We do not regularly practice an altar call at Crossroads Fellowship. Exceptions are few. I will, on occasion, have some sort of “action step” at the end of my message. But it does not involve endless verses of “Just As I Am,” with pleas for people to “walk the aisle” to Jesus. Also, I have a very close friend and former pastor who fills in for me when I am away who insists on having an “invitation” when he preaches for me. I find that our older folk like it and our younger (previously unchurched) folk tend wonder, “What was that about?”
We have sometimes been chastised, “demonized,” and ostracized in Baptist life because of our decision not to have altar call invitations. Indeed, some go so far as to question whether or not we are an actual church because of our lack of a proper “invitation.”
But we do have an invitation … of sorts. Each week I debrief the congregation following my sermon using a response card. I ask people to check the appropriate box on the back of their card to let me know what God is doing in their lives, or to tell me what type of decision they have made. If they cannot find a pre-written response that applies, I encourage them to write me a note on the card. We collect those cards during our offering time and I follow up personally with respondents.
Anyhow … our decision not to do “altar call” invitations was deliberate and strategic. In our early days of planting and organizing the church, we determined that in our target group (adults under 40 with children) he altar call was actually a potential HINDRANCE to a response to the Gospel. We discovered that young people were often terrified by the prospect of walking in front of people, or having to speak in front of a crowd. As we searched the Scriptures, we could find little biblical support for the practice, so we elected not to include it in our regular worship experiences. Instead of an “altar call,” we regard a person’s baptism as their public stand for Christ.
I recently discovered this excellent article on “Altar call Evangelism” by Paul Alexander of 9 Marks. In it he explains nine solid reasons why the altar call should not be practiced. In the coming days I will quote, examine, interact with, and comment on each of these points.
Meanwhile … what about your church? Do you practice an “altar call?” Why? Why not? Do you believe it is biblical? If so, please make your biblical case.
September 30, 2007 at 9:02 am
We do practice an altar call, but it is abreviated. I always tell folks to come on the first verse, always sing a second verse, but seldom a third or more, unless folks are coming.
My congregation is older and expects it.
Biblical? IDK. Tradition? You better believe it!
September 30, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Our church does not do an altar call. You indicate interest by signing the card and turning it in. Then you follow up with attendance at a new members class that reviews the expectation that the church has for members. Then your name is presented at a business meeting for church acceptance.
If you need baptism, you get that done before your name is presented at the business meeting.
We transitioned to this for the reasons mentioned in the post.
Bennett Willis
September 30, 2007 at 4:42 pm
we still have altar calls at our church, but i also encourage people to see me afterwwards…or call me…or come to see me thru the week.
david
October 1, 2007 at 6:58 am
Rick,
I think your experience is the norm in most SBC churches.
Bennett,
Your practice sounds much like ours … except for the business meeting part. We don’t vote to accept people.
David,
A wise approach. We must never try to limit the movement of God to a few verses of an invitation hymn.
October 1, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Geoff,
I think I am mostly with you on this one.
1) “what about your church? Do you practice an ‘altar call?’ Why? Why not?”
The group I meet with on Sunday mornings does… probably part tradition, part good intention.
2) “Do you believe it is biblical? If so, please make your biblical case.”
No. There is no longer such thing as an altar. It was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross. We are really just doing a “Stage Call” but we’re making it sound more prettier.
My two cents – great topic!
God’s Glory,
Lew
The Pursuit Online Store
October 1, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Lew,
Good point on # 2.