altar calls?

[SteveR2021]

I understand what you mean, but it is never the preacher that brings about conviction. That's always the Holy Spirit's job.

I hesitate to offer altar calls because I believe that when the Holy Spirit does a work of conviction in a heart He does a thorough job. I am always afraid of snap decisions - people who want to 'make a decision for Christ'. I want to see people truly and genuinely born again... that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Where true conviction takes place no altar call is ever needed.

I fear that altar calls often produce superficial conviction of sin.

 

[No Swansong]

I fear that altar calls often produce superficial conviction of sin.

Stefan I don't mean to be confrontational but what exactly is a "superficial" conviction of sin?

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

Well, the pastor of the church I attend calls it an invitation.

Of course one may accept Christ and be saved any time, any place. But the pastor wouldn't feel comfortable (nor would I) without issuing a specific invitation to do so at the end of service. It isn't only for salvation or rededication, though. It can be someone asking for prayer, or (this being Southern Baptist) officially becoming a member of the church. These things can also be done any time or place. But this is presented as an opportunity.

I understand the concern about "were there altar calls in the Bible?" I think Peter's sermon in Acts 2 precipitated one. 3,000 souls were added to the church that day. That must have been some altar call.