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Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/27/2010 10:56:03 PM
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lbarn003
Posts: 385
Joined: 6/26/2010
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Tell me what you think...
I recently attended a church that had all American soldiers stand up and be acknowledged. Everyone clapped as they stood (rightfully so), but at the end of the service, instead of doing an alter call, the pastor had everyone bow their heads while those who wanted to accept the Lord could raise their hand without being ashamed to do so, because no one would be looking at them.
I found it strange that a church would be so proud of its soldiers that it had its congregation stand up and cheer for them, yet be so passive, and almost dismissive, when it came to accepting Jesus as our Lord. When I asked why they do this, I was told, "Well some people don't feel comfortable with going forward."
But doesn't the Bible say that we are to declare Him to the World... We are not to be ashamed of Him... We are to confess with our mouths that he is Lord? If people are unwilling to do so, then perhaps they are not truly ready to accept Him. If there is anywhere we should NOT be ashamed to declare Him as Lord, it surly is church. If we have trouble declaring him Lord there, then how can we ever go out into the world to declare His name?
I know that this doesn't mean that you can't be Christian unless you go forward... I'm not saying that. But going forward in church was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life, and I don't think it would have been the same had I simply raised my hand while everyone looked the other way.
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 8:25:30 AM
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drmark
Posts: 5791
Joined: 7/10/2006
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A sinner also "cannot become a Christian" just by raising their hand! Romans 10:9 seems pretty clear to me. But I don't think that was the reason the Pastor led the invitation in that manner. Why not just accept the answer that you got and be thankful that this is a church that still welcomes unbelievers to attend, preaches the Gospel, and offers opportunities for them to encounter saving grace, while letting God do the work of salvation His way and not your way or my way or the highway!
_____________________________
Jeremiah 31:31-34. The time is NOW, fellow saints!
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 2:39:15 PM
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Judson50
Posts: 279
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quote:
ORIGINAL: lbarn003
Tell me what you think...
I recently attended a church that had all American soldiers stand up and be acknowledged. Everyone clapped as they stood (rightfully so), but at the end of the service, instead of doing an alter call, the pastor had everyone bow their heads while those who wanted to accept the Lord could raise their hand without being ashamed to do so, because no one would be looking at them.
I think you make a good point here. However, there is a difference between Theory and Practice. You stated the Theory. The Practice is, people today, probably won't do it.
_____________________________
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy Proverbs 27:6
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 3:07:50 PM
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lbarn003
Posts: 385
Joined: 6/26/2010
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quote:
ORIGINAL: drmark
A sinner also "cannot become a Christian" just by raising their hand! Romans 10:9 seems pretty clear to me. But I don't think that was the reason the Pastor led the invitation in that manner. Why not just accept the answer that you got and be thankful that this is a church that still welcomes unbelievers to attend, preaches the Gospel, and offers opportunities for them to encounter saving grace, while letting God do the work of salvation His way and not your way or my way or the highway!
It was a question, not a statement of judgement. I'm simply trying to understand the reason why. I have no expectations of it being "my way or the highway."
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 3:14:05 PM
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lbarn003
Posts: 385
Joined: 6/26/2010
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Judson50
I think you make a good point here. However, there is a difference between Theory and Practice. You stated the Theory. The Practice is, people today, probably won't do it.
How do we know unless we try? Are you saying that God can't move people's hearts to walk forward?
Personally, I know that He can and does. There are many churches that still have alter calls. I'm not saying that people need to walk forward to be saved... but why do some churches make it seem like accepting the Lord is something to be ashamed of? I'm just saying... That was the feeling that I got.
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 3:30:27 PM
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Eutychus
Posts: 9977
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dothan, AL
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quote:
ORIGINAL: lbarn003
quote:
ORIGINAL: Judson50
I think you make a good point here. However, there is a difference between Theory and Practice. You stated the Theory. The Practice is, people today, probably won't do it.
How do we know unless we try? Are you saying that God can't move people's hearts to walk forward?
Personally, I know that He can and does. There are many churches that still have alter calls. I'm not saying that people need to walk forward to be saved... but why do some churches make it seem like accepting the Lord is something to be ashamed of? I'm just saying... That was the feeling that I got.
Our church still has altar calls... sometimes. Other times, the preacher will ask people to raise hands while eyes are closed and, then after prayer, asks them to make their professions public.
That being said, before someone is saved, they aren't especially rational about spiritual things. They don't realize that coming down in front of a room full of Christians to profess Jesus as Lord and Savior is the easiest, least threatening place on earth to do so. They are still thinking in the flesh. So it can be less threatening for them to raise their hand and pray along with the pastor.
Where I would have a problem is if, after being saved, anyone would be unwilling with all eyes open to raise their hand, stand up, or walk forward to testify that they have been blood-bought, Holy Spirit indwelt, and are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. We that are His should be glad to demonstrate and vocalize our salvation by grace through faith in our marvelous Savior.
_____________________________
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:29
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 4:12:11 PM
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lbarn003
Posts: 385
Joined: 6/26/2010
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Eutychus
quote:
ORIGINAL: lbarn003
quote:
ORIGINAL: Judson50
I think you make a good point here. However, there is a difference between Theory and Practice. You stated the Theory. The Practice is, people today, probably won't do it.
How do we know unless we try? Are you saying that God can't move people's hearts to walk forward?
Personally, I know that He can and does. There are many churches that still have alter calls. I'm not saying that people need to walk forward to be saved... but why do some churches make it seem like accepting the Lord is something to be ashamed of? I'm just saying... That was the feeling that I got.
Our church still has altar calls... sometimes. Other times, the preacher will ask people to raise hands while eyes are closed and, then after prayer, asks them to make their professions public.
That being said, before someone is saved, they aren't especially rational about spiritual things. They don't realize that coming down in front of a room full of Christians to profess Jesus as Lord and Savior is the easiest, least threatening place on earth to do so. They are still thinking in the flesh. So it can be less threatening for them to raise their hand and pray along with the pastor.
Where I would have a problem is if, after being saved, anyone would be unwilling with all eyes open to raise their hand, stand up, or walk forward to testify that they have been blood-bought, Holy Spirit indwelt, and are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. We that are His should be glad to demonstrate and vocalize our salvation by grace through faith in our marvelous Savior.
I kind of see where you are coming from, but if you take a step back and look at the whole picture, it still kind of puzzles me.
Also, most people I know who accept the Lord have been pondering the notion of doing so for quite some time. I think that it is probably rare for someone who's never really given it much thought, or had God pressing on their heart, to go to church one day and all of a sudden decide to become Christian. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen, but I have rarely come across people who just all of a sudden make that leap of faith spontaneously.
Obviously many people do go forward in church... I probably wouldn't even have made a question about it if the pastor had told people that they can either raise their hand, or if they so choose, come forward if they felt led to. But there was no alter call at all. In fact, I was told that this church never does alter calls. Personally, I think that is sad.
I was 11 years old and all by myself in a baptist church when I decided to go forward at a Sunday morning service. The Lord put it upon my heart to do so and I didn't care who saw me. I was extremely shy as a child, and I don't think I ever would have done such a thing at that age unless the Lord led me to do it. I know not everyone has the same experiences with going forward as I have... All I'm saying is that churches should never keep those who want to share their joy with others from doing so... especially in church.
The fear of others should not outweigh the joy of the Lord on such a glorious day.... For if in heaven Angels are rejoicing, then so should we too here on Earth, for it's a beautiful Day! 
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 4:13:26 PM
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Elena1030
Posts: 3214
Joined: 6/21/2006
From: Music City, USA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Eutychus
That being said, before someone is saved, they aren't especially rational about spiritual things. They don't realize that coming down in front of a room full of Christians to profess Jesus as Lord and Savior is the easiest, least threatening place on earth to do so. They are still thinking in the flesh. So it can be less threatening for them to raise their hand and pray along with the pastor.
Yep!
I was one who grew up going to church... a large one. The thought of having to walk down the aisle and then stand in front of all those people and then have them come up to me... all those strangers? Yikes!!!
Used to think that for me, that was the big obstacle to accepting Christ. Little did I realize that it was that I had not truly understood -- deep down -- what the gospel was all about. (Growing up hearing John 3:16 and all the Bible stories doesn't make spiritual truths automatically click.  )
I think it partially helped that when I accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord, I was in a tiny, tiny church... walking down the aisle was no big dramatic thing in itself... By the time I was ready to have Jesus come into my life, I had already felt so at home among the small congregation in this really small building. And I came down the aisle with tears streaming down my face! I didn't care that I was going up "in front."
To me, the mode of communicating Hey, I just accepted Christ isn't the big deal. It's the acceptance of God's gift of salvation that is what's important. And celebrating that... can be done in any way, at any time.
If a speaker/preacher/pastor senses that a different mode of showing that one has made a decision for Christ is both appropriate and timely, then that's fine with me.
_____________________________
"I like to stride, not mince." -- Maggie
Prayer thread for singles who desire to marry someday
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/28/2010 11:34:13 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 573
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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quote:
I was one who grew up going to church... a large one. The thought of having to walk down the aisle and then stand in front of all those people and then have them come up to me... all those strangers? Yikes!!!
Our church has "altar calls" and a "time of invitation" after EVERY service. And, it's quite a large church....(sanctuary seats 7,000, and usually about 5,000 or so are actually in a church service)....
But, before church is "dismissed", all those who have come forward are sent out to a "counseling" room to meet with ministers about their "decision".....those who have accepted Christ, rededicate their life to Christ, along with those who would like to become members of the church.
After a little while, though....the church doesn't seem big at all....
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/30/2010 12:59:17 PM
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Dave4HIS_glory
Posts: 176
Joined: 7/29/2010
From: Houston, TX
Status: offline
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.
quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
quote:
I was one who grew up going to church... a large one. The thought of having to walk down the aisle and then stand in front of all those people and then have them come up to me... all those strangers? Yikes!!!
Our church has "altar calls" and a "time of invitation" after EVERY service. And, it's quite a large church....(sanctuary seats 7,000, and usually about 5,000 or so are actually in a church service)....
But, before church is "dismissed", all those who have come forward are sent out to a "counseling" room to meet with ministers about their "decision".....those who have accepted Christ, rededicate their life to Christ, along with those who would like to become members of the church.
After a little while, though....the church doesn't seem big at all....
I love seeing that time of counceling in churches after a alter call. It's the beginning of discipleship.
What bothers me are ministers on tv saying, "repeat this pray after me. Jesus come in my heart. Now your saved.
The gospel must be preached, then a person respond to the Spirit drawing to repentance. Then that person professes their belief in what they have heard. Asking Jesus be their savior and lord.
< Message edited by Dave4HIS_glory -- 7/30/2010 4:28:29 PM >
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RE: Going forward in Church vs. raising hands - 7/31/2010 10:27:20 AM
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truthrevealed
Posts: 759
Joined: 12/6/2007
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I can understand clearly why someone might be embarrassed to come forward. We all have different personalities. People may be inwardly ashamed at their sin and guilt can make one feel as if there will be judgement and a huge spotlight on them(may be wrong but people may feel this way). People who do not have the indwelling of God's Spirit don't have the conviction of not being ashamed of the gospel, it's a glorious thing that they accept the offer whether people are looking or not---God sees, what else matters?
There are christians who may be uncomfortable with sharing the gospel, certain aspects of worship in public etc. I don't think it means they are ashamed of Christ. We grow in degrees and we're not all the same.........and this from a person who's not ashamed.......but I'm still growing.......
I say, what a marvelous example of God's grace when He takes a person who may be fearful and turns them into a bold soldier for His glory---in His time, His way 
_____________________________
What a mighty God we serve!
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