Jesus Movement

Katherine Quiroz

Outside Reading:

A New Jesus Movement (Collegiate Day of Prayer Devotional)

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"The Jesus People Movement, as it was called, erupted in Northern California in the late 1960s. Out of this movement came Generals of the faith such as: Keith Green, Lonnie Frisbee, John Wimber, Chuck Smith, Lou Engle etc. This movement was in a time where drugs, alcohol, social injustice, the Vietnam conflict, and liberalism dominated the culture of America. There seemed to be no hope for a revival, especially among the youth and young adult because of the “free love” generation that led them away from Christ. In the midst of this, young people like Ted Wise and his wife gathered in Northern California preaching the gospel to the hippies and within two years they opened a coffeehouse and between 30,000 and 50,000 young people heard the gospel propelling the Jesus Movement. 

All throughout California the Lord poured out His Spirit in extreme measures delivering people from liberal thoughts, drugs, addictions, and brought forth a mighty move of God that swept the entire coast of California. It was said that they could just say “boo” and people would be saved. So many were coming to Christ that they didn’t have enough pools to baptize everyone, in response to that they instead baptized the multitudes in the Pacific Ocean. The movement was centered around every single person having a personal experience with the Man Jesus. This revival shook through the nation and into the nations of the earth. Time Magazine couldn’t even refute the power of God that was released as they released an issue that cited it as a movement that 'cuts across all social dividing lines'."- Devotional from the Collegiate Day of Prayer

I think it is super interesting to study revival history and see the supernatural ways in which God has poured faith into different generations. The Jesus Movement is so significant to understanding revival history in America. It is amazing that in an age where people were infatuated by drugs, and desperate for sources of fulfillment, that God used this time to display His glory. Thousands of people turned to the ultimate source of happiness, fulfillment, and love. When "peace" was what they were seeking, chaos was forming from false idols. However the Prince of Peace is the only source of tranquility. I picture these massive baptisms taking place on the beaches of California and I wonder if that could happen on our college campuses in even the swimming pools and fountains! After hearing about these seasons of revival, I want to expand my expectancy, prayers, and hunger for outpourings of the Holy Spirit.