Now let’s talk about making public appeals from the pulpit. Every sermon should have an appeal. Otherwise, it’s just a lecture presenting information. In our sermons, we should unashamedly ask for decisions. If you are not, then why are you preaching?
Before we talk about the types of appeals from the pulpit, let’s discuss the language of the appeal.
1. Be specific. What decision are you asking the listener to make? To be baptized? To accept Christ? To have a forgiving heart? If the decision you are asking for is not clear people won’t respond because they won’t know what they are responding to.
2. Be positive, not negative. Mark Finley calls this the Mini-Max principle. Maximize the positive. Minimize the negative. In other words, don’t focus on the negative aspects of the decision—the challenges, the obstacles, the difficulties. Focus on the positive aspects-- the blessings that come from that decision, the benefits of following Jesus, the peace that comes from surrendering to Him.
For example, if I’m making an appeal for baptism, I don’t focus on what the person may have to give up, or the obstacles they may encounter, or how family members might think they’re crazy. These things may be a reality, but I don’t have to unnecessarily emphasize them in the people’s mind. I emphasize the joy and assurance which comes from making that decision.
3. Give clear directions. How are they supposed to respond? What action are you asking them to take? Are you asking them to come forward? If so, when? While you are talking? During the song? After the song? Are you asking them to raise their hands? If so, should they do it now while you’re talking? Or during the prayer? If you are using decision cards, explain exactly what you want them to do with the cards.
4. Repeat the appeal. When it comes to making appeals while you’re preaching, you will need to repeat it a few times. People need time to process the appeal and make a decision. Often, repeating the appeal clarifies it in the listener’s mind and strengthens the conviction they feel.
There are usually four main types of public appeals that can be used from the pulpit.
1. Raising the hand or standing. This is a very general appeal that most people respond to. It is a softer appeal that may not be as daunting as having to come forward. This is a good way to help an audience become comfortable with responding to appeals if they are not used to it. It is also a good appeal to start with for preachers who are not used to making appeals.
2. Silent prayer in the pew. This type of appeal is not used as often but can be very effective for sensitive topics where people don’t want to draw attention to themselves. It’s more of a private decision and requires very little visible action. You invite the congregation to simply bow their heads and talk to Jesus about what they heard in the sermon. Then there is 1-2 minutes of music in the background to create an atmosphere conducive to prayer. After the music ends, the speaker concludes with prayer. You may not know what decisions are being made, but God knows.
3. Altar calls. This is the strongest of all public appeals because it requires a major step of action: getting out of the seat and walking forward. One of the benefits of the altar call is that it encourages other people to respond when they witness someone else making a decision. As more people respond, you can literally sense the Holy Spirit moving. We should use the altar call much more often than we do—even on Sabbath mornings.
When I do an altar call, I usually make the appeal for a specific decision, and then repeat that appeal a couple times to make sure it was clear, and that people understand what I am asking for. After I make the appeal, I let the audience know
they can start coming forward when we begin singing the closing song. When the song starts, I step down to the floor. Then I simply wait for people to come forward as the song is being sung by the congregation. There are two reasons I do it this way. One, because people are already standing, and that’s half the battle. Now they just need to move out into the aisle and come forward. Two, because I don’t have to keep thinking of things to say. Everybody is singing. So, I sing along and watch the Spirit move.
When the song is over, I speak a few words of encouragement to those who came forward and have a prayer of blessing with them. I invite them to stay up front for a few minutes after the prayer so we can get their names and contact information, if they are guests. This is very important because you need to follow up on those names with a personal visit or at least a phone call in the next 2 days. The personal visit will solidify the decision.
4. Decision cards. Decision cards are not just for evangelistic meetings. They can be used in worship services too. Completing and handing in a card is a major step of action but offers a little more privacy. It gives people a chance to respond who don’t want to go up front or draw attention to themselves.
When you make the appeal, review the card with the audience and explain what each line means and what decision you are asking for. You might have soft music playing in the background. Then clearly explain how you want them to hand in the cards. Make it as easy as possible. Options include passing around a nice container or offering plate, passing the cards to the aisle where a deacon will collect them, or having a deacon collect the cards at the door as people leave. I prefer to have the deacons collect the cards and bring them to me so I can have a prayer of blessing over them to close the service. Be sure to follow up on these cards in the next couple days with a phone call or personal visit.
When we intentionally make appeals in person or in the pulpit, people will respond, and baptisms will increase. In every congregation, there is one whose heart is ripe to respond.
Whether we are making personal appeals in a Bible study or public appeals from the pulpit there is one essential thing the soul-winner must remember: to get decisions, you must ASK for them
.by David Klinedist