Re: [Worship] No Longer Needed

[Preechr <Preechr@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-13 11:22:14 EST, brockmc@ix.netcom.com writes:

<< There seems to be a movement to not embarrass anyone by giving
 them a chance  to come forward for prayer.  >>

don't take anything I say here too harshly; I mean it only for you to
consider, not take as harsh critism....I'm from a similar holiness background
as yourself......your complaint here has been common in 2 of the last 3
churches I've worked in.

It took me a long time to accept that our beloved "altar call" is
cultural.....Jesus never gave one......that still shocks me!

I accepted Christ and had a (non-holiness-type) "charismatic experience" while
sitting in my chair during general prayer in a Sunday School class.  This
experience so stunned me that I wouldn't talk about it for a year and a half. 

At the next church, I liked most of what I saw, but I hated the too-routine
"altar calls."  Both of these churches are radical soul-winning
churches......roughly 30-plus% of their new members are new converts that have
never been members of a church before.  They are meeting this culture where
they are, just as Jesus would have done.

Your pastor was wrong in not admitting that he had just called and probably
"chickened out" before getting the nerve to do it again, and he needs some
humility to come to grips with that, but he is probably right in his decision
on altar calls, although I think he should probably do them once in awhile if
the Spirit leads, and I think he should be open to that.  But, you and I need
to be more submitted to those in authority sometimes, too.  I love your heart,
and so does Jesus; just keep praying; be real, and things will work out.

Gary D.
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