How does renewal happen?

Here's some more food for thought about renewal in the local church.

In the context of the cyclical renewal in the Old Testament (for e.g. in the book of Judges), Lovelace comments:

"It appears that a general principle concerning the deliverance of God's people is being hinted at here: Redemption comes under the direction of leaders whom God raises up in His sovereign mercy in response to the deep longing and intercession of the laity generated under the pressure of defeat."

And

"The fact that God's initiative is primary in the renewal of his kingdom is clearly indicated....."

(Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Renewal, page 65)