"I See That Hand"

A couple of weeks ago I told you that I was going to be experimenting with several things in the service. Here's what I wrote about one of them:

I'll be asking people to respond in a different way. I've never done it the way I'm planning. I'll let you come and see or watch the podcast, and you can evaluate for yourself and let me know what you think.

If you were there or saw the podcast you noticed that I asked people to raise their hands on a couple of issues, when we had our heads bowed and eyes closed. One of the things I asked regarded making a first-time decision to receive Christ and follow him. It was very exciting to have five people indicate first-time decisions.

Normally we have people respond on the Communication Cards, so this was a big departure for me. I told one of our members what I planned to do and she cringed. I won't tell you her name, but here's a clue: I sleep with her.

I asked her why she was cringing. She said because she's been in too many services over the years where this was abused or went on and on forever, etc. I told her I promise not to do any of those things. She added, "And don't say, 'I see that hand.'" Picky, picky.

Warning: The experiment continues. And I'm pumped about it. For one thing, I think it's one more way of helping people take a step closer to the line or cross it or get assurance of crossing it. "But I thought you're asking them to become Christians?" you might say. Yes, I am. But I'm very clear about a couple of things. First, raising a hand and praying a prayer doesn't make you right with God. Repentance and faith in Christ is what God calls for and that happens before you ever pray the words. The words are more for you than for God. God looks at the heart. Second, some people don't know what they're doing when they do it, but by doing it, they are following a leading of God in their lives. They're taking a step and because of that step we send them information that can help them continue in their journey toward God. Third, I'm very clear about speaking about it as "indicating a first-time decision."

I know, some of you have been thinking we should have been doing it this way all along (and we should throw in some altar calls as well.) Others of you are nervous for some of the same reasons Lois was nervous (oops, I gave away who had cringed). It's an experiment, so let me know what you think.

One last thing: That same weekend the speaker at the women's retreat did a similar thing with great results. Coincidence?

Comments

[John Servatius]

Henry, I have no preference for how you do an invitation for someone to give their life to Christ. I do think it is cool to do it a number of different ways. I like variety in most things. But, what I like the most is that you consistently and regularly communicate the gospel so people have a chance to respond to it in any form.

[Troy Miller]

As one coming from somewhat of a "charismaniac" background, I can totally relate to Loi-- uh, the unamed member's sentiments. I can't tell you how long these things would go on sometimes, and how many times they would threaten to only wait another minute... only to repeat the threat two minutes later.

Worse (imho), however, was when the pastor would bait and switch them - he'd get them to raise their hands with all heads bowed, then make them come up in front when the prayer was done. Definitely made anyone who had seen that done before extremely wary of ever raising their hand, or even scratching their nose to visibly.

I do see value in the experiment, though. And in the end, it's all about the people who are coming to Christ and helping them do so.

[Betty Juntune]

I was at the women's retreat and the speaker was one of those rare people who delivered 'live' words filled with God's plea for your heart. Powerful effect.

I think the same is true of the video last Sunday. It was a gift to hear him share his passion. It's a magnate you can't ignore.

[Harold Ennulat]

I like the raising hands and coming forward kind of thing. We did this in a church I attended when I was single. It does help in renewing your heart for God. It also makes you more vulnerable with each other when others can come around you to pray for you and with you after an alter call.... The service would close with people coming forward "Doing business with God" as our pastor put it.

It seemed wierd to me only the first couple of times. When you see how it touches peoples lives and how it allows people to connect with each other, you realize just how awesome and significant an experience it is for those that come forward. Often half the attenders would be up in front of the church either praying for their needs or supporting someone else who came forward.