This past Sunday, we had baptisms. A celebration of people who have made a commitment to follow God. One thing we weigh over often is making a call for commitment during Sunday morning. We want to respect that people have questions and that a decision to follow God is more of a process than a one time prayer. We don't want to force, guilt, manipulate people into a decision. We had seen many people make decision but since we don't have a go to language the communication of that decision isn't always clear. So should we do things different? Should we have more opportunities for responses? I know other people struggle with this as well:
Here's a post from Mark Batterson:
I think we've had more decisions for Christ in the last two weeks than any two week period at NCC ever. One of the things God has been speaking to my spirit is the importance of calling people to decision. Our destiny is determined by our decisions.
Long story short, we need to creatively and consistently call people to decision. So here's what I'm wondering: how do you facilitate people crossing the line of faith? Do you do it the same way each week? What language do you use? Any creative ideas that worked really well? I believe that baptism is the way we go public with our faith. So what role do altar calls, sinner's prayers, or raised hands play?
Long story short, we need to creatively and consistently call people to decision. So here's what I'm wondering: how do you facilitate people crossing the line of faith? Do you do it the same way each week? What language do you use? Any creative ideas that worked really well? I believe that baptism is the way we go public with our faith. So what role do altar calls, sinner's prayers, or raised hands play?
Comments on Mark's Blog:
So what do you think? Please respond.
I don't think altar calls are a bad thing. I didn't grow up in a church where they were done, but I have respect for the churches that call people to make a decision and take a stand for the Lord. I don't think the fact there are altar calls force people or guilt people into making decisions. They're just an open invitation to come at that time. That's like saying that any time Jesus calls us to Him we are being forced into it. Churches need to start acting with more urgency, but in a gentle way, if they truly care about bringing people into relationship with Christ.
Posted by: Andrea Ross | April 23, 2009 at 12:42 PM