Asbury Bible Scholar Shares Expertise in Revival Video Series

January 18, 2024

Professor of New Testament Dr. Suzanne Nicholson participated in Revival Roundtable, a five-part video series produced by City on a Hill Productions. The roundtable discussion included Nicholson, Andy Erwin (director of Jesus Revolution), pastors Mason Tanner and CZ Zackery, and author-minister John Bevere. Watch the series here: https://watch.qava.tv/at-the-table-revival.

“We had a great discussion about the nature of revivals, what happened at Asbury, and how Scripture informs our understanding of revivals,” Nicholson said. “Each episode is about 20 minutes, covering topics including 1) What is Revival? 2) Scripture as a Guide; 3) Historical Revival Moments; 4) The Gentle Spirit of Revival; and 5) The Future of Revival.”

Nicholson also serves as editor for an upcoming book that shares perspectives from Asbury University faculty and staff about the Outpouring: Cooperating with the Holy Spirit: A Theological and Practical Reflection on the Asbury Outpouring. 

“Cooperation is a Wesleyan way of thinking about the Outpouring,” she said. “We join God in the work He is doing. We can’t make revival happen, but we jump on board when He makes it happen. This book will serve as a remembrance of what God has done and hopefully will be published within the next year.”

Nicholson shares about her Outpouring experience last February.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow. God is doing something amazing here. Lives are being changed. People are being called to repentance,’” she said. “For me, I had some personal things going on that were a heavy weight I was feeling. I went to the balcony to cry after a friend suggested: ‘Just go up there for 10 minutes and ask what God wants you to do.’ So, I did, and God met me there. I trusted that He was going to be with me every step of the way.”

After experiencing inner healing from God, Nicholson felt compelled to serve on the Outpouring prayer team.

“I had the privilege to walk with people in their deep intimate moments,” she said. “Throughout history, we see what revival does: We go in; we experience the love of God which leads us to repentance; we let go and trust God; we praise Him for His goodness; and we are freed for service.”

Nicholson came to Asbury University after teaching New Testament for 16 years at Malone University in Canton, Ohio. She received her Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of Durham and her M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary. Nicholson recently became ordained in the Global Methodist Church. She currently serves on the Council for the Wesleyan Covenant Association, the editorial board of the Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies, and is the Assistant Lead Editor for Firebrand, an online Wesleyan magazine. See Nicholson’s Outpouring article for Firebrand here. Read more about her research interests and publications: https://www.asbury.edu/about/directory/suzanne-nicholson/.

The Asbury University Christian Studies & Philosophy Department offers seven majors and six minors for traditional undergraduate students, including Youth Ministry, Bible-Theology, Intercultural Studies, and Pastoral Ministries. Asbury Online offers a major in Leadership & Ministry: https://www.asbury.edu/academics/degrees/online/leadership-ministry/.