Outpouring
A Theological Witness
by Jason E. Vickers and Thomas H. McCall
Imprint: Cascade Books
Outpouring is a theological exploration of religious revivals and awakenings. The authors reflect on God's pursuit of human persons in the light of Scripture and classical Christian doctrine. They also take seriously eyewitness testimonies to God's presence and power in events like the Great Awakenings and the Asbury Outpouring of 2023, allowing such events to raise fresh questions and to enliven theology. Inspired by their participation in the Asbury Outpouring, they bear witness to the ancient conviction that theology, prayer, and praise belong together.
Jason E. Vickers is the William J. Abraham Professor of Theology and Wesleyan Studies at George W. Truett Seminary, Baylor University, in Waco, Texas.
Thomas H. McCall is Timothy C. and Julie M. Tennent Chair of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.
“When the Asbury Outpouring began, many people—inside and outside the church—began asking: Is this good? Is it true? Is it real? Vickers and McCall set their personal experience of the Outpouring within the context of two thousand years of Christian reflection on who God is and how God’s grace saves us. While these authors remind us to always be faithful in the ordinary means of grace, their answer to the question of whether God can act through such extraordinary means is a resounding yes.”
—Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor, Christian History
“Avoiding both gullibility and cynicism, Vickers and McCall guide us through what happened at the Asbury Outpouring. Along the way, they show us what revival can and ought to be. This book will leave you hopeful and maybe even praying in ways you never thought you could.”
—Russell Moore, editor-in-chief, Christianity Today
“If Christianity is going to live, the way forward will be exactly what God has in fact provided in the Asbury Outpouring—analyzed with sure-handed profundity by seasoned Wesleyan theologians Vickers and McCall. May this Outpouring, filled with the peace of Christ and giving glory to God, spread to all Christians!”
—Matthew Levering, chair of theology, Mundelein Seminary
“This book begins with Vickers’ and McCall’s eyewitness testimonies to the ‘Asbury Awakening’ and then moves on to theological reflection. The result is a calm, clear, and compelling meditation on God’s presence and activity in the world. Here is a theologically informed testimony that, like the Asbury Outpouring itself, leads to repentance and deep joy at God’s life-changing forgiveness and grace.”
—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical
Divinity School
“Vickers and McCall offer us an eyewitness window into the Asbury Outpouring, combined with deep reflection on how the events there might apply to and impact all of God’s people. This book is a chance for us to consider how all Christians might look for and experience the work of the Holy Spirit not only in extraordinary movements but in our ordinary moments as well.”
—Jessica LaGrone, dean of chapel, Asbury Theological Seminary
“The glory of God’s presence and power at the Asbury Outpouring was witnessed and experienced by Jason and Tom: repentance, confession, salvation, worship, sanctification, renewal, healing, deliverance! The authors’ theological reflection beautifully and biblically explores the Trinity, God’s holiness, and how God reveals himself to us—sometimes as he did at Asbury. Enjoy this book as a means of grace and a gift from Jesus for your soul!”
—Joy Smith Griffin, co-founder and international director, International Leadership Institute
“This is a landmark work, an Ebenezer, a sobering, intoxicating reminder that our God is a living God, spry and afire, gentle but fearsome, faithful yet unpredictable. Like all good theology, it humbles us by moving us toward prayer, urging us, as St. Symeon the New Theologian did, to believe again that the experience of God is always possible for those who ask.”
—Chris E. W. Green, professor of public theology, Southeastern University
“Jason and Tom draw us into their rich theological conversation and personal experiences of the Asbury Outpouring. With deep devotion and holy humility, they have offered a powerful theological witness grounded in Scripture and the Wesleyan doctrinal heritage.”
—W. Darin Moore, presiding prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District, The AME Zion Church
“Vickers and McCall’s book is a theological and spiritual tour de force on the phenomena of divine outpourings. It provides penetrating reflection on these extraordinary means of grace in the church and wise counsel to spiritual leaders as they seek to navigate extreme responses. It is necessary reading for all who are interested in a theology of revival.”
—Christopher T. Bounds, dean of the School of Theology & Ministry, Indiana Wesleyan
University