Chapter 14 of Preaching and Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is entitled "Calling for Decisions." Specifically, he is referring to the modern practice of alter calls. A couple questions for discussion:
Does your church issue an 'alter call' each and every Sunday?
If so, why?
If not, why?
Is there any Biblical warrant for alter calls?
Let me try to summarize Lloyd-Jones' 10 arguments against having alter calls:
1. It is wrong to put direct pressure on the will. He argues that the will should be influenced only by the mind, intellect, and affections of the person. In other words, we want people to obey "from the heart" and not through some sort of pressure to just "do something."
2. Too much pressure on the will produces a "condition" which causes the response. People should respond to God's working and the truth, not any other "condition."
3. The preaching of the Word and the call for decision should not be separated in our thinking.
4. Alter calls carry an implication that sinners have an inherent power of decision and of self-conversion.
5. There is an implication that the evangelist somehow is in a position to manipulate the results. Lloyd-Jones is particularly talking about those who have to have a certain number of decisions for the preaching to be successful.
6. This method tends to produce a superficial conviction of sin.
7. Alter calls encourage people to think that their act of going forward somehow saves them. In alter calls, going forward is always connected to becoming a Christian.
8. This practice is based on a distrust of the Holy Spirit and His work.
9. This practice calls into question the doctrine of regeneration.
10. A sinner never really "decides" for Christ. Lloyd-Jones goes on to bash the word 'decide.'
8 comments:
We do not have alter calls at our church. We have people who are waiting around after church to talk to anyone who needs counsel, prayer, or would like to talk to someone about the gospel- but no alter call.
I went to a youth rally (disciple now) a few years ago and the speaker did an alter call. It was really ridiculous. He started shouting out random names of people and he even said " ladies, you go to the bathroom together, you can come to Christ together!" I was so sad. It was such a mockery of the gospel and all about emotions. So I just prayed the whole time. Sunday morning is for the equipping of the Saints, if you preach the word, the gospel will flow naturally out of it! (for anyone there who is not saved) I think thats why we don't, but I haven't asked.
I don’t see any point to an alter call. Its almost like you are putting pressure on people....or giving them false assurance. But I don’t know the biblical reasoning behind it all....but I do know that I also walked down many isles before the Lord saved me.
Seems like its works based....walk the isle, pray a prayer....I agree with what he said too about not trusting the Holy Spirit to work....puts all of the power in the right words.
Also growing up in the church that I did, sometimes we would have to stand and sing the song 4 times bc the pastor just "knew" there was someone who needed to walk forward and we were gonna keep singing till they came down! I just don't think that is the way the Lord works. I don't see any alter calls in the bible. Just "repent and believe" I dont recall Peter or Paul singing until someone came down the isle.....I am interested to see what everyone else says!!!
My Pastor very rarely does an alter call, though sometimes he invites people to the back of the auditorium to visit. When I preach- I do similar things. Frequently I ask people to consider the Word preached and what God would call them to as they are in their seats. Sometimes I invite students to the back of an auditorium to speak with adults as I frequently am talking to youth. If I am uncer the authority of a group who specifically ask for a "traditional invitation" I will give one, though it will not be an emotionally manipulative sort of call. I seek to be led by the Spirit in this. I can appreciate arguments against them, and some arguments for them. I do not know the secondary cause, or menas by which we know, "3,000 were added to their number that day." I know God calls and draws as He wills. Praise Him for this, if salvation were up to salesmen, all would be hopeless.
You don't have biblical preaching if you aren't calling people to respond to the gospel--but I personally hated doing "alter calls" as a pastor. By clinging to something we can "see," people equate saving faith not with a new heart with new desires and a changed lifestyle--but a one time decision. I can imagine the thought process. "Okay, God, if I finally give in and go down front this morning, I will be saved and okay." This SOUNDS right from a distance--but what makes this thought process an indication of saving faith? Where is joy in Christ? Where is conviction of sin? All we have is an indication of a desire not to go to hell--a desire every person and every demon has. I fear that much (certainly not all) of what happens in alter calls is man trusting in his works for salvation.
Good word
Justin,
No altar calls during our services. But, we do have a "postlude" where people can seek God in prayer following the preaching of God's Word. This happens for a minute or two at the end of the service. Then, we engage each other in conversation after the services (hopefully around what was just preached) and pastors are available to counsel.
I think they can be unhelpful and misleading, but people can be saved through them. I just think we need to be careful of when and if we used them. When do you all think might be a good time to issue such a call, or is there ever such a time? Is there ever a time for legitimate physical response?
Great discussion. It is hard for me to realize that 100 years ago there was not even such a thing as "alter calls." How does something root itself this strong in the life of the church in such a short time.
To be honest: In many churches today, the thought of not issuing an alter call would split the church. People feel strongly about this.
Mark, yes there is a time for legitimate physical response: It is called baptism.
Just kidding. I know you know that. But, I think we can call people to come pray at an alter or to come talk to a counselor. I just think the one thing we must not do is connect saving faith with some "action."
This is precicely the problem with alter calls to me. Inevitably, an alter call must connect salvation with coming forward unless you are willing to give a five to ten min talk on the subject to clarify.
Great thoughts. I agree with the "baptism" remark. In our Church, when we have baptism services, this is when people make a "public profession of faith."
As to the question of a legitimate physical response, I think that is answered in the fact that people are saved through them.
I love the idea of having folks sit, think and discuss.
Frequently I talk about God's heart for the nations. I sometimes have missions reps or applications on hand and invite students to get them, or to look at an organization to support, or to go to friends right then and discuss a region, people group, or missionary to pray for, etc.
I think the idea that is running wild that these calls are a must in every service is pathetic and makes God look small- He can draw anybody, anytime, anywhere.
I agree with everyone above. We are having Alter Calls with loud emotional pleas from the Pastor nearly every week involving consecration to repent from this or that sin or to get closer to God. The ideas are great, the emotional arm-bending... not so good. Am to the point of running out the back door for my life. The guy means well but every week we hear the "repent from sexual sin talk" or wives should take better care of the husbands sexually. He presents the whole gospel but it is the same intense dance from the pulpit every week. Is it just me? I just want to follow the Lord without the constant guilt barrage. Jesus changes my heart, not arm-twisting loud emotional alter calls. Need some help here.
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