9 Dangers of the Altar Call

Some have quit calling people to walk the aisle and make a public decision for Christ because they think their theology implies that inviting people to respond to Christ is unnecessary.  Others have quit calling people to come down front because they think everyone within earshot is already saved.

Still, there are many churches out there that sing the last stanza of Have Thine Own Way just one more time as they wait for the convicted sinner to step out of the pew and into a new relationship with Christ.  But even though it is still somewhat popular, we think that the invitation system has done more harm than good among many evangelical churches.

1. The altar call too easily confuses the physical act of “coming forward” (walking an aisle) with the spiritual act of “coming to Christ” (repentance and belief). People are urged to come forward as if that coming forward is the critical element in being converted.  But what’s required for salvation isn’t walking an aisle.  It’s repentance from sin and belief in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15).  Initial repentance and belief – conversion – can happen anywhere, in the pew or in the pub. Keep Reading...