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The
Toronto Blessing, After 10 Years
church at the end of the runways of Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, burst into public awareness as the Holy Spirit fell in a powerful, dramatic, and controversial way. Soon this small church gained the attention of the international media. Within weeks it was necessary to arrive an hour early to gain access to the evening services as people flooded in from around the world. In short order the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church (now Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship or TACF) became the number one tourist attraction in the Greater Toronto Area. This revival was marked by strange phenomena or “manifestations” such as jerking, laughter, and being “slain in the Spirit” (falling down in the presence of God). But more than that, it was clear that the manifest presence of God was in the place. That presence was tangible. Soon that revival spread into the world. A short time later Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, England, (a congregation of the Church of England) was touched and would soon launch the now well-known Alpha Course. There were ties with the preceding revival in Argentina, as Pastors John and Carol Arnott had traveled there prior to the breaking forth of revival in their own church. But what is the heart of this revival? Clearly it was the manifestations (e.g., “holy laughter”) that gained it notoriety. But from the beginning these things were not the essence of the revival. This is a revival built on and flowing from the grace of God. Grace is not only a doctrine but also something that is experienced. It is in fact focused on the love of the Father. The name used by TACF is not the “Toronto Blessing” as it is popularly known but rather “The Father’s Blessing.” This emphasis on the love of the Father is unique among revivals and awakenings. As one looks back at history, it can be seen that the focus has usually been on the Son or the Holy Spirit. The Reformation, for instance, was focused on the grace of God as shown in Jesus, the Son of God. The later Great Awakenings and Pietistic movements focused on Jesus. Still later came the Pentecostal revival and the Charismatic movement which focused on the Holy Spirit. Then there were the Jesus People of the 1960s. The focus on the Father’s Heart of love stresses recovery from works righteousness accompanied by inner healing and a strong stress on forgiveness. The longevity of the revival is perhaps due to the integrity and humility evinced by the leadership of TACF. The church strives to be a safe place. This contrasts with some other well-known revivals which have been much more based on the Law. And, significantly these revivals have since dwindled to very little. The unique contributions of this revival of the Father’s Heart of Love is to stress the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus for sinners. We are clearly saved by grace. This good news leads to a real rejoicing in the love of God (perhaps the significance of “holy laughter” experienced there particularly at the beginning). In more recent times this movement has begun to move more powerfully into evangelism and missions. As stated earlier, the Alpha Course which is the number one tool for evangelism in the world-wide church today, arose as a result of this revival. Missionaries throughout the world have been encouraged and supported by this movement. Most prominent among these are Heidi and Rolland Baker who serve in Mozambique and are having huge success among the Muslims there. Another contribution to the church at large is the cross fertilization that occurs as people from many denominations gather and interact. At the recent 10th anniversary conference there were Christians from backgrounds as varied as Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican/Episcopal, United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ, non-denominational, charismatic, and Pentecostal (and interestingly the latter have not been all that receptive to this particular move). Furthermore there were Christians there from all over the planet. Attendees hailed from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Germany, Africa, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, and Ireland. Today, after 10 years, the lines have disappeared and the numbers are down. The manifestations are still there but often more subdued than earlier. Missions have become a major emphasis, particularly in difficult places such as the Sudan, Afghanistan, and among Muslims generally. Healing has become a greater emphasis. Conferences are now the primary point of entry for most new arrivals. The latest emphasis has been “soaking prayer.” Soaking prayer is simply relaxing in a quiet place while quiet worship music is played and Scriptures are read. Prayer ministers circulate praying quietly for the participants. This new more contemplative practice shows the deepening and maturing of the movement. The Father’s Blessing is often described as the “River of God.” As the River flows it deepens and broadens and waters places far from the source. That is an apt metaphor for this revival. James
Bredeson
7 Heritage Point Stoney Plain, AB, Canada T7Z 2G1
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