If we are going to see a great revival among the Christians in Dallas County, there has to be a starting point. There has to be a new beginning.

Creation had a beginning. Genesis 1:1 begins, “In the beginning God created …” The God of the universe shaped and molded it to His liking and design. Everything was “good” when it was finished.

So, what about the church? Who or what has to be the catalyst in bringing about such a metamorphosis in our communities? It’s very simple. It has always been and must be today, the pastor. The pastor is the key in seeing spiritual renewal happen in any congregation.

While the Bible teaches that all are involved in ministry, it also lifts up the role of the pastor to lead and guide a congregation. I believe that any kind of revival must begin with the pastors of the area.

Henry Blackaby and Claude King give the qualities of a pastor in their monumental work, “Fresh Encounter.”

The most important necessity is an up-to-date relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our lives should continually reflect Jesus Christ in all we do. Our spiritual integrity should be impeccable and above reproach. We should be examples of ethical integrity as well as followers of God’s standards of righteousness and holiness. Our accountability is to God. We will one day have to stand before God at the judgment. I want to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.”

They mention the need to pastor with a sense of urgency. They must understand that the salvation of people is the primary focus of their calling.

To see revival come to the church, they note we must be men and women of prayer. That prayer should be continual and intense.

It is our job to call heaven and earth together on behalf of our church family as well as the needs of the community. Our greatest conviction should be the spiritual needs Dallas County.

To be a catalyst of spiritual renewal, pastors should be examples of faith, trust and confidence in God. Revival comes when we all get to the place where we know that God will do a spiritual miracle. He is waiting for those of us in spiritual leadership to take a leap of faith and enter that arena where God works through His Holy Spirit.

The Great Commandment must be a launching point for all of us. Can I truthfully say with conviction that “I love God with my whole heart, soul, mind, body, and strength?” Jesus demanded absolute surrender to him and him alone.

The Apostle Paul called on us to “Present ourselves as living sacrifices to God.” Spiritual leaders cannot withhold anything in our commitment to the mission of Christ.

If you are ready for the challenge, pastors can lead the way in bringing revival and spiritual renewal to our area. It all rallies us around the belief that a changed community is “Something Beautiful.”