Every now and then, I will read a report that Southern Baptist pastors (and others) still give an altar call or extend an invitation at the end of their sermons. The purpose: for people to accept Christ or renew their commitment to Him. Do you use the altar area for such purposes?
I grew up in an environment where the altar area was used much like the "mourner's bench" in Methodism. As a pastor, I used that area for evangelism, but also for times of emotional and physical healing. I don't see that as much as I used to. I wonder why?
It might be because ...
- Invitations take time and, with multiple services, time is of the essence.
- We do not address the "sin" issue like we once did. It is not politically correct.
- Many pastors do not know how to "draw the net" or extend an invitation.
- There is a "what if no one comes" syndrome.
- We have either grown much too sophisticated or the altar is not a part of a church's tradition.
- Small groups are used more for the purpose of allowing the searcher a safe place to pray, or decision cards are made available after a church service.
- The seeker-sensitive approach makes moving forward too threatening.
- Evangelism is not emphasized as it once was.
- TV preachers have sensationalized the altar almost as a prop rather than a sacred place.
- Fewer and fewer sermons are being preached with a decision expectation in mind. Our emphasis might be on "feel good" rather than Godly conviction for rebelliousness or disobedience.
I could go on, but I'm sure you get my point. If we do not give people an opportunity to seek God in a quiet safe place, at what point in their lives will they? Do we make an attempt to "close the deal," so to speak, or just leave it up to chance? Just asking. More people would turn to Christ if someone would just ask them to.
Personally, I think many people are frightened by the altar area. One way to overcome that is by using it as a "place of prayer" during the service — not just for those who are seeking, but for those who just need to feel closer to God and receive the support of a church family, as long as it is a safe place.
What say ye? Please leave a comment below.
Be blessed and be a blessing.
(P070202)

We are excited!! This coming Thursday, August 21, our Pastoral Ministries Division will be featured on the Focus on the Family radio broadcast entitled "The True Strength of a Pastor." (Click here to
I read a small article a few days ago suggesting that the Southern Baptist Church is not as large as it claims to be. Have you ever wondered about that?
It is interesting that, on this Easter week, we would write to you regarding sin. What is it? How do you relate to it? The scripture says "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [of sin]". I thought the following might give you some interesting 'filler' for your sermon this weekend. Personally, I always defined sin as a "willful transgression of the known will of God". How do you define it? Happy Easter!
According to the following article, the church world is changing more rapidly than we might imagine. I think it will find a lot of us unprepared. What say ye? Do you support a house church movement - or do you think it is blown out of proportion? Let us know.
I am a "pastor to pastors." I have worn this title since November 1991, when I joined the staff of Focus on the Family. I had been a pastor for 31 years when, after conversation and prayer with Dr. and Mrs. James Dobson, I was given the privilege of making a career change.

