Christian Leaders Push ‘Another Jesus Movement’ Despite Decades of Failed Revival Promises

The founders of 1960s Christian band LoveSong are making headlines again, but not for their music. Jay Truax and Tommy Coomes are claiming that conditions are now “ripe” for another Jesus Movement—the same promise evangelical leaders have been making (and failing to deliver) for over fifty years. Look, I understand the appeal. Who wouldn’t want to believe we’re on the cusp of a massive spiritual awakening that will solve all of society’s problems? But here’s what the evidence actually shows about these recurring “revival is coming” proclamations: They create more harm than good. The original Jesus Movement of the 1960s was a genuine cultural phenomenon, emerging organically during a time of social upheaval. But what Truax and Coomes are promoting now is something entirely different—a manufactured nostalgia that preys on evangelicals’ anxiety about cultural irrelevance. Every few years, Christian leaders dust off this same playbook (seriously, just search “another Great Awakening” and watch the decades of identical predictions). They point to social problems, declining church attendance, or political tensions as “signs” that revival is imminent. The pattern is so predictable it’s almost comical—if it weren’t causing real psychological damage. When church members are repeatedly told that spiritual breakthrough is just around the corner, several harmful things happen. First, they develop unrealistic expectations about faith and prayer (“If I just pray harder, God will send revival”). When the promised awakening doesn’t materialize, they often blame themselves for lacking sufficient faith or commitment. Second, this constant “revival is coming” messaging keeps churches focused on some imaginary future transformation rather than addressing real, present-day problems in their communities. Why invest in long-term social programs when Jesus is about to return and fix everything supernaturally? Third, it creates a cycle of spiritual manipulation where leaders can always explain away their failed predictions (“God’s timing is different” or “we need to prepare our hearts more”) while maintaining their authority and continuing to make the same empty promises. The psychological research on this is clear: Repeatedly raising and dashing people’s hopes creates learned helplessness and anxiety. Former evangelicals frequently describe the exhaustion of living in constant anticipation of a divine intervention that never comes. What’s particularly insidious about Truax and Coomes’ latest proclamation is how it exploits legitimate concerns about social media, mental health, and political polarization. Yes, these are real problems—but the solution isn’t waiting for God to magically fix them through another Jesus Movement. It’s doing the hard, unglamorous work of building healthier communities, supporting mental health resources, and engaging constructively with people who disagree with us. Instead of chasing revival fantasies, churches could focus on measurable ways to help their neighbors: funding addiction treatment, supporting affordable housing, or creating genuine community spaces. But that requires sustained effort without the promise of miraculous shortcuts. The tragedy is that many sincere Christians will hear Truax and Coomes’ message and throw themselves into prayer, fasting, and evangelism—all while neglecting their actual relationships and responsibilities. When the predicted revival fails to appear (as it always does), they’ll internalize the failure as their own spiritual inadequacy. Here’s what these revival promoters won’t tell you: Authentic spiritual growth happens through consistent, ordinary practices over time. It’s found in honest conversations, acts of service, and learning to love difficult people. It doesn’t require a mass movement or cultural transformation—just the courage to be present in your actual life. The next time someone promises you that revival is coming, ask them this: What measurable good are they doing for their community right now? Because healthy spirituality doesn’t wait for God to fix the world—it starts fixing what it can today. Source: Christian Post