First, to Greg..

You are well aware of my tendency for overstatement! I am afraid you have caught me at it again. I am as against manipulation as anyone.

Then to Keith, although I don’t usually give a traditional altar call I am not categorically against them. I think that is what I am trying to get across. I have occasionally given a more traditional style altar call. I think there is a place for them in some circumstances and am not entirely against them.

Some are manipulative – I am against that.

Others may overuse the invitation, but I am not too critical of them. While they may use it more than I would, I think that there is nothing inherently wrong with an altar call.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

To hear some of our ‘young fundie’ ‘neo-calvinists’, though, any invitation is anathema.

I’m not sure that’s a fair characterization, Don. I can think of no one who would be opposed to the idea of responding to the gospel as you have generally articulated it. What people are opposed to, in my experience, is the emotional, manipulative methodology that often is lumped in with such justification, as well as the quick pronunciation of genuine conversion after hasty decisions without taking time to observe its fruit.

I don’t think that many of us who are anti-“Invitation” would consider that an “Invitation” even though it is an invitation.

In other words, no neo-calvinist I know is opposed to inviting people to come to Christ in faith. They are only opposed to capital I “Invitation” meaning finneyesque “altar call”.

To hear some of our ‘young fundie’ ‘neo-calvinists’, though, any invitation is anathema.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

I really don’t know of anyone (other than hypercalvinists of the extremely rare, “We shouldn’t offer the gospel to all because its offer should be limited to the elect,” sort) who is opposed to the minister saying, “If you’d like more help understanding the gospel or how to ask God for His grace and mercy, please see me or one of the elders after the service.”

Yes, I agree, but I think some people are throwing out the baby, the bathwater, the bathtub, the lino, and the drywall in their anti-invitation zeal.

Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3

Of course ministers should proclaim the gospel and call all men everywhere to repent and believe.

The question is HOW should they do that.