Revival services are an integral part of the Conservative Anabaptist, Free Will Baptist and Methodist traditions, among other branches of Christianity.
[1] Revivals are defined as "a period of heightened spiritual activity in a section of the church, brought about by a renewing and empowering work of the Holy Spirit, bringing a new sense of the presence of God, especially in his holiness, resulting in a deeper awareness of sin in the lives of believers, followed by new joy as sin is confessed and forgiven.
Methodist revivalists preach two works of grace, the (1) New Birth and (2) entire sanctification, along with encouraging backsliders to return to God.
[7] He was known for both genders being present in his meetings, his extemporaneous preaching style, the use of the "nervous seat" (where those considering salvation could contemplate and pray), and the "altar call" (invitation at the end of a church service for an attendee to come forward for prayer).
Finney held that revivals were not necessarily sovereign acts of God, but could be initiated by believers following Biblical precedents and prescriptions.
"[2] Presbyterian minister Lyman Beecher, another prominent Second Great Awakening preacher,[8] was largely known for encouraging and expanding the temperance movement, which advocated for teetotalism.
William Seymour,[10] a student of Charles Parham, was instrumental in the Azusa Street Revival[11] in Los Angeles, California.
The revival meetings held at Azusa Street were reported to include remarkable miracles, healings, and divine experiences.
Oral Roberts was considered a healing minister, whereas Billy Graham's crusades were characterized by large crowds and an emphasis on salvation.
[19] It is common for Methodist churches aligned with the holiness movement to hold a revival lasting approximately one week annually.
[21] Methodist revivalists preach two works of grace, the (1) New Birth and (2) entire sanctification, along with encouraging backsliders to return to God.