I suppose the last 2 years have been truly been reflective, since based on fresh reviews of Scripture we have examined preaching style and focus, youth ministry, etc and come up with expository sermons, Jesus is Enough, refusing to shield people from the tough verses of Scripture, and Family Integration! LOL
I've also spent time looking at worship service evangelism and altar calls. The "fall away" rates and difficulty of follow up always frustrated me. And I had questions:
- What does coming forward have to do with salvation?
- How do we know it wasn't the persuasive abilities of the preacher that brought them forward?
- Can a sinful person "decide" to "accept" Christ?
- How can a dark and sinful heart do that if God alone calls them?
- Why do so many who "decided" show no fruit of salvation whatsoever?
Take some time and read the below articles. Since nearly all of us grew up on invitationalism/decisionism, the below counter views will stretch you as they are me as I study this issue.
http://www.frontlinemin.org/decisionism.asp
http://www.gracesermons.com/hisbygrace/invitation.html
http://www.biblicalstudies.com/bstudy/ecclesiology/altar.htm
http://www.founders.org/journal/fj22/article2.htm
http://home.flash.net/~thinkman/articles/invite.htm
I take a look back on my own “alter” call. It was nothing the pastor said that day that made me come. It was the Lord Himself who called me. He who has loved me unconditionally, through my sins, and willful disobedience is the voice I heard. I felt His love. I believe altar call has nothing to do with the pastor calling you forward. The transformation comes from within by God. I feel the reason we have so many “aisle walkers” is because when they are first called they are already straddling the fence between God and the world. Unfortunately, a lot of times the world wins. I am glad there is public confession of sin. It was a cleansing of my spirit before man and God. Therefore, the enemy knows there are no secrets he can throw at you to keep you in bondage. Our Pastor pulls no rabbits out of the hat, or waves a wand. It is straight Bible preaching, which I believe will bring true converts into the fold.
Rather than post this for the world to see, pls call me or come by ok? It will be ok….
Pastor