Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Revival By Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas

Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Revival By Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” — Psalm 126:5

CAC Adaptation

The essence of the text reflects a profound belief in the transformative power of prayer and sacrifice during challenging times. It serves as a prophetic reminder that those who commit to these spiritual practices will ultimately experience revival and unity. This sentiment resonates deeply with the identity of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), a movement that originated from heartfelt prayer and dedicated obedience. Now, at a pivotal moment, the church is navigating the dual paths of internal healing and global growth, poised to embrace the future with faith and determination.

In the midst of the CAC crisis, we have not been left without guidance. At our Pastors’ Conference on 26th September 2025, the Holy Spirit imparted a profound instruction: to dedicate three days of prayer to close the doors to the spirit of death. This is not merely a ritual; it is a divine response to a spiritual challenge. As we offer these prayers in tears, we cling to the promise of Psalm 126:5: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” The blood of Jesus is our strength, our healing, and our restoration. Let every minister, every member, and every faction boldly proclaim: Jesus’ Blood HEALS us in CAC.

CAC’s legacy

The legacy of CAC is characterised by profound themes that encompass intercession, holiness, and revival. These elements have served as foundational pillars for the community’s spiritual life and mission. Yet, throughout its history, the church has faced considerable challenges that echo the experiences of Israel during its exile.

One significant issue has been periods of fragmentation within the congregation, leading to divisions that have tested the bonds of unity among its members. This lack of cohesion has often manifested as differing beliefs and practices that have emerged over time, making it difficult for the church to present a unified front.

In addition to internal fragmentation, there have been generational disconnects that impede relationships across age groups. This gap can create a sense of estrangement, where younger members fail to connect with the traditions and values upheld by older generations, leaving many feeling isolated and misunderstood. The challenge of bridging these generational divides is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and continuity within the church community.

Moreover, the global dispersion of church members has added another layer of complexity. As individuals and families have relocated across various parts of the world, the once tight-knit community has been stretched, resulting in a diluted collective identity. This scattering often leads to diminished fellowship and shared experience, making it harder for members to feel a strong connection to the church as a whole. As CAC navigates these challenges, the commitment to fostering intercession, holiness, and revival remains a vital force in seeking renewal and unity within the body of Christ.1

In the face of challenges, the collective sorrow of its intercessors, the profound burdens borne by its leaders, and the passionate longings of its devoted members are anything but futile. Each tear shed in prayer, each act of principled leadership, and every heartfelt desire for community and revival carries a greater significance.

They are not just expressions of anguish or longing; they are seeds—deliberately planted in faith and nurtured by hope. These seeds carry the promise of a future harvest, overflowing with joy, restoration, and the renewal of spiritual fervor that countless individuals desire in their hearts. The legacy of CAC stands as a powerful testament to the conviction that these persistent efforts and profound yearnings will undoubtedly result in a bountiful outcome for both the church and its community.

Renewal Pentecostal Strategies for Revival and Unity in CAC

1. Reignite the Prayer and Prophetic Mantle

The foundation of CAC is deeply rooted in the practice of intercession and prophetic insight, highlighting the crucial role that prayer plays in its mission. To actualize this vision, the organization aims to establish regional prayer hubs that serve as focal points for community engagement and spiritual growth. These hubs will be strategically located to ensure they are accessible to a wide audience, fostering a strong network of prayer warriors and supporters.

In addition to the prayer hubs, CAC plans to launch prophetic schools dedicated to training individuals in the art of prophecy and intercessory prayer. These schools will provide comprehensive instruction, combining biblical teaching with practical experience, empowering participants to develop their spiritual gifts and deepen their connection to God.

Furthermore, the organization will implement continuous intercession chains that operate around the clock, ensuring that prayers are being lifted up consistently, day and night. This relentless commitment to prayer is driven by the theological belief prevalent in Renewal Pentecostalism, where prayer is envisioned as a transformative force. It is believed that through sincere and heartfelt prayer, tears can be transformed into seeds of revival, igniting a spiritual awakening and bringing about profound change in individuals and communities alike. This holistic approach to prayer and spiritual life is central to CAC’s mission and vision for the future.

2. Reconciliation and Generational Healing

The fragmentation of leadership and a growing disconnect between different generations have significantly weakened the sense of unity within the CAC. This division poses challenges to the organization’s mission and its ability to foster a harmonious community. To effectively address these issues, it is crucial to implement initiatives such as the “Healing the Family” conferences. These gatherings will provide a platform for open and honest discussions, allowing participants to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

In addition to these conferences, promoting public acts of repentance can play a vital role in restoring relationships and healing rifts within the community. This practice encourages individuals to acknowledge past grievances and seek forgiveness, fostering a culture of accountability and reconciliation.

Encouraging ongoing dialogue across generations is another key aspect of this strategy. By creating opportunities for younger and older members to engage in meaningful conversations, we can bridge the gaps that have formed over time. This dialogue is not just about discussing differences; it is about building understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives.

This approach is firmly rooted in the theological principle that the Spirit reconciles, as articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:18, where Paul emphasizes the importance of reconciliation in the life of the believer. When we prioritise unity, we not only fulfil this biblical mandate but also open the door for spiritual revival within our community.

Ultimately, fostering unity should be viewed as a fundamental requirement for experiencing true revival. When members of the CAC come together, regardless of their generational differences, we can create a vibrant and cohesive community that reflects the heart of our mission and the values we hold dear.

3. Empower the Next Generation

Many young members of the Church of the Apostolic Community (CAC) have expressed feelings of disconnection from the church’s rich legacy and its core mission. This sentiment underscores a critical need to actively engage and integrate the youth into the life of the church. To address this, a series of innovative initiatives are proposed, aimed at reawakening their enthusiasm and sense of belonging.

One of the key initiatives is the establishment of Spirit-filled leadership academies, designed to cultivate the spiritual and leadership skills of young individuals. These academies will not only provide theological training but will also emphasize practical applications of faith in everyday life.

Additionally, the formation of digital evangelism teams is proposed to leverage the power of technology and social media. These teams will focus on reaching out to peers in a language and medium that resonates with them, spreading the gospel in spaces where young people congregate online.

Furthermore, organizing youth revival camps can create vibrant environments for spiritual renewal and community building. These camps would provide opportunities for young participants to experience deep worship, fellowship, and personal encounters with God.

These initiatives draw inspiration from the theological tenet articulated in Joel 2:28, which emphasizes the role of youth in the prophetic age, asserting that “your sons and daughters will prophesy.” This scripture serves as a reminder that engaging and empowering young individuals is not merely beneficial but essential for the church’s sustained vitality and fulfilment of its mission. In fostering such connections, the CAC can revive its mission and ensure that future generations are equipped to carry it forward with fervor and passion.

4. Global Apostolic Networks

The CAC Overseas branches operate with a significant degree of autonomy, which often results in divergent goals and strategies that can hinder a unified vision for the church as a whole. To tackle this issue effectively, we propose the establishment of a CAC Global Apostolic Council. This council would serve as a central platform aimed at fostering collaboration among the various branches located around the world.

The primary objectives of the council would include enhancing communication channels across borders, facilitating the sharing of resources — such as training materials, financial support, and best practices — and ultimately promoting a sense of apostolic synergy that aligns the efforts of all branches. By working together more closely, the branches can leverage their unique strengths and experiences to achieve common goals.

This initiative is deeply rooted in the theological principle of apostolic unity, which emphasizes the importance of harmonious relationships and cooperation among God’s people. This principle finds inspiration in the early church, as depicted in the scripture of Acts 2:42–47, where believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The establishment of the CAC Global Apostolic Council aims to reflect and replicate this spirit of unity and communal support, ensuring that all branches of CAC are aligned in their mission and can work effectively together to advance the church’s objectives.

5. Revival through Holiness and Power

The tradition of holiness within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) stands in need of revitalization that is energized by a renewed charismatic fervor. To effectively address this need, it is crucial to implement a comprehensive approach that includes teaching a balanced theology of holiness, which blends scriptural integrity with practical application. This theology should not only explore the depths of sanctification—a process of spiritual cleansing and moral transformation—but also illustrate how it can be complemented by supernatural empowerment through the Holy Spirit.

Additionally, organizing vibrant revival crusades will serve as a key strategy to rekindle the spiritual enthusiasm among congregants and the wider community. These events should be designed to bring together a diverse array of worshippers, encouraging an atmosphere of collective faith, prayer, and an expectation for divine encounters.

Furthermore, there must be a strong emphasis on ministries specifically dedicated to healing and deliverance. Such ministries are vital in demonstrating the active presence of God’s power in today’s world, leading to both physical and spiritual restoration. By integrating the concept of Renewal Pentecostalism into these efforts, we can effectively merge the principles of holiness with the lively expressions of spiritual gifts. This holistic approach is aimed at fostering a deeper connection to the divine, empowering believers to live out their faith with confidence and zeal while reaching out to those in need of hope and healing.

Final Encouragement: The Prophetic Power of Tears

CAC’s tears represent not a sign of defeat, but rather a profound and urgent call to action. They serve as a potent reminder of the spirit of division that has permeated our communities, while also reflecting a deep longing for reconciliation and intercession. These tears are not just an expression of sorrow; they are prophetic seeds planted in the fertile ground of our collective future.

If the church can truly reconnect with its foundational principles and reimagine its vision, it has the potential to reap an abundant harvest characterized by joy, unity, and a sweeping global revival. This transformative journey requires a deliberate effort to bridge gaps, heal wounds, and foster relationships that transcend divides.

In this spirit of renewal, let those who sow in faith rise up and celebrate the fruits of their labour, sharing testimonies of hope and restoration. Let intercessors elevate their prayers, lifting them to the heavens with fervour and expectation. It’s time for the church to come together as one cohesive body, united in purpose and driven by a shared vision of love and grace. Together, we can cultivate a landscape rich with possibility and filled with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

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