Altar Calls and Invitations Acts 16 31 Believe

Altar Calls and Invitations

Acts 16: 31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. ”

Acts 26: 29 Paul replied, “short time or long—I pray to God that not only you, but all who are listening to me today may become what I am…

The Altar Call In many evangelical traditions, the “altar call, ” is a primary method used to bring people of all ages to Jesus. The altar call can be an effective form of invitation with boys if the leader will follow some simple guidelines.

PURPOSE? • ENTER GOD’S PRESENCE • EXPERIENCE GOD’S POWER • ELLICIT A RESPONSE

Response Time Every service, class, or club should end with a time of response Salvation is one of many subjects dealt with in response time Employ “Action Points”

REMEMBER, IT’S ABOUT THE BOYS!

Let the little children come… Jesus admonishes us to“let, ” little children come to Him. He doesn’t say, drag, coerce, force, frighten, and push.

The altar call is a kind invitation to repent of sin and trust the Savior. It is a kind introduction to meet a good friend.

DON’T… • Confuse children with various themes • Talk about asking Jesus into your heart • Present God as a cruel judge • Use big words or spout abstract spiritual concepts

DON’T… • Tell frightening stories to gain a response • Push for response out your own need to succeed • Be afraid to explain the plan of salvation in simple, understandable language • Do anything that might offend a little one or cause him to sin

�DO… • Repeat theme throughout your service • Pray about the established theme • Relax, let God do the work • Pray for this part of the service

DO… • Speak with God’s authority • Speak in a soft loving manner • Use kid-friendly language and concepts • Be flexible with prayer options • Encourage those not praying to worship and be respectful

DO… • Keep it simple saint • Repeat instructions as needed • Compliment those not praying for showing respect to God and their praying friends • Be calm, friendly, loving…

Why an Invitation? Children are lost. Opens the door for the work of the Holy Spirit. How will they come if not invited?

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES • Use Scripture. • Pray that Holy Spirit will bring the increase. • Give the invitation after a clear salvation lesson/message has been presented. • Make the invitation clear.

YOU CAN… • Keep it brief. • Make it personal. • Be sensitive. • Force nothing.

WHERE IS THE ALTAR? • • Where two or more are gathered Reserved spot Stretches throughout the camp Anywhere a boy can pray

STEPS • • Briefly review the need for salvation Review how to be saved Use Scripture Encourage children to think about Jesus

STEPS • Encourage children to respond physically to show that something spiritual is happening. • Separate those responding from the rest of the children. • Pray with them in a group and then turn them over to individual altar workers.

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

WHEN PRAYING… • • • ASK THE BOY WHAT HE WANTS GOD TO DO PRAY ABOUT THAT FORCE NOTHING GOOD TOUCH ONLY KEEP IT SIMPLE/KEEP IT SHORT

NEVER SAY…. • • Ask Jesus into you heart Just let go Just hang on Sin is black

NEVER SAY… • • If you’ve done this before, do not come down Give your heart to Jesus Let the blood of Jesus wash you Pray now or you will go to hell

Final Thoughts Pray about this. The invitation or altar call is an important part of child evangelism. Never get pushy with children. Listen to the responsive child.

Final Thoughts Listen to God. Trust God and let him produce results.

CONTACTING DICK GRUBER dickgruber. com dagruber@valleyforge. edu