1968 was the start of the Jesus Movement. Calvary Chapel started under the leadership of Chuck Smith in 1965 and became one of the origins of the Jesus Movement. 1968 is significant as it was then that the church left their denomination and launched out on their own. They also started to see significant growth after Chuck rented a house in May ‘68 and by the end of the 1st week 21 recently saved hippies were living in it. This growth continued and the Jesus Movement emerged. Chuck’s personal reflection on the start of this movement is worth a read and can be read here. The movement’s dependecy upon God, the clarity and specific nature of prophetic input to the leaders, faith for provision, and expectation to see the Holy Spirit ministering healing to those they met are think are key lessons for us today.
The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness waiting for a new generation to emerge because in the pivotal moment they blew it and failed to take what was theirs. In 1968 the mainsream church was not engaging with the new that was emerging but God was preparing the next generation of leaders. John Wimber joined Calvary Chapel in the early ’70s and the Vineyard movement was born shortly afterwards. Many of these people would become the leaders of the Church during the Toronto blessing 21 years later.
40 years later I see a similar situation. We are faced with another key opportunity to engage with our society and as then God is preparing the next generation of leaders. The Emerging Church movement is small, at times unsure of the path it finds itself on, but vibrant, with an emphasis upon community, and mission and it knows it is answering God’s call. God is positioning the church for the next generation and we need to recognise this. As this year is a year that sets the agenda for the next period of time I expect to see in 2008 significant growth and development in the Emerging Church movement and echoes of the Holy Spirit’s work that were seen at the start of the Jesus Movement. If these do not start to break through this year maturity for this new movement will be delayed.
We also need to see the danger this time presents us. As those who grew up eating the Vineyard fruit of the 1968 movement we must not reject the new fruit that is being brought to us by those ’spies who have returned from the promised land’. Those who have become accustomed to mana week in week out may make the same error as 40 years ago, but it is time for the Church to move across the Jordan. I also believe that we may see some of the old leaders get called home to allow the new leaders space to lead.
Birth Lord, that which is emerging. Let a movement emerge again that impacts society as the grass roots and changes people’s perception of You and your Church. Now is the time for these new shoots to arise!
you need to look up Lonnie Frisbee, he was the man who started it all with chuck smith and john wimber…but was written out of the history cos of some of his struggles.
Thanks Steve, Reading some first hand accounts it is clear that clear prophetic direction and sensitivity was very important at the start of the Jesus’ Movement and we need it again today. Lonnie’s story shows the need to stand firm against the enemy – he will seek to silence and discredit that prophetic voice however he can.
Very Interesting. Thanks.