The Genevan Réveil

In this episode we welcome Dr. Jean Decorvet and Dr. Kenneth Stewart to explore The Geneva Réveil, a significant yet often overlooked nineteenth-century evangelical revival that reshaped French-speaking Protestantism and left a lasting global impact. We discuss the origins, theological dynamics, and international reach of this movement, featured in the new volume, The Geneva Réveil in International Perspective. Dr. Decorvet shares personal insights, including his family’s connection to Adolphe Monod—known as “the voice of the revival”—while Dr. Stewart highlights the fascinating transatlantic ties between the Réveil and American Presbyterianism. The conversation considers the blend of warm piety and Reformed orthodoxy that fueled the movement, its influence on hymnody, social reform (including the founding of the Red Cross), and the broader currents of nineteenth-century evangelicalism. Kennneth J. Stewart is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Until 2019, he was professor of theological studies in Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Jean Decorvet is president and professor of theological studies at the Haute école de théologie, St-Légier, Switzerland. He is also a visiting professor in historical studies at the Faculté Jean Calvin. Listen to discover how the Geneva Réveil not only revitalized Francophone Protestantism but also shaped the course of global missions, theological education, and the enduring legacy of Reformed thought. Links Haute-École Editions Le Réveil de Genève Perspectives internationales French edition of the book Watch on YouTube and Vimeo. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:05:32 Familiarity with the Genevan Reveil 00:11:31 European Roots of the Evangelical Free Church 00:12:50 Historical Background and Context 00:17:52 Unique Aspects of the Genevan Reveil 00:22:02 Pietism and Calvinist Orthodoxy 00:28:53 The Reveil and Theological Liberalism 00:31:33 The Far-Reaching Effects of the Reveil 00:38:12 Roman Catholicism and the Reveil 00:44:17 American Presbyterian Influence on the Reveil 00:50:41 Louis Gaussen’s Influence 00:58:49 Looking to the Future 01:01:59 Conclusion Participants: Camden Bucey, Jean Decorvet, Kenneth J. Stewart, Ryan Noha Mentioned in this episode: Call the Question! To be able to vote and see the results of our weekly polls, subscribe to our email newsletter for free at reformedforum.org/newsletter. You’ll also receive our bi-annual magazine in digital format. If you provide a US mailing address, we’ll also send you a print copy for free. Cast your vote, and we'll share the results next week.