"Heads bowed, eyes closed please, no one looking around, this is just between you and the Lord. Now raise your hand if you want to accept Jesus Christ into your life."
I've heard that one several times at camps and retreats, but what does that say about a new Christian's position in the new faith? Doesn't that practice encourage current believers to literally turn a blind eye to new converts? Doesn't it also suggest that the new believer should be very careful about how fully he or she lives into their new faith, after all we seem to suggest to them that it might be wise to only accept Jesus when no one is looking?
This thought hit me just the other day ... Is there a better way to do it? Am I missing something?
Shouldn't we push people to understand that accepting Jesus means that you are entering into his body, the church. If we value that, then shouldn't we rejoice together in full sight?
How about, "Heads up, eyes open, everyone is looking, this is between you, the God of the universe, and the church ..."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
well said. i have been to Mexico three times and all three times the speaker has done an altar call. and it's done the second way you described. it's a big party, to welcome new believers.
I wonder if we didn't start doing this so that it would be for the person who was wanting it and not because his or her friends were doing it.It is a big step and you hit the nail right on the head with this one. I really think it should be the second way too for it is a celebration.
Kerry,
I believe you are right. We did start doing it for the person that was wanting it, not so he/she would do it just because their friends were doing it. and the way i look at it, if the Angels in heaven are having a celebration, so should we. I mean Jesus is probaly doing the sock hop or something when it happens ... sorry if i offended anyone in my sockhop comment : )
I think it's good to be aware of the "group think" of friends,but that should be a threat to the conversion experience. Instead, we could have students turn to each other and say why they had their hand up. If they couldn't express why, then we could have them find a leader and talk it out. That way we're making an effort to help these newcomers as well as allowing the community to honor and be a part of the moment.
... and of course I'm terribly offended by the sock hop comment ... :)
should not be a threat ... is what I meant to say
Post a Comment