I’ve been a pastor for over thirty years, and I’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. One of the trends I wish would go is the habit of some people to leave during the altar call.

Yes, our church still has an altar call after the sermon. Your church may choose to give people the opportunity respond in a different way, and that is OK. I believe in providing an opportunity to respond while the voice of God is still fresh in the hearer’s heart.

To me, the altar call is the most important time of the service. Sadly, in many churches, not all attenders view it as important. For as long as I can remember, I have seen people leave during this most important time.

Why We Should Not Leave During the Altar Call?

1. It’s presumptive.

The altar call is a time to reflect on what God would have us do and respond accordingly. When we leave as the altar call begins, we presume that our heart is perfect, and we need not respond. That is a dangerous attitude.

God has a message for everyone in attendance during each sermon. We miss God’s best when we rush away after the message without contemplating our response.

2. It’s distracting.

I have lost count of the number of times I have witnessed the distraction caused by people leaving. In some cases, people who are contemplating their response have to move to let someone out. In other cases, their eye catches those leaving, and they loose attention they gave to the Holy Spirit.

When we leave during the altar call, we may distract someone from a potentially eternally changing moment.

3. It’s rude.

I understand that sometimes emergencies occur and people have to leave, but most early exits are avoidable.   When we leave during the invitation we declare that our schedule and agenda is more important than God’s agenda. We value getting in line for lunch more than getting in line with God.

I can’t speak for every church, but ours does not prolong the altar call. Most of the time our altar call lasts between 5 to 7 minutes. Jesus chided Peter, James, and John because they could not wait for an hour while He prayed. Can we not wait 7 more minutes before we get on to our next appointment? Is what we are doing after church so important that it cannot wait five more minutes?

What Are Some Good Things to Do During the Altar Call?

1. Wait.

Patiently wait during the invitation. Even if you think there is nothing for you to do, wait for God to move in the hearts of others.

2. Pray.

Pray that God will show you what He wants YOU to do. Or you could pray for those around you. Pray that God will comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

3. Respond.

If the Holy Spirit speaks to you, do not hesitate to obey. Thank God that He thinks so much of you that He wants to stretch you to your best.

As usual, the comments section is open. I look forward to hearing your responses.