Is It Time to Revive Special Gospel Meetings?

There was a buzz of excited conversation in the air as over 170 people jammed into a barn in the middle of a field in Lancashire. As the crowd gathered, the barn wasn’t big enough to contain those assembling for a special Friday night meeting. Between the sounds of a cow mooing and the rustle of hay, gospel-saturated songs were sung, followed by preaching. At the end of the message, a call was given for people to repent and trust in Christ – and people responded!

The next night, the scene was repeated, this time in Cumbria. Again, the barn was full. There was singing, a testimony, and preaching, with the gospel proclaimed and a call for people to follow Jesus.

These scenes aren’t from the 19th or early 20th century; they took place in May 2026. People from many different backgrounds and walks of life, including unbelievers and numerous young people, gathered in barns for special gospel meetings.

I’ll be the first to admit that I was sceptical when I was invited to preach at both barn rallies. I have read books on evangelism that said these kinds of meetings belonged to history, and that we live in a vastly different age. Yet, as I looked out over the crowds that had gathered, I was amazed.

A former Gladiator, now a Church of England minister, was invited to share his testimony. Afterwards, he told me he was stunned that so many people would give up their evenings to cram into a cold barn to hear the good news. He asked the organiser how they managed to attract so many people, and the simple answer was: they invited them. In the days leading up to the meetings, doors were knocked on, flyers handed out, and invitations given. Local Christians and churches also promoted the events and encouraged people to attend. The Lord blessed their efforts.

As I reflect on what I saw in Lancashire and Cumbria, I cannot help but wonder whether we need to revive these kinds of combined church gospel meetings – special events where evangelicals come together to reach the lost. The number of young people who attended suggests this could be a particularly effective way of reaching this generation. It may also help reach those who are nervous about attending a chapel or church building, as a neutral setting such as a barn, hall, or tent may make people more willing to come along.

Perhaps your church could consider partnering with like-minded fellowships to host a special event that is explicitly gospel-focused, with a clear proclamation of the good news and a call to respond. Invite an evangelist, advertise the event, invite people, pray, and trust the Lord for the harvest. The day of mass evangelism is certainly not over.

_____