In 2026, our nation will mark 250 years since its founding. While anniversaries often focus on history, monuments, and patriotic celebration, we believe this moment calls for something deeper. More than fireworks or fanfare, this milestone invites us to seek the One who has sustained us through every generation. Across Alabama, we are setting aside this year for prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal. We are calling this movement Celebration250: Alabama—a statewide call for God’s people to humble themselves before the Lord and ask Him to move again with power in our churches, communities, and state. Throughout 2026, churches will host revivals, prayer gatherings, and celebrations of God’s faithfulness. But two dates will serve as unifying moments for our state:
- Wednesday evening, September 30 -We are asking every church in Alabama to devote that service entirely to prayer for revival.
- Thursday, October 1 — We will encourage regional gatherings in each of our 12 districts, coming together as one body to cry out for a fresh work of God.
As leaders, God has entrusted us with both influence and responsibility. Here are seven intentional steps every Christian leader can take to prepare for Celebration250: Alabama:
- Lead with Personal Prayer and Repentance. Revival begins in the hearts of leaders. Set aside intentional time to seek the Lord, ask Him to search your heart, and realign your life with His will.
- Teach Your People to Pray for Revival. Regularly preach, teach, and talk about prayer as a posture of dependence on God. Help your church understand why revival matters. Encourage each member to have one person they are praying for salvation.
- Provide Evangelism Training. One great way is to bring church members to the E3: State Evangelism Conference on March 1-2 at Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery. Not only will they be inspired, but also equipped through our breakout sessions.
- Call the Church to Humility and Fasting. Encourage seasons of fasting, corporate or individual, as a tangible expression of hunger for God and reliance on His power. Leading up to Resurrection Sunday is a good time to start.
- Prepare the Church to Listen and Obey. Revival is transformational. Prepare your people to respond obediently when God convicts, calls, and sends.
- Engage the Community with Gospel Intentionality. Prayer should overflow into action. Look for ways your church can love, serve, and share Christ in your community, leading up to and following these gatherings.
- Expect God to Move. Faith-filled expectation honors God. Approach these revivals with hope, confidence, and trust in what the Lord can do.
Celebration250: Alabama is not about remembering the past; it is about seeking God for the future. We believe the same Lord who sustained this nation through wars, awakenings, trials, and triumphs is still able to revive His people today. This is our moment to pray. Our moment to unite. Our moment to ask God to do what only He can do.
“Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?” (Psalm 85:6)