Classic Revivalists: Charles G. Finney
Charles G. Finney, Experiencing the Presence of God. Whitaker House, 2000.
Referenced in: Congregational Renewal through Spiritual Revival
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Church leaders who consider revival as part of church renewal efforts will undoubtedly run upon the name Charles Finney. Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875) was one of the key revivalists during the Second Great Awakening (1790s-1840s), and is often called The Father of Modern Revivalism. A brief overview of the history of that movement, and of Finney and his contemporary, Francis Asbury, may be found in Part III of Mark Noll, A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada.
Finney was a tall, imposing figure with piercing eyes and a penetrating voice, and was recognized for his fiery preaching that often censured individuals in his audiences by name. He introduced many changes during his time, such as allowing women to lead in mixed-gender assemblies and introducing the “anxious seat” where those considering Christianity could come forward for prayer. Although a Presbyterian by affiliation, he often clashed with the more conservative clergy of that denomination. He was also an agent of social reform, championing the cause against slavery. From 1835 to 1866, he served Oberlin College as a professor and then president (1851-1866), and during that time Oberlin was one of the first American colleges to admit blacks and women.
His teachings were foundational to the Holiness Movement and the Third Great Awakening or Social Gospel Movement of the late 19th century. Finney’s influence is still detectable in modern Evangelical and Pentecostal movements, and most revival literature uses expressions and practices that originated with him.
The volume referenced here is an excellent anthology of Finney, including four of his works that have the most abiding influence regarding revival:
- Power from on High
- The Secret of Faith
- How to Experience Revival
- Living for God
When reading Finney, or any revivalist, it is important to remember that their preaching had/has primary value in a time calling for a prophetic voice on conviction of sin, repentance, and restoration. It is not the best choice for those who need to be encouraged or consoled. Some messages comfort the afflicted, but revival literature afflicts the comfortable. Both have their place. One may also profit from the balance of works such as Walter Kaiser’s Revive Us Again which provides benchmarks from the revivals of the Old and New Testaments. Consult Mark Noll’s History of Christianity in the United States and Canada for perspective on Finney’s place in the larger historical setting. For a critical assessment of Finney, see Iain Murray, Revivals and Revivalism. Each of these is referenced in the guiding essay on Spiritual Revival.
From the Publisher
Does your heart long to live in God’s presence? Do you struggle in maintaining a daily relationship with Him? Learn how to continually be found in the very presence of God as Charles Finney reveals how you can…
- Receive power from on high
- Rest in true obedience
- Overcome sin
- Live in the freedom of faith
- Know God’s will for your life
Strength to overcome the things of this world can be yours as you daily experience the presence of God.
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