On Sunday, October 8, 1871, as Moody came to the end of his sermon for the evening, he said to those attending to go home and think about their need for Christ . Typically Moody would have given an invitation for decision, but didn’t this evening and told them he would see them next week. As they exited the service in downtown Chicago the fire sirens went off, but no one gave it much attention because of the frequent false alarms. This night was different! A cow kicked a lantern and most of Chicago burned. 270 people were killed. Moody later said that was one of biggest regrets in life, not having given an invitation that night! In the years that followed, Moody always gave an invitation after every service!
I took this picture of the Watertower, one of the only buildings standing after the fire, while in Chicago. It’s a reminder to be sensitive to “the invitation” as I lead God’s Church. From Noah’s Ark to The Great White Throne Judgement, invitations are found all through Scripture. Let me share some keys to drawing the net at the end of a service:
1) Be specific…do not let an invitation be random and a all encompassing moment.
2) It’s a net…the invitation is the net or hook to draw others to decision.
3) Clear any clutter…make certain the “altar” area is open and roomy.
4) Practice your invitation…so many pastors have everything in their notes except the close.
5) Pray…God changes lives, not the invitation or clever ideology.
6) Prepare Leaders…prepare your leaders in taking excellent information for future contact.
7) Draw the net from the stage or pulpit…just something that I believe works well.
This picture reminds me of the importance of the invitation and the shepherds responsibility to lead sheep to Living Water!!
Do you think an invitation is necessary? Do you think you should have an invitation weekly? Let me know about your invitation experience when you excepted Jesus Christ!
Todd Moss says,
The church I attend has a very informal invitation. Lives are being changed every weekend…could there be more with an “alter call”? I might share this article with some folks.
Thanks O’Dell
on 23 July 2009 / 10:34 AM
Vinnie Tumia says,
Thanks for the challenge… Something we may know but prepare, or not leave time for. Critical opportunity for application. Thanks again.
on 23 July 2009 / 12:02 PM
Ryan Haynie says,
Hard to say. On one hand, doing one every week can lead to people taking it for granted, but as Moody found out, you never know who will make a decision that day.
on 24 July 2009 / 2:47 PM
Scott says,
I struggle with this concept. I grew up in a church where this was very important. I was saved at an Altar, and I have seen wonderful things happen in times of decisions at an Altar. However, I have seen abuse as well.
I think we just have to be sensitive to the Spirit as to how to bring people to decision. The altar should never be an obstacle to decision.
on 26 July 2009 / 4:36 PM
Joyce says,
What happens if a person comes and the Pastor tells him to pray this prayer. Just saying the prayer does not mean your saved, really meaning it from the depths of your heart is when it is really meant. Satan himself can pray but meaning it is all the difference. Don’t pray a Token Prayer.
on 27 July 2009 / 5:16 PM
Pastor Rick Montgmery says,
Shannon thanks so much for all you do. My wife and I enjoy reading your comments on here and It helps us focus on what is important at our Church.
I will begin today to pray for you daily for I know that each pastor has a great burden for the lost and works under stress from every angle. God has richly blessed you with leadership ability and He will continue to bless in every effort you put forth for his cause. Pray for us also as we try to do what God has called us to do. Rick
on 28 July 2009 / 8:54 AM
Derek Simpkins says,
I think there is a large portion of people – whether it be in church on Sunday, or at work Monday through Friday – that sit idle, waiting for an invitation. So many are affraid to take a stand or go against the grain, that they wait for someone else to suggest or invite. While I see it as a personal challenge and opportunity to be “different,” it makes me sad that so many people are taking the back seat and fear doing something bold. I would like to believe that, especially in churches, people are chomping at the bit to either make their first decision for Christ, or decide to advance in their walk with him… but that’s not always the case, unfortunately. I believe, too, that, like Todd mentioned, invitations could become too casual or informal. I would say, based on this past weekend, that you’ve already thought about this possibility. Maybe every weekend shouldn’t be an altar-call for salvation – perhaps they should sometimes be for those who have already accepted the (God’s) invitation, and are being called to be renewed or refreshed – get their “refill” of the Spirit. I find comfort in knowing that God will always provide the invitation, the opportunity, and the direction.
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