Jim Cymbala’s Journey: Empty Church Pews to Global Revival

Pastor Cymbala wasn't seminary-trained; he was a former basketball player who stepped into ministry with his musically gifted wife, Carol, facing heroin-filled streets, gangs, and personal sickness with no money for doctors. Yet, on a fishing boat in Florida, crying out to God in desperation—"Lord, what do I do? I'm not trained"—he heard what felt like the closest thing to an audible voice from the Holy Spirit: "If you'll just lead the people to pray, I'll take care of every sermon you need... all the money... and there'll never be a building large enough to contain the people I'll send." That moment shifted everything. The church became known not for clever techniques but for fervent prayer, birthing the world-famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and a legacy of revival.

This episode reminds us that true spiritual growth and church vitality don't come from programs or bus ministries (trends he humorously recalled from decades past) but from humble, persistent prayer. As Jesus declared, "My house shall be called a house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). When we prioritize prayer, God supplies sermons, resources, and transformed lives. Join us for an encouraging episode of Backstage with Randy Phillips as we are reminded of the power of prayer and the beauty of a life surrendered to Jesus.

Pastor Cymbala's turning point came when he stopped chasing "Mickey Mouse church growth techniques" and embraced prayer as God's primary channel for grace and power. He recalled the early days: midweek services with as few as two people, personal illness, and financial strain. But committing to prayer meetings changed the trajectory. Today, The Brooklyn Tabernacle starts each year with a week of prayer, shutting down all ministries to seek God from noon to evening. The result? Souls saved, needs met, and a church that's overflowed buildings multiple times.

This echoes James 4:2: "You do not have because you do not ask God." The worst thing said about any believer this year could be, "You had not because you asked not." If you're wondering how to overcome burnout through prayer, start small—gather even a few to pray consistently. God honors humility and dependence.

No formal training, no seminary degree—yet Pastor Cymbala has preached for decades, now without notes. He credits prayer for sermons that flow from the Spirit rather than preparation alone. His wife Carol, who can't read music yet has won multiple Grammys for her compositions, proves God uses the unqualified when we lean on Him.
God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Your weaknesses becomes a platform for His strength.

Looking at the state of the church today, Pastor Cymbala is honest: It varies by congregation. Some are lukewarm, legalistic, or exclusive, losing young people to college influences. But many are hungry for genuine moves of God—not programs, but heaven-sent awakening. He sees parents desperate for their kids' faith and believers crying, "Lord, awaken me deeper to the Holy Spirit."

Prayer is the answer. Stories like those in his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire detail how prayer ignited revival in Brooklyn. Revival starts with humble seeking, as 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us.

One of the most freeing insights from this interview with Pastor Cymbala comes when we shares this revelation: "Your whole life is one day—today." Yesterday's gone; tomorrow isn't promised. Pastor Cymbala references those who lost their lives in 9/11, none of which planned their last day on Earth, urging us to focus on today as "the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). Regrets paralyze the past; anxiety grips the future, but God gives new mercies every morning.

Pastor Cymbala starts every day reading multiple devotionals, meditating on Scripture chapters, and seeking joy in Christ to avoid sourness. He values mentors like David Wilkerson and Leonard Ravenhill, and friends who sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). Long-term friendships, like with Randy Phillips, become treasures more than material blessings.

No five-year plans here—Paul didn't have them, nor did the Israelites in the wilderness. Pastor Cymbala follows the Spirit's leading, preaching without notes, trusting God for succession and tomorrow. At his age, he feels healthy but lives open-handed: "Who knows, Jesus could come this year."

Pastor Jim Cymbala's story isn't about human achievement—it's about God's faithfulness when we pray, humble ourselves, and live surrendered one day at a time. Whether you're battling ministry inadequacy, craving revival, or needing hope amid uncertainty, this episode shows prayer unlocks provision, power, and purpose. God still moves mightily through ordinary people who seek Him earnestly.

Don't miss the full conversation— packed with warmth, laughter, and Spirit-led wisdom that will uplift your soul. Watch or listen to the entire episode on Backstage with Randy Phillips, and let it inspire your prayer life today. God hears, He moves, and He's ready to renew you—right now.