Lower - by Zach Meerkreebs (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Why did a "simple and unremarkable" message at a small college in Kentucky lead to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that continues around the world? Radical Humility, says pastor Zach Meerkreebs. As Zach Meerkreebs ended his sermon on the campus of Asbury University, he prayed, "Jesus, do a new thing in our midst. Revive us by your love." He had preached about love in action and urged students to consider how to love one another authentically, realizing they could not until they experience the real love of God. Before leaving, he challenged, "Do not leave here until you experience the love of God so that you can pour it out." To him, the sermon felt quite ordinary and unremarkable, yet several students remained, praying and worshipping, and others joined them until a crowd formed that grew to over 65,000 and covered the campus and small Kentucky town. As the worshipping and praying continued, for sixteen days and nights, the media began reporting on what came to be called the Asbury Outpouring. In Lower, Zach shares his experiences at the Outpouring and answers his own question, what sparked this revival? Radical humility, he says, is the essential posture to prepare for a fresh move of God. The World, even the church, is full of messages of conquering, climbing, ascending, and being victorious . . . but Jesus invites us to go lower in humility and empty ourselves of our ego and sparkles. With honest self-awareness, we can engage humility-removing whatever blocks get in the way of its formation in our lives. He describes the qualities that form humility, including entering the crucible where our wounds and suffering are refined by holy fire, and the crushing, where we endure pain and grief as Jesus tenderizes our hearts. It's also returning to childlike trust in Him so that we gain confidence to move forward in faith, allowing Him to shape us into the character of Jesus Christ, saturated by lowliness and God's very real, authentic love. With personal stories, Scripture, testimonies from Asbury, wisdom from other Christian writers, and key insights he has received in quiet moments with Jesus, Zach shows readers the path to radical humility and deeper friendship . . . with God. Those at the Asbury Outpouring encountered the presence of Jesus and witnessed healings and revived faith and hope, launching a movement that has spread His abundant love across the globe. As we go lower in our pursuit of humility, we can steward spaces prepared for a move of God and shine Jesus to all those who are watching"--

Book Synopsis

In this inspiring account, a pastor shares how radical humility ignited a sixteen-day revival on a small college campus--and why it is an essential tool for building a closer relationship with God.

As Zach Meerkreebs ended his sermon on the campus of Asbury University, he challenged, "Do not leave here until you experience the love of God so that you can pour it out." Several students remained, praying and worshipping, and others joined them until a crowd formed that grew to over 65,000 and covered the campus and small Kentucky town. As the worshipping and praying continued, for sixteen days and nights, the media began reporting on what came to be called the Asbury Outpouring.

In Lower, Zach shares his experiences at the Outpouring and answers his own question, what sparked this revival? With personal stories, Scripture, testimonies from Asbury, wisdom from other Christian writers, and key insights he has received in quiet moments with Jesus, Zach shows readers the path to radical humility and deeper friendship with God. As we go lower in our pursuit of humility, we can steward spaces prepared for a move of God and shine Jesus to all those who are watching.

Review Quotes

"Lower will give you a glimpse into how God has moved powerfully at Asbury University and will challenge you to seek His presence and power every single day."

--Jennie Allen, founder and visionary of IF: Gathering and Gather25, New York Times Bestselling Author

"A must-read for anyone seeking spiritual renewal."

--Tonya Prewitt, founder and visionary of UniteUS

"An invitation to step into deep fulfillment, a stability that transcends earthly kingdoms...this book has the power to transform anyone who picks it up."

--Matthias Barker, mental health social media influencer and licensed counselor

"Raw, vulnerable, and totally sincere, and a must-read for anyone tired of the idols of success or striving."

--Al Gordon, pastor of Saint London and visionary leader of Renaissance Movement

"The power of the nearness of God Himself."

--Joel Muddamalle, PhD, director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of The Hidden Peace

"The world and the church, and especially the young, are looking for women and men who will live and love from a posture of humility. Lower can help get us there."

--David Thomas, PhD, author, New Room Leaders Gathering

"A call to liberating vulnerability...and the ancient way of downward ascension to Love."--Strahan Coleman, author, musician, pray-er

"A prophetic book...[about] what it really means to live in the way of Jesus in a culture of self."--Jon Tyson, lead pastor of Church of the City New York, church.nyc

"Profound, authentic, convicting, and full of Jesus!"--Sarah Breuel, executive director of Revive Europe and board member of the Lausanne Movement

"Reading this book is like sitting with Zach over coffee...pondering about faith and life, knowing there's more gold to be found by journeying together."--Miriam Swanson, director of Fusion USA, author, international speaker

About the Author

Zach Meerkreebs is the proud husband of Kristin and father to three little girls: Eden, Esther, and Mercy. He is thankful for the opportunity to have served within churches by coaching and catalyzing church plants, traveling and speaking, and most recently had the gift of a lifetime as he preached on February 8, 2023, where he had a front row seat to see God moving amidst the Asbury outpouring where a small town and university experienced sixteen days of unending prayer and worship. More than sixty-five thousand guests from around the country--and the world--experienced the peace and power of God.