Have you ever emptied yourself out preaching the gospel and no one came forward to receive Christ? Of course you have, so have I.
The Solution is going to happen over night but it doesn't take years.
If you want to create a culture where people come forward at the end of the service to receive pray and pray for others here is what you should do.
If you want to create a culture where people come forward at the end of the service to receive pray and pray for others here is what you should do.
#1 Instruct Your Leaders to go to the Altar at the end of your message
Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. Each week we expect our leaders to come to the Altar and pray. I teach them to go right upfront so that others will see them. Why? The walk to the Altar for a sinner or saint can be scary. It's easier to follow someone to the Altar.
#2 Invite Your Church Members to Come Forward to Receive Prayer
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. - James 5:14-15
It sounds simple, and it is. At the end of your sermon, invite your church to come forward for prayer. An Altar Culture begins with the ask.
#3 Invite Your Congregation to Come Forward and Pray with Others
We have done this over the microphone at the invitation as others are on the Altar receiving prayer. We have done this when our Elders are laying hands on the sick. Sometimes someone will ask for prayer before the service. I encourage them to come forward at the time of invitation. Then I invite the church to come pray with them.
I can hear your objections already. Our people aren't comfortable praying out loud. Mine aren't either, but they are comfortable coming forward and praying as I pray aloud.
#4 Model Prayer in Your Congregation before, during, and after service.
I take people to the Altar before, during, and after service. I also encourage others to join us before, during, and after service. And it works.
If you are intentional with these four actions, you will have what we have, a culture of prayer on the Altar.
Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd. Each week we expect our leaders to come to the Altar and pray. I teach them to go right upfront so that others will see them. Why? The walk to the Altar for a sinner or saint can be scary. It's easier to follow someone to the Altar.
#2 Invite Your Church Members to Come Forward to Receive Prayer
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. - James 5:14-15
It sounds simple, and it is. At the end of your sermon, invite your church to come forward for prayer. An Altar Culture begins with the ask.
#3 Invite Your Congregation to Come Forward and Pray with Others
We have done this over the microphone at the invitation as others are on the Altar receiving prayer. We have done this when our Elders are laying hands on the sick. Sometimes someone will ask for prayer before the service. I encourage them to come forward at the time of invitation. Then I invite the church to come pray with them.
I can hear your objections already. Our people aren't comfortable praying out loud. Mine aren't either, but they are comfortable coming forward and praying as I pray aloud.
#4 Model Prayer in Your Congregation before, during, and after service.
I take people to the Altar before, during, and after service. I also encourage others to join us before, during, and after service. And it works.
If you are intentional with these four actions, you will have what we have, a culture of prayer on the Altar.
Send me an email. I would love to hear what you think.
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1 Comment
Hi Robbey Smith!
Loved reading your article. As one brother to another, I'd like to ask you to re-read and edit your typos.
I also recommend you read some writings from our Early Church Father's and study Church history.
Sincerely,
William
P.S. Start having communion more often. You and your congregation will love it.