altar call

February 23, 2010 in Church with 9 Comments

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Out of everything in my Christian walk I remember most clearly the altar call where I found God. It’s an awesome thing. That “baby” Christian feeling. The altar call has always been that scary thing for people who don’t get the church deal. I mean there’s all kinds of different ways to execute it. There’s the everyone keep your eyes closed until everyone has raised their hands so you don’t embarrass anyone. Then there’s the come up front so that everyone can see the people who are worse sinners than them. Oh, and then there’s the raise your hand with everybody looking because Jesus died on the cross for you so the least you can do is lift your hand. Wow, makes me sweat just thinkin’ about it. So, is there a right way to this whole deal or does it even matter how it goes down?

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http://twitter.com/stevenguymcdade @stevenguymcdade

For me, there really was no alter call. I had it really happen when I was surrounded by people who were in support of a new worship community, which failed to do ANYTHING, too long a story. I fell to my knees with no power of my own left in my legs. At that point I realized that I was going to go on an adventure outside of the institutional church.
http://twitter.com/sadlierka @sadlierka

I've gone a church where they do the alter call like 3 different categories: (1) a person whose never accepted Christ in their heart, (2) a person whose accepted Christ but whatever the message was about or God has been really convicting them recently about something recently, that has strayed or (3) a Christ-follower that may need prayer or filling of the Holy Spirit. I really like that way of the altar call. It doesn't single anyone out.
Nick

Alter calls were started by Charles Finney so that they could get number of how many people were "converted". Alter calls are risky because they can give people a false assurance of their salvation…Salvation they may not obtain but think they do because they went forward and prayed a prayer.

I dont think they are unbiblical per se, but they are dangerous and not helpful.
http://twitter.com/jackalopekid @jackalopekid

good stuff
http://twitter.com/jackalopekid @jackalopekid

i like it too
http://twitter.com/jackalopekid @jackalopekid

hmm… interesting outlook. never heard that before
@austinblume

September 11th, 2001: in my room watching the news
Late that night. Need I say more……
http://notlivinginvain.com Rhoni

Our church doesn't do an "altar call". We always have elders and/or pastors at the back of the auditorium and encourage people to go back there to speak/pray with someone.
My recent post A memorable weekend
http://twitter.com/jenochej @jenochej

My church sometimes invites people to respond in a specific way if they are giving their life to God for the first time, but the method depends on the morning's message. And it's usually/always followed up by a way for people who are already followers to respond as well.

We celebrate Communion every week, and people who have decided to follow Jesus are invited to participate as an outward sign of their inward decision. Those who are there just to "check things out" are welcome to hang out in their seats and think/pray/whatever.

altar call

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