Key Takeaways:
- America’s independence followed a massive Christian revival known as the First Great Awakening.
- National worship gatherings tied to the 250th anniversary are being organized across the country.
- Sean Feucht’s “Roots of Revival” tour targets historic awakening locations.
- Critics are reacting strongly — highlighting the cultural impact of these events.
- Christians have a rare opportunity to pray for national renewal at a historic moment.
Before the American Revolution… one thing created the foundation for Americans 250th Anniversary.
Most Americans know about 1776.
But few know about 1739.
Before the Declaration of Independence, the American colonies were transformed — not politically, but spiritually.
Historians call it The First Great Awakening.
Two men became central figures:
- George Whitefield — preaching outdoors to crowds of 10,000 or more
- Jonathan Edwards — whose sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God shook entire towns
They traveled colony to colony…
Town to town…
Hillside to hillside…
Their message:
- Repent
- Turn to Christ
- God governs nations – not kings
Eyewitness accounts described people crying openly, asking for forgiveness of their sins, repenting, falling to their knees, and reconciling with neighbors.
And for the first time, the colonies began to see themselves as one people.
Then — only decades later — came the American Revolution.
Political liberty followed spiritual awakening.
Now the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
It’s no longer in our government run public schools. It’s not taught by teachers.
And that forgotten part of history is powerfully being remembered.
Here are three things every American should know.
1. Public worship gatherings are being organized for the 250th Anniversary.
Christian leaders across the country are organizing large-scale prayer and worship events tied to America’s founding anniversary, including a gathering planned in Washington, D.C. at the National Mall on May 17th.
The goal: a national moment of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.
For generations, faith was pushed out of civic spaces.
Now — during America’s birthday —
It’s returning to the public square.
Not hidden.
Visible.
2. The “Roots of Revival” movement is going nationwide.
Worship leader and evangelist Sean Feucht is launching a coast-to-coast series of worship, prayer and repentance gatherings at historic awakening locations connected to early American revival.
He explained how it began:
“As I was praying and fasting leading into the new year, I felt the Lord say, ‘Remind America of the 250th anniversary of her heritage and revival and awakening.’”
A call back to the nation’s spiritual foundation.
Feucht also described the scale of cooperation surrounding the effort:
“It’s just an amazing season from God to be able to do this in partnership with our own government and to know that they have our back and to be able to be an extension of literally the faith office inside the White House… so many members… love Jesus and they’re going to be a part of this in various ways.”
Historic anniversary.
Historic locations.
Historic purpose.
3. The backlash shows why this matters.
Activist group People for the American Way warned against the gatherings, writing:
“Last year Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Scott Turner, teamed up with Christian nationalist worship leader and right-wing political activist, Sean Feucht, to host a Christian worship service on the National Mall… and he was working… to organize similar worship services around the country in 2026 tied to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration.”
They oppose it.
But the reaction reveals something deeper:
America is debating its identity again.
Was faith central to the founding — or irrelevant?
The 250th anniversary is forcing that conversation back into public view.
Why this moment could be historic:
This is not just another event.
It connects three things rarely combined:
• National anniversary
• Public worship
• Historical memory
For the first time in decades, many Americans are rediscovering that the nation’s birth involved repentance before independence.
That conversation is now happening nationwide.
What do you think? Email me at [email protected].
Action:
1. Attend if possible.
If you can reach Washington, D.C. or a revival location — go. You may never see another anniversary like this.
Shelly and I plan to be at the National Mall and hopefully other events.
2. Learn the history.
Get my book, The Christian Voter: 7Non-Negotiables for Voting For, Not Against Your Values. This book explains the Great Awakening and our Christian roots and history. Your children and grandchildren need to understand America’s spiritual roots.
Click HERE to order the book online.
You can order the book on Amazon HERE.
Or get the audiobook version HERE and on Kindle HERE.
You can also get an autographed edition online HERE, or call 615-814-6633 to place your order by phone. (M-F 10 am to 3 pm).
You can also send a check for $26.13 (including shipping) payable to Media Specialists and send to this address:
Media Specialists
1313 4th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208
3. Pray.
Pray protection over these gatherings. Pray hearts change. Pray for revival in America.
Revival always begins with prayer.
FAQs:
Q. Did revival really influence the founding?
A. Yes the First Great Awakening unified colonial culture and moral thinking before independence.
Q. Why tie worship to the 250th anniversary?
A. Organizers point to America’s founding included a spiritual dimension worth remembering publicly.
Q. Why the controversy?
A. Public faith challenges modern secular expectations about religion’s role in civic life.
Q. Is this political?
A. Participants frame it as prayer and repentance — not a campaign.
About Craig Huey:
Craig Huey is the founder of ElectionForum.org and publisher of the Huey Alert. For over 30 years he has researched candidates and public policy affecting voters of faith. He is the author of The Christian Voter and other books on faith and civic responsibility.