The People’s Revival

A lot of people are angry with the church right now.

Honestly, much of that anger is justified. We’ve watched religion chase power, protect its own institutions, and often ignore the very people Jesus spent His life serving.

But here’s the question I keep asking:

What if the answer isn’t arguing with the church?

What if the answer is living the teachings of Jesus so visibly that the contrast becomes undeniable?

The red letters are not just theology. They are a pattern of life. And the good news is that you don’t need permission from a denomination, a pastor, or a building to begin practicing them.

Here are three Red Letter practices you can start today.

1. Redistribute Blessing

One of the most radical things a church can do is stop accumulating resources and start circulating them.

In my own ministry, one Sunday offering every month is redistributed directly to members who are struggling financially. Rent help. Grocery money. Utility bills. Whatever people need to get through the month.

Why?

Because Jesus consistently redirected resources toward those who were struggling. He didn’t build wealth; He relieved burdens.

You don’t need a church structure to practice this.

Set aside a portion of your income and look for someone quietly carrying financial stress. Pay a bill. Buy groceries. Cover gas money. Send a gift card anonymously.

No announcement.

No leverage.

Just relief.

That’s a Red Letter practice.

2. Feed People With No Strings Attached

One of the most destructive habits the church has developed is turning compassion into a transaction.

“We’ll help you… if you come to church.”

“We’ll feed you… if you listen to a sermon.”

“We’ll give you resources… if you sign up.”

Jesus didn’t work that way.

He fed people first.

He healed people first.

He welcomed people first.

You can do the same thing in simple ways.

Cook extra food and take it to a neighbor.

Bring bottled water and snacks to a public park.

Hand out hot dogs or sandwiches in your community.

And here’s the key:

Don’t ask people to attend anything.

Love without a hook is one of the most powerful witnesses there is.

3. Practice the Basin and the Towel

The clearest image Jesus gave us for leadership was not a throne.

It was a towel.

At the last supper, when everyone was arguing about status and importance, Jesus did something shocking: He got down on the floor and washed the disciples’ feet.

In other words, the greatest among us would be the servant of all.

So look for the lowest place in the room.

Sit with the sick person nobody is visiting.

Help the elderly neighbor with yard work.

Walk someone home who feels unsafe.

Serve the person who cannot repay you.

The world understands power.

But it doesn’t understand visible humility.

That’s why the basin and the towel are so powerful.

The Church the World Is Waiting For

People aren’t rejecting Jesus.

They’re rejecting a version of Christianity that looks nothing like Him.

But when someone encounters a life that actually reflects the red letters—feeding the hungry, protecting the vulnerable, serving the least person in the room—something changes.

Because that kind of faith is unmistakable.

So maybe the way forward isn’t winning arguments about the church.

Maybe the way forward is living a life that openly repudiates everything Jesus never taught.

Feed people.

Protect the vulnerable.

Serve the least person in the room.

This is how we live as Red Letter Christians.

Basin.

Towel.

Open table.