In Preaching Articles: "Altar Call"

The Reverse Altar Call

By Greg Stier on Aug 2, 2023

Sometimes the words “altar call” trigger images of sawdust trails and endless verses of “Just as I am” with preachers prodding, pushing and persuading sinners to come forward down the aisle in front of God and everyone.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2

Tags: Evangelism, strategy, Evangelism How To, Evangelism The Lost, evangelism  (view more)  (view less)

10 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Thabiti Anyabwile on Mar 13, 2020

Thabiti Anyabwile offers a compelling argument against the use of altar calls. We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions.

Scripture: Numbers 1:1

Tags: Evangelism, Preaching, altar, Evangelism How To

4 Reasons Not To Give An Altar Call

By Dr. Larry Moyer on Aug 12, 2024

There is a place for a properly given altar call, but we must maintain a correct understanding of how, when, and where to use one.

Tags: Preaching, altar, Invitation, preaching

Why We Need To Seriously Reconsider The Idea Behind The Altar Call

By Jeff K. Clarke on Sep 15, 2025

We are so desperate to have people make a decision that we rarely, if ever, tell them about the costs associated with making that decision.

Tags: preaching, Discipleship, Preaching, converts, altar call, costs  (view more)  (view less)

Should Your Next Altar Call Be Focused On Private Prayer Or Public Confession?

By Jeff K. Clarke on Nov 11, 2019

If we tell people that all they need to do to become a follower of Christ is to bow their heads, close their eyes and repeat a 30-second prayer, what are we saying about Jesus?

Tags: private prayer, altar call, public confession, Preaching

You've Given The Altar Call: Now Watch Out For 7 Mistakes Afterward

By David R. Smith on Oct 15, 2019

"There's nothing more frustrating to me than seeing someone fall between the cracks at such a pivotal moment because of missed opportunities and careless mistakes."

Tags: Gospel, Preaching, altar, Invitation, unbeliever  (view more)  (view less)

Expositional Preaching: Our Calling

By Mark Dever on Apr 27, 2023

Six pastors define and discuss their passionate calling to expositional preaching.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-10, Genesis 1:1-3

Tags: Preaching, preaching

Is There Anything Wrong With Calling God "She”?

By Aaron Armstrong on Jan 7, 2022

"It's just a pronoun, so what's the big deal?" Well, what does the scripture say?

Tags: Attributes, Masculine, feminine, preaching, Preaching  (view more)  (view less)

20 Quotes To Reignite Your Calling To Preach

By SermonCentral .com on Feb 20, 2020

Invest ten minutes and come away with new energy, new passion, and new perspective for your calling.

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The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 1

By Lance Witt on Sep 25, 2023

One of the spiritual questions every ministry leader must answer is, “Am I willing to serve in obscurity?”

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Tags: Faith, obscurity, Cost of Discipleship, success in ministry

The Call No One Wants To Get - Part 2

By Lance Witt on Sep 26, 2023

Looking back, I see that obscurity allowed God to redirect my sense of identity and significance.

Tags: obscurity, Relationship to God, intimacy with Christ, Hidden work of God

The Parable Of The Pharisee And Tax Collector: A Call To Humility

By Josh Read on Oct 27, 2025

In the heart of Luke’s Gospel, we find the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). It showcases a stark contrast between two men who approach God, revealing deeper truths about humility, self-righteousness, and access to God's mercy. As pastors seeking to communicate God’s word effectively to our congregations, it’s essential to explore these themes and draw practical applications that encourage genuine humility in our walk with Christ.

Scripture: Luke 18:12-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, James 1:17, Romans 3:23

Tags: Parable, Humility

Wayne Cordeiro: When You Want To Call It Quits

By Wayne Cordeiro on Mar 8, 2025

Wayne Cordeiro offers tips for discerning when it's time to quit and when quitting is not God's best for you or your ministry.

Scripture: Luke 5:10-15, Luke 5:10, John 20:1

Tags: Preaching, quit, retire, preaching

How Leading Worship Shaped My Calling To Preach

By Brandon Hilgemann on Dec 4, 2019

While leading worship I learned to cast aside a crutch, one that many preachers should discard, as well.

Tags: Worship, Preaching, teach

The Power Of Simplicity… Part 1

By Lance Witt on Aug 28, 2023

I really do believe that many of the people you pastor are looking for simplicity.

Tags: focus, Simplicity, simplify, calling