Risky Business

It is risky business for preachers to give altar calls at the end of a sermon.  When I was growing up, it was not so uncommon.  It did not happen after every sermon, but no one was really surprised when it did happen.  There were some folks who wanted the preacher to give an altar call after every sermon.  Today if an altar call is given, it is like a blanket invitation.  It is sorta like "whosoever feels like it, come" instead of something specific such as "Come and give your life to Jesus."   

It is risky business for preachers.  Some lay people are going to complain and say that it is embarrassing.  In their mind everyone who comes to church is already a Christian so an invitation to follow Jesus is not necessary.  Of course, some people are going to feel uncomfortable with such a pointed invitation.  Too many folks today equate feeling good about yourself and living a decent life with being a Christian and to suggest such an understanding is amiss is simply offensive.  If the preacher does dare offer an invitation to come and follow Jesus, it is possible no one will respond which might be embarrassing for the preacher and one of the most important thing to do on Sunday morning is to make sure everyone leaves feeling good.   

It is risky business for preachers. God may have brought someone to worship on a particular Sunday with a heart eager for the gospel and ready to say "Yes" to Jesus, but no opportunity is given which surely must be a disappointment to God.  It never has seemed like a good idea to disappoint God, or to risk His anger, but too many preachers have walked that dangerous ground, nonetheless.  It is risky business for preachers to give altar calls.  Sometimes, however, it is riskier not to give an invitation because the fear of the preacher may be getting in the way of important Kingdom work between some soul and God.