Is an Altar Call Really Necessary?

I wanted to share something that happened last weekend. It wasn't bad, but a lesson well learned.

I was invited by a sweet friend to an outdoor women's event hosted by a local church where they had food trucks, coffee, and local venders set up for us to enjoy.

As I strolled along the path of vendor tents, I noticed that a small stage had been set up beside the beautiful cross that the church erected a few years back.

After some time passed, all ladies were invited to gather on the lawn in front of the stage. We sang some praise songs and the speaker was introduced. She opened with her testimony and transitioned into the message. Wrapping up, she presented the plan of salvation and an altar call.

Now I started thinking, "Come on lady, I'm sure everyone is saved here. I mean do you really have to do all that?"

She continued to present the gospel and said passionately, "I know there is someone who needs to hear this."

I stood strong in my irritation, still doubtful that this was necessary as my thoughts drifted to that cute little coffee truck behind me that would open again once the service concluded.

The speaker led us in prayer then said, "I'm going to be over here(at the foot of the cross)and if you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I'll be waiting to meet you there."

Now I don't know why I was having such a bad attitude, but at this point I kept my eyes on her. It was something about her demeanor as she looked out at us ladies with such expectancy that someone would come.

Two young teenagers came forward together. The speaker put her hands out to take theirs, but they passed her by and knelt to pray. She nodded their way and turned back towards the audience. A few more ladies came forward, but they too were coming to pray.

My eyes stayed fixed on the speaker and I started to feel sorry for her as she was still earnestly looking and probably praying for that "one."

Then, to my surprise, a middle aged lady stepped out alone and it was clear that she was headed right for the speaker. The speaker saw her and lunged forward with arms open wide and the lady came and gently took her hands. They bowed their heads and began to pray.

Oh wow! I thought to myself. I asked my friend, "Did you see that?"

It was like I just saw Jesus with his arms open wide, for the "one." All of this...the food trucks, the shopping, the organizing...all for the "one."

It then became apparent to me that this speaker had followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God had given her the words to say and she delivered them flawlessly and it pierced the heart of this lady.

(The Speaker and the "one")

As daughters of the Most High God, we are His hands and feet. I love the scripture found in Romans.

How beautiful 
are the feet of those 
who preach the good news.

Romans 10:15

Shame on me for making that night all about me. Wasn't this why the church had put on this ladies night? It was about so much more than the food and shopping. The souls of women were at stake and Christ was in this place.

So if you find yourself in a service, bored at the thought of another altar call, may this challenge each of us not to be so quick to be "put out" but instead to pray. May we let others who have a message from the Lord, speak it over us. May we learn that God is at work and cares so deeply that others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. May we remember that,

"There but for the grace of God, go I."

I learned a big lesson last Sunday night. I was reminded that it's not about me.

Crystal