The Awakening Revival still going strong at Hager Hill Church

By Amy Case
Contributing Writer

HAGER HILL — What began as a quiet spark in late September has grown into a full-scale community awakening. The Awakening Revival, which began on Sunday, Oct. 26, hosted its 24th consecutive service Tuesday evening, continuing a movement that has already seen more than 800 professions of faith and record-breaking attendance.

The revival’s momentum traces back to a powerful message preached by Pastor Ronnie Spriggs earlier this fall. His sermon about a lamb, centered on the theme “I Hear You Jesus, I Am Coming,” deeply moved the congregation. The message resonated so strongly that youth leader Tim Case wrote a song inspired by the sermon that has become one of many songs repeatedly sung throughout the revival.

The Awakening Revival is alive with music and powerful messages has fueled the fire of the Awakening Revival. Hager Hill vocalists Allison Cunagin, Beth Castle, Will Case, and Aliyah Allen, joined by the Hager Hill Freewill Baptist Church Youth Group and singers from across the region—including Aaron Music and Waylon Bayes—have formed a powerhouse worship team representing

Christians from many denominations. At the heart of this surge is the “Praise Pit,” a high-energy group that started with Hager Hill youth but quickly grew as football players, cheerleaders, and other students discovered faith through the revival. JCHS seniors Abigail Hannah, Parker Estep, and Dylan Peck have led the charge, inviting friends, praying with peers, and witnessing each night.

The revival has also been defined by preaching that inspires and challenges. The kickoff service featured James Kelly Caudill setting the tone, followed by Cal Ray Evans with his unforgettable sermon on “The Stork and Appointed Time” and Jared DeAtley preaching about “Eagle Wings.” Hager Hill ministers Brad Kimbler, Chris Crider, Aaron Music, and Pastor Ronnie Spriggs have delivered messages that resonate deeply each night—most notably Pastor Ronnie’s “Breaking the Box” sermon, which challenged the congregation to break free, step out boldly, and pour themselves fully into God’s work.

The revival has stretched far beyond the church doors, on Night 13, during the Johnson Central football playoffs, players and cheerleaders were so moved by what they were experiencing at the revival that they asked Pastor Spriggs if they could hold a service immediately after the game. “I don’t see why we can’t,” he said—and that night, more than 30 students made life-changing decisions right on the field, many kneeling at the home bench. A similar service was held on Night 20, followed by a baptism in the school’s pool building.

As interest surged, Hager Hill quickly outgrew its sanctuary. On Nights 11 and 12, walls were removed to expand the space into the church’s Annex. But even with additional room, the crowds continued to swell. By Night 18, the revival relocated to the former Grandview building, where attendance has topped 1,300 people nightly. Temporary walls in the new location have also been removed to accommodate the constant flow of worshippers.

What started as a local revival has now become a regional movement, drawing youth, families, and entire congregations from across Eastern Kentucky. United by heartfelt worship, shared purpose, and a clear sense of spiritual urgency, the Awakening Revival has truly become—by every measure—a community awakening.