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Originally Posted by Soli Deo Gloria  I am currently pastoring my first church, a Southern Baptist Church, in which the alter call has always been present. I have been at this church for a little over a year now and have not sought to rock the boat with regards to the alter call. I am well aware of how the alter call is viewed by many Southern Baptists.
However, in my studies, I am more and more convinced that the alter call is unnecessary and can even cause problems. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how I could seek to lead my congregation away from this practice? |
What I find odd about the practice is when it is done week after week wit basically the same people coming. Worship is predominately for believers, therefore to continuously 'invite' them to make another decision is nowhere found in the writ.
I visited a church while on vacation once, the pastor did not have a formal altar call, but instead voiced an invite that said "If there are any among us who have not been convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit and brought to repentance, I urge you to try Christ, for all who come to Him will not be cast out" (something along those lines)