace the door of a church will come to a tent.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

I see a purpose. You can take the church to the lost with the tent. Yes, you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners that will never grace the door of a church will come to a tent.

Biblically, sinners aren't supposed to "grace the door of a church". The church is not a building. God does not dwell in temples made with hands. Evangelism is a command to the church to "Go!" and not a request to sinners to "Come".

Whether it's a tent, a brush arbor, a rented hall, a street corner, or someone's living room, it doesn't matter, as long as it serves the purpose. It should be a practical means to an end, not an end in itself.

[diakonos]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Biblically, sinners aren't supposed to "grace the door of a church". The church is not a building. God does not dwell in temples made with hands. Evangelism is a command to the church to "Go!" and not a request to sinners to "Come".

Whether it's a tent, a brush arbor, a rented hall, a street corner, or someone's living room, it doesn't matter, as long as it serves the purpose. It should be a practical means to an end, not an end in itself.

This! This here!

People don’t known what evangelism is. Rather it has become, “bring them to church,” and sometimes, “whatever it takes to get them in the doors.”

[Catfish]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Biblically, sinners aren't supposed to "grace the door of a church". The church is not a building. God does not dwell in temples made with hands. Evangelism is a command to the church to "Go!" and not a request to sinners to "Come".

Whether it's a tent, a brush arbor, a rented hall, a street corner, or someone's living room, it doesn't matter, as long as it serves the purpose. It should be a practical means to an end, not an end in itself.

Amen! I try to keep myself from misusing the word "church" out of respect and appreciation for the Lord (and if I'm honest also in the hope that He will be pleased and give me more understanding) but I still slip up sometimes. The Church needs to get better at this - we are not Protestants!

[diakonos]

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

I see a purpose. You can take the church to the lost with the tent. Yes, you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners that will never grace the door of a church will come to a tent.

Are you saying that people will go to the tent because it’s a tent?

Well, STEP RIGHT UP!!! STEP RIGHT UP!!!

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

I see a purpose. You can take the church to the lost with the tent. Yes, you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners that will never grace the door of a church will come to a tent.

I see a purpose. You can be the church to the lost in the tent. Of course you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners who will never set foot under a tent will:
go fishing
Go to work
Eat in a restaurant
Go to a honky tonk
Go to the park
Visit in your home, if invited
Engage in conversation
And even go to “church” if invited

Maybe, we should be the church, even when we go to “church” and especially when we don’t.

Fun fact; In the New Testament the church assembled. They didn’t go to church. They didn’t “have church”. Instead they were the church. Interesting how that has changed.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

I see a purpose. You can take the church to the lost with the tent. Yes, you can witness and share the goodness of God without a tent, but sinners that will never grace the door of a church will come to a tent.

I believe you can find a homeless camp in your area. There are many tents there. Ask around, also there may be groups in your city which are already dealing with the homeless population. You can meet with them to find where the tent campsites are located.

[Bro Flame]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

I believe you can find a homeless camp in your area. There are many tents there. Ask around, also there may be groups in your city which are already dealing with the homeless population. You can meet with them to find where the tent campsites are located.

Homeless camps would be good for volunteering, thanks for the suggestion.