This isn't from John Piper, but it was a pretty interesting quote (from JD Greear on Revitalizing Church)

I would not suggest, generally speaking, trying to revitalize when you don't see signs of God working in ways that are independent and larger than you. Yes, there are exceptions, but this is a case where I think Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God) got it right years ago. Discover where God is working, and go join him in it. Pray with Moses, Jonathan, or any number of the Bible heroes, "God, I won't go up, unless you go with me."

If you don't sense him moving in that congregation, go plant. Find a fertile field and invest your life there. You've only got one life, and there are billions of lost people. In my opinion, you should not waste your life banging your head against the wall, trying to lead people who don't really want to be led, unless God tells you in clear terms that is what he wants from you.


Is he right? Or does God call some people to bang their heads against brick walls? I'm sure they guy who worked at this church before Greear felt like he was banging his head against a wall. But if he hadn't, then Greear couldn't have come in and been used so powerfully by God.