Ben_White Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Do Seventh Day Adventist church meetings have an Altar call at the end of each meeting where people are able to go forward and either commit their lives to Christ or to recieve prayer for personal issues that they are going through? Quote
Members phkrause Posted January 1, 2009 Members Posted January 1, 2009 The church I attend has something similar to dgrimms. They sing a song and whoever would like to recommit themselves to God comes forward and than someone prays for all, and also for the prays lists. pk Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Woody Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 If you would like to respond to an alter call .... just tell your pastor and request that one be given. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Ben_White Posted January 1, 2009 Author Posted January 1, 2009 Ben, I'm just curious why you ask.... I am glad you asked! Some time ago in Canada there was a meeting between representatives of the Salvation Army and the Seventh Day Adventist Churches, the purpose of the meeting was to have a look at what it is that the two churches have in common theologically and in practice. I will try and find the article and post it up as its quite an interesting read! Anyway one of the things that was mentioned was that both churches are are opposed to Calvinism and are openley Arminian in theology believing that Salvation is available for all and not just the "elect". What was also mentioned is that both churches claimed a liniage to John and Charles Wesley and Methodism. Hence I wondered how Wesleys Arminianess is outworked in SDA Churches and a weekly altar call tends be one of the signs of that being the case! Quote
Woody Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 I doubt that most SDA churches have a weekly alter call. At least most of the ones that I've attended don't. Culture though may have an influence. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
fccool Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 I did not encounter the altar call to the extend I've encountered it in other denominations... but I think it varies with local churches. Frankly, I'm glad that it is not the case with our local church because altar calls much of the time rely on the emotional state of a person (with music playing behind... and preacher unknowingly utilizing hypnotic techniques)... I.E. "Come now, Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart". I think in the end it gives people false expectations, and many become discouraged... or base faith on emotions rather than rational belief and underlying explanation for such belief. That's why I think many of our churches avoid such tactics and make sure that people thoroughly understand what they are getting into before making a commitment. Quote
Woody Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted January 1, 2009 Moderators Posted January 1, 2009 It really depends on the pastor. I've known some SDA pastors who never gave a sermon without making an alter call. There are also many SDA churches which regularly give people an opportunity to receive prayer for all kinds of personal issues. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted January 1, 2009 Members Posted January 1, 2009 altar calls much of the time rely on the emotional state of a person (with music playing behind... and preacher unknowingly utilizing hypnotic techniques)... I.E. "Come now, Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart". I think in the end it gives people false expectations, and many become discouraged... or base faith on emotions rather than rational belief and underlying explanation for such belief. I haven't seen altar calls done much in churches, but I surely have seen them used at campmeetings....done exactly as described above. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Moderators John317 Posted January 1, 2009 Moderators Posted January 1, 2009 I live in a area where there are about 20 different SDA churches within close proximity, and there's definitely a variety of ways in which these things are handled. The so-called celebration churches are more apt to regularly ask everyone to come forward for prayer who wants to, and in that case, about half the members gather around the alter. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
fccool Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 Our church gives regular prayer alter calls for people who would like to pray up front with the elders... but I don't think these are the calls that are being discussed. Correct me if I'm wrong, I understood the question to be "Come now and Accept Jesus up front" type of call. Quote
Dottie Posted January 1, 2009 Posted January 1, 2009 I like altar call if they are given so that those who are sincere can come forward. I feel very rebellious if the preacher goes on and on until every person in the congregation feels coerced into going forward. Our church has a time right before the main prayer where people are able to take "prayer cards" up and give to the one who is praying. They then return to their places and prayer is offered, naming those persons who need special prayer (I think those have been decided beforehand). Quote
Moderators John317 Posted January 1, 2009 Moderators Posted January 1, 2009 Both types of prayer are being discussed, the ones where people may come forward to accept Christ and the kind where people come for special prayer for things they're going through. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
guibox Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 I did not encounter the altar call to the extend I've encountered it in other denominations... but I think it varies with local churches. Frankly, I'm glad that it is not the case with our local church because altar calls much of the time rely on the emotional state of a person (with music playing behind... and preacher unknowingly utilizing hypnotic techniques)... I.E. "Come now, Jesus is waiting at the door of your heart". I think in the end it gives people false expectations, and many become discouraged... or base faith on emotions rather than rational belief and underlying explanation for such belief. That's why I think many of our churches avoid such tactics and make sure that people thoroughly understand what they are getting into before making a commitment. I agree. I think altar calls are used by many preachers as a 'good wrap' up to an already great sermon. It is used as a tool in the evangelism arsenal more than a heartfelt response. I've been to meetings where there really wasn't any reason to hold an altar call but it was given. It's expected sometimes and comes across as phony. Never mind that it influences people to 'go along with the crowd'. Sincerity is put on he backburner. I'm not against altar calls but I question the methodology sometimes and the usefulness of it. I think a simple call for people to commit to God in their hearts is sufficient to get the job done, don't you? Is a publically, emotion influenced, off the cuff, spectacle really necessary in a commitment to God? Quote www.corbel.theacaistory.com
Moderators lazarus Posted January 2, 2009 Moderators Posted January 2, 2009 I use altar calls in my church on a regular basis. I do it because it gives individuals a chance to respond to the message by taking some action, i.e. stand up, walk up or fill in a card. They can be emotional, exiting, "messy" lengthy but I believe its clearly part of the work of the church to publicly call people to receive Jesus. Obviously, some pastors/ evangelists misuse and abuse this tool. Last week I had a guest speaker in to preach, he made a call and several of our children came forward. Many churches don't have them because it somehow seems unsophisticated but some of those churches are so sophisticated that no one gets baptized either!!! Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein
Taylor Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 Amen Laz! But children who make a decision for Jesus even if they aren't old enough to be baptized, that decision isn't easily forgotten and they can act on it later. I do applaud you that you do an altar cals at your church. People do need the chance to make a decision for Jesus as often as possible. Quote
cricket Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 I, personally, have never felt that the altar calls were answered in sincerity. Perhaps that's just the cynic in me, but witnessing those who have responded over the years, I have witnessed very little sincerity. It's almost always been a "show" as the "change of heart" is not demonstrated in a change of life. Or maybe it's not the cynic in me, but rather the intimate me that sees this as such. I really do feel that a person's relationship with God is a private matter--not something to be exhibited in a church settting. Quote
Liz Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 I think it depends on the pastor. Some pastors we have had did an alter call at the end of each sermon, some never did one at all. One pastor "always" did one and would not end the service until every single person had stood up and gone to the front. This was ridiculous to me, 'cause we weren't "answering the call for Jesus" we were simply trying to get the pastor to finish. I have mixed feelings on them. I think that the pastor needs to be in tune with his flock before he has one, and then a definate follow up needs to be done for those that answer the call. Hey, Cricket, I really like your picture under your name. Quote For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Mat. 16:26Please, support the JDRF and help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Please, support the March of Dimes.
Moderators John317 Posted January 2, 2009 Moderators Posted January 2, 2009 Our commitment to Christ is not just a private matter but it has to do with the whole community where we live. I think it's significant that in the New Testament people were called to make a public testimony to their faith in Christ. It seems that God wants people not only to believe in their heart, but to show and tell the world that they believe. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted January 2, 2009 Members Posted January 2, 2009 Our commitment to Christ is not just a private matter but it has to do with the whole community where we live. I think it's significant that in the New Testament people were called to make a public testimony to their faith in Christ. It seems that God wants people not only to believe in their heart, but to show and tell the world that they believe. but this Quote: One pastor "always" did one and would not end the service until every single person had stood up and gone to the front. seems so WRONG!!! Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Moderators John317 Posted January 2, 2009 Moderators Posted January 2, 2009 but this Quote: One pastor "always" did one and would not end the service until every single person had stood up and gone to the front. seems so WRONG!!! Yes, I agree. That's clearly abusing it, it seems to me. I wonder if any of his fellow pastors ever tried to show him the error of his ways. Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted January 2, 2009 Members Posted January 2, 2009 I wonder how the subject of altar calls is taught in seminary? Or if it is even addressed at all? Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
Woody Posted January 2, 2009 Posted January 2, 2009 I will ask .... Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Moderators John317 Posted January 2, 2009 Moderators Posted January 2, 2009 I wonder how the subject of altar calls is taught in seminary? Or if it is even addressed at all? Not sure about the seminary. But nothing in particular is taught about the alter call to undergraduates at SDA colleges and universities. It's a topic that may be discussed informally and you will see how various evangelists and pastors use the alter call, but that's about the extent of it. Here's a good article about the alter call, its history, and why some are beginning to question its use: http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/SC03-1050.htm Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
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