On March 15, Pastor Bill Barnett challenged members at Union Hill Baptist Church, Oneonta, to join him in 42 days of prayer and fasting for the crisis that lay ahead. The result of that, he said, was the church’s first internet revival.
The church’s revival was planned for April 26–29, and evangelist Frank Shelton, who has served in outreach and chaplaincy at several Olympic Games, was scheduled to speak. As it became clear the traditional revival would not be possible, Barnett began to consider other options, and the internet revival concept was born.
Shelton recorded a message for the church to stream on the morning of April 26. That evening, Union Hill hosted a drive-in service featuring Ryan Whitley, pastor of CrossPoint Church, Trussville.
Barnett then hosted three nights of interview-style videos featuring Josh Niblett, Hoover High School head football coach; Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions; and Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas. Each of the speakers shared a message and an invitation to respond to the gospel.
The internet revival offered opportunities that might never have been available had the church gone the traditional route, Barnett said.
“It’s God’s answer to 42 days of prayer and fasting for revival when the church is social distancing,” he said.
To view the revival videos, visit the church’s website, unionhillbaptist.org.
Share with others: