Asbury New Testament Professor Publishes Outpouring Celebration Book
January 10, 2025
Asbury University proudly announces the release of a powerful new book, Cooperating with the Holy Spirit: Theological and Practical Reflections on the Asbury Outpouring. Dr. Suzanne Nicholson, Professor of New Testament, edited this collaborative work, which chronicles the extraordinary events of the Asbury Outpouring in February 2023. Abilene Christian University Press will officially release the book on February 11, 2025, and readers can preorder it now on Amazon and directly from the publisher.
“After the Outpouring, many of us felt compelled to tell the stories of what we experienced,” Nicholson said. “It seemed fitting that we should write a book as a community: just as the community stewarded the Outpouring, so we should steward together the stories of what God did among us. This ethos of community collaboration drives the volume, which features 18 chapters written by 23 members of the Asbury family—faculty, staff, and administrators who witnessed the profound impact of those 16 days of revival.”
The book unfolds in three sections, each offering a unique perspective on the Outpouring. The first section describes the event itself, including the prayers that preceded it, the students’ heartfelt response, and the global reach as people traveled to Wilmore from across the world. The second section explores the theological dimensions of revival, examining biblical foundations, the history of Evangelical awakenings, sacred space and prayer, and a Wesleyan interpretation of spiritual outpourings. The final section addresses practical implications for institutions, including insights into worship design, media management, and the training of witnessing teams.
Nicholson highlighted the book’s uniqueness: “This is the only book on the Outpouring collaboratively written by those who experienced it firsthand. The multiple perspectives highlight the diversity of our community and the deep faith in Christ that binds us together. This is not a ‘how-to’ manual for revivals but rather a historical record and theological reflection on how we cooperated with what the Holy Spirit was already doing.”
The writing process reflected the communal spirit of the Outpouring. A mini-grant provided the means to host two writer’s retreats at Windsor Manor in Fall 2023, providing space for collaboration and reflection. The administration supported the project by granting Nicholson a course release, enabling her to work with contributors and ensure a unified narrative that faithfully captured their diverse experiences. By June 2024, Nicholson sent the completed manuscript to Abilene Christian University Press, which prepared the book for the two-year anniversary of the revival.
Dr. Kevin Brown, President of Asbury University, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Cooperating With the Holy Spirit is a collection of first-person accounts documenting the Asbury ‘Outpouring’ and its many facets. The book thoughtfully captures both the wonder and complexity associated with fostering those 16 historical days on our campus in February 2023. I trust these stories, and the ‘front row seat’ they provide, will bless readers and encourage those who have prayed for spiritual renewal across our nation and globe.”
Asbury University invites readers to engage with this extraordinary testament to God’s presence and power. In an age of rapid communication and global interconnectedness, Cooperating with the Holy Spirit not only records history but also offers a theological and practical guide for discerning God’s movements in our midst. Pre-order your copy today to celebrate and reflect on this remarkable chapter in Asbury’s story.
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