Worship and Community: Baptism
I’ve often been perplexed by the altar call.
You may recognize this as the common evangelical practice of calling people to the front of a meeting after a church service in order to make a decision for Christ. It originated in the nineteenth century under the revivalist, Charles Finney, who first described the practice as an “anxious seat” which denoted those souls which were urgent to make a public pronouncement of their faith in Christ.
Preach to him, and at the moment he thinks he is willing to do anything . . . bring him to the test; call on him to do one thing, to make one step that shall identify him with the people of God. . . . If you say to him, “there is the anxious seat, come out and avow your determination to be on the Lord’s side,” and if he is not willing to do a small thing as that, then he is not willing to do anything for Christ - Charles Finney (cite).
I have conducted altar calls in the past—I know it works. I’ve seen the wonderfully changed lives it has yielded. I’ve also seen the same people come forward over and over and over. But, that’s not what causes me to write this post.
I am perplexed by the similarities between the modern day altar call and the ancient practice of water baptism.
You see, a baptism is a public profession of faith that identifies in you the saving power of God to a community that loves you. How is an altar call any different? And if it isn’t any different, why should we entertain them both?
If we must decide between one (which we do not), I propose we put more emphasis on water baptism for two reasons,
- Baptism is the practice mandated to us in the Scriptures.
- Baptism immediately invites you into a community of believers
Correct me if I’m wrong, but it would seem that we may have replaced water baptism with the altar call, which brings good results, but not always great ones. But when a baptism happens, worship and community combine for the joy of the newly forged saint.
What is your experience with altar calls or water baptism? Do you have a different story? Similar story?
Posted on July 18, 2011, in Church, community, worship and tagged Baptism, Charles Grandison Finney, corporate worship, worship in community. Bookmark the permalink. 7 Comments.
It seems to me that there is a place for both. The altar call is not only a time for nonbelievers to profess faith, but for believers to rededicate and refocus their lives plus other decisions or actions that they need to do publicly. In regards to nonbelievers, it is a way to identify those who are seeking a deeper understanding of matters of the spirit and to be able to counsel them or to share further. However, if you do have to choose between the two, choose baptism.
I see the worth of the altar call. I just don’t see a difference between altar call and a baptism in the purpose they both serve. It would seem a baptism could do all that you described, no? (Other than rededicate). If an altar call allows non-believers to publicly profess faith, and seek a deeper understanding of that faith, then why follow up with baptism as the Bible commands? Seems a little repetitive. Thanks for the comment Wayne!
I’ve always viewed baptism in 2 ways. First as a public profession of faith in Jesus and secondly as a symbolic act on the part of the believer of the old self dying, buried, and being created new. I responded to an alter call years ago and at the time the pull of the Holy Spirit was so intense that I had to go “up front”. It was almost as if I didn’t even have a choice in the matter. I think that alter calls serve a valuable purpose in today’s church as a means of public profession, re dedication, and those just seeking prayer but I think that they should be directed by the Holy Spirit. I have given alter calls on numerous occasions when led by the Spirit to do so. All that said, there is just something intrinsically cool about baptism. Jesus did it, the apostles said on numerous occasions believe and be baptized. Baptism is biblical, alter calls not so much although they certainly are not harmful to the body of Christ in my opinion. And lets face it, baptisms, especially those outside at a lake, river or ocean are just a psychotically good time for all present.
Thanks for the comment Michael. I agree that an altar call “serves a valuable purpose in today’s church as a means of public profession.” But that’s what a baptism also serves. So why replace it with the altar call? Isn’t that what we would be doing since both acts done with the same person is a bit repetitious?
And I love “psychotically good time.” I’ll remember that!
I come from the other side of the track.
I have witnessed and seen many horrfic occurances of the ‘altar call’.
In Australia, and from what I have been told by many from the south (Albama, South Carolina) this so called evangelistic tool has lead thousands upon thousands to simply grasp to that time of making a “decison for Christ”, rather than on a life transformed. Infact, the vast majority of who are boasted about by the preacher as having been saved never live a life that displays any change…..
Often, in the places I mentioned above – the call is done through manipulation, then a wishy washy ‘sinners prayer’ accompanied by a card that is filled out, a meeting in the back room where they are told they are now saved. I see much danger in that – telling people on the spot they are saved because they went through the motions…..
I have personally witness D.A Carson do somewhat of an ‘altar-call’ style thing at the end of a conference and it intially tweak me out (being reactionarily against any form similar) and yet he did it well. No manipualtion, no decisonism involved…….
The altar call, as far as I can see, is a very dangerous way to lead people to Christ.
However, in saying all of that, I do believe that it could be done properly by somebody who is not ignorant to the damage it has caused when those manipulative abuses occur.
This brief article with Martin-Lloyd Jones exerpt should explain more: http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Evangelism/The-Altar-Call/
Blessings in Christ’s love,
Matthew Johnston
Revival and Revivalism by Ian Murray (Banner of Truth Trust) is a helpful book on this discussion, plus it’s a juicy historical account on the advancement of the Gospel through remarkable workings of the Spirit.
I personally floundered for many years thinking that I was a Christian because I had answered an altar call, when in fact I was absolutely not really born again. You see, my faith was not in the power of Jesus to save me, but in the act of walking down an aisle in answer to a call. I have a pretty good idea that I’m not the only person with this experience. The fact that people come forward multiple times is a testimony to the confusion that can be created through an altar call. I’ve always wondered, “Doesn’t Jesus have the power to save people right in their seats? Are people really any closer to meeting Jesus as they walk 50′ down an aisle?”. What ultimately “worked” for me was the preaching of the gospel, the regenerating power of the Spirit, and putting my hope alone in Jesus. This seems to be the pattern of Scripture too.
I have no axe to grind
, see I’m smiling! I know that many people have had a positive experience in answering an altar call. I think if we choose to use an altar call, then we need to explain the requirements of the gospel (repentance toward God/faith in our Lord Jesus Christ) very carefully, and follow up faithfully with those who respond to ensure their understanding of the gospel and integration into the body of Christ practically for discipleship. The recent Reality Easter service being a good example of this.
I’m hogging up space, so I won’t go off on the beauty of baptism. I do, however, hear the resounding “Amens!” from those who witnessed over 80 people baptized at Carpinteria State beach yesterday in a public proclamation of the power of Jesus Christ to save!
Love and respect!
Thanks for the comment Vince. Great perspective. I read recently that one reformed church doesn’t even count the number of salvations, but they count their baptisms, a testimony to what you are saying. God saves, we affirm!