Why do we need another Great Awakening? When I think of a Revival, even after our class, my mind immediately goes to images of eighteenth-century revivalists like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield, Jereena Lee, and a vast constellation of other preaching giants of the past. These men and women created a legacy of spiritual fervor that has earned them a place in the annals of American religious history. Their effectiveness as preachers of the word and proclaimers of truth permeated a nation's consciousness and pulled the nation from spiritual decline. Many questions arise when I think about the Awakenings of years past. My first question is whether our nation is as spiritually receptive to the Awakening as it was two hundred years ago. My second question comes out of sheer intimidation at the prospect of preaching a great revival. I reflect within myself; Can the power of the Great Awakening ever be duplicated? Are the conditions of the nation such as to require spiritual renewal? There are also a variety of potential issues that a Great Awakening can speak to. William McLaughlin notes in his book Revivals, Awakenings and Reform that there have been several "revivals" in American religious history and that not all of these moments of renewal resembled the fiery preaching frenzies of the famous eighteenth century. Each “Awakening” had at its core a specific issue it was addressing. The issues in question could be spiritual declination (first Great Awakening), national retreat (second Great Awakening), biblical interpretation and liberalism (third Great Awakening), or American identity and progressivism (fourth Great Awakening ). So, maybe it's my limitations that bristle at the idea of ​​preaching in the midst of paper and preaching. I think reclaiming your own unique voice and message is the key to joining the Great Awakening movement. People are transformed by the encounter with authenticity. I hope to be the vehicle that is truly me and truly what God wants me to be. For me the next steps are full time pastoral ministry. God willing, I will have my own congregation. I look forward to the pastorate because I know in my heart that is where I think the most transformative and world-changing aspects of my ministry will occur. I look forward to awakening people's lives with the gospel. I look forward to joining a community and growing together in faith. I am excited because God has anointed me to preach the good news. And the good news is this; all of God's children have a stake in God's transforming work. We are all anointed to preach the good news. It's time to prepare.