So, do you believe that if someone makes a public profession of faith during an altar call that is never sincere?
dies-l said:No. I don't believe that at all. But, in my experience, when it happens it is generally in spite of, not because of, the altar call.
Oh, I agree! A public profession of faith does not HAVE to be at an altar call. Yet, that is where I have seen most public professions made.
dies-l said:I have seen many professions of faith at altar calls, but , the vast , majority that I have seem never bore any lasting fruit. And, in many cases the altar caused harm in causing an inaccurate idea of salvation.
Should altar calls be continued? They don't seem to be biblical.
Should altar calls be continued? They don't seem to be biblical.
Let me explain what an altar call is for those who may be unfamiliar. It is an invitation made by the pastor at the close of the sermon for seekers to come to the front of the church and either to kneel at the platform or a "mourners bench", or to stand in the front to be prayed for. Sometimes there are "altar workers" in the front that will pray with the seekers. The seeker is encouraged to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their savior.
The altar call was intiated around 1800 by Charles Finney and was promoted by the camp meeting movements. The church got by without altar calls for 1800 years. Is there a better way of making invitations without taking up 15 minutes after each service to make an altar call?
Ken
I am uncomfortable with altar calls, and have been trying to nudge our church away from them...
I am uncomfortable with altar calls, and have been trying to nudge our church away from them...
Now faith, the elimination of the altar call has no bearing on salvation. I've seen this time used more for Christians moving membership than seeing people come to salvation. The one church I went to that did not do altar calls by far did the most baptisms, which clearly tells you how many people came to the pastors to discuss salvation.
I'm not disqualifying all altar calls. I don't believe they are necessary
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Our church mostly evangelises the lost outside of the church, not within the church. Thats why we dont do them all the time i suppose.
It seems to be the seeker friendly ones that do them, like the mega churches where crowds of people go that arent all christians.
Im not against them, but, if youve already celebrated..eaten and drunk the Lords supper you dont need to do an extra altar call.
well no but in mega churches it seems there are more likely non christians going there.
Because the mega church does an altar call every single week, and they have three services a day, and everytime I have been they did one.
discipleship is ongoing and we always affirm we are christians by praying together, reading scripture, participating in the lords supper.
Evangelism is more effective outside the church, that is where the lost are. It may be yes they are ready to start going to church to fellowship but most of the time people are converted outside of it, God reaches out to where they are and draws them in, its not likely unbelievers would think of just going to church, the only time they would go is if someone asked them for social reasons or food or some other reason and not really for Jesus. If someone does come and you discern they are ready you can tell them the gospel and pray to receive the holy spirit, but, usually its a more one on one and its not 'all you sinners come to the front!'
I hate alter calls. Absolutely there is a better way. Don't get me wrong...if it is or was perfect for someone - great. But I would venture to say, that for every person who responses to an alter call, an equal number are driven away by the awkwardness, never to return.Should altar calls be continued? They don't seem to be biblical.
Let me explain what an altar call is for those who may be unfamiliar. It is an invitation made by the pastor at the close of the sermon for seekers to come to the front of the church and either to kneel at the platform or a "mourners bench", or to stand in the front to be prayed for. Sometimes there are "altar workers" in the front that will pray with the seekers. The seeker is encouraged to repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their savior.
The altar call was intiated around 1800 by Charles Finney and was promoted by the camp meeting movements. The church got by without altar calls for 1800 years. Is there a better way of making invitations without taking up 15 minutes after each service to make an altar call?
Ken
I hate alter calls. Absolutely there is a better way. Don't get me wrong...if it is or was perfect for someone - great. But I would venture to say, that for every person who responses to an alter call, an equal number are driven away by the awkwardness, never to return.
There should definitely be a time for a pastor to invite people to seal their relationship with God - but coming to church? They have already come forward! Asking again, is as much an opportunity to retract. No alter call! Thank them for coming, tell them the worst is over, welcome them...and guide them...meekly...with the power and conviction of God. Be equally available to get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit work, as you are to greet them with open arms.
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