Altar Workers Please Read

Jermyn Davidson · #1 09-03-2011, 10:53 PM

The are times when people praying for me or with me at the altar were just so far off in their genuine prayers for me.

A couple of times, I've stopped people and told them plainly exactly what I'd like for them to pray about. From what I can remember, everyone I did this with were taken back a little bit, but at least their praying was on point after that.

Then there are the people who with their eyes see someone who is always so joyful and demonstrative down at the altar crying out to God on their knees, and the first thing they want to do is help that brother or sister "get the victory...."

"Jump for joy brother! The Holy Spirit is all over you!"

In many of these moments, I was either confessing and repenting or praying for lost loved ones. Regardless, I didn't want to jump around, I wanted to continue to pray on. But they wouldn't go away, and there's the expectation to respond accordingly because I knew that's what they were hoping and praying for and so, I jumped up and down, praising and worshiping God in sincerity (because I just wanted and needed God to work), and when service was over, I went to the prayer room to pray in peace, crying out to God knowing that temptation would be so great once I left church.

Sometimes, I would think, well maybe that's what I need to do and the deliverance will come while I'm praising God-- after all, I've told Him what I did and if I missed any details, He already knew anyway.

What I have found for my walk with God is that "deliverance" never came that way. Deliverance from the darkness never came in the darkness. Only after I purposely turned on the light, which I was so afraid to do. When I attempted to turn on the light, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and afraid.

There was one time I told someone exactly what was going on inside and what I was praying about and they were speechless-- well-intentioned, but obviously not ready for what I had said. Of course, I never made that mistake again.

If you're an altar worker and you're reading this, if someone tells you something hidden and dark, don't act surprised. Show your confidence in your GOD that can handle all sinful situations and if they're a brother or sister in the Lord, don't minimize that moment when that person comes back to speak with you about it again. Go with your brother the 2nd mile. Don't be unsure, just don't be unsure.

I used to think that I was just missing the move of God at the altar, but after many, many experiences, I realized that most of the time these honest mistakes are just that-- honest mistakes of others. These mistakes were not the norm. but they did happen on numerous occasions.

The altar workers didn't know, but I knew that I needed to repent and draw closer to GOD in intimacy and commitment to righteousness. I would just have to do these things after the altar service.

My current church has, 99.8% of the time, they have 1 person praying for one person and they PURPOSELY greet each other and communicate the need BEFORE praying happens.

RandyWayne · #2 09-04-2011, 11:14 AM

I wonder how many self-proclaimed alter workers would actually pray with people at the alter if they weren't seen doing it?

I suspect the number would go down by a rather large percentage.

seekerman · #3 09-04-2011, 11:25 AM

Altar workers? Where on earth is this even suggested in the bible? Altars in a building aren't part of a New Testament church.

How much stuff are we going to add to Christianity anyway?

Hoovie · #4 09-04-2011, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekerman

Altar workers? Where on earth is this even suggested in the bible? Altars in a building aren't part of a New Testament church.

How much stuff are we going to add to Christianity anyway?

I guess I fall into this line of thinking too. Modern "altar" sessions are not among my favorite ways to pray.

Hoovie · #5 09-04-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seekerman

Altar workers? Where on earth is this even suggested in the bible? Altars in a building aren't part of a New Testament church.

How much stuff are we going to add to Christianity anyway?

I guess I fall into this line of thinking too. Modern "altar" sessions are not among my favorite ways to pray.

I do understand some enjoy it very much. Whether it's natural response or whether they are responding to long term conditioning is unknown. The practice is widespread even beyond Pentecostal circles.

Hoovie · #6 09-04-2011, 12:54 PM

I find it interesting that most churches have a variation of the altar service. When I go to the Lutheran church the culmination is going up front and partaking of the Lord's supper. The result is the same in spite of doctrinal differences. Confession of sin and human frailty, and acceptance Christ's sacrifice in our stead.

TJJJ · #7 09-05-2011, 06:38 AM

Altar workers..... part of the 6 fold ministry.

The problem with you Jermyn is that you did not jump!!!!

Good things come to those who jump!!!

acerrak · #8 09-05-2011, 11:28 PM

while i dont mind the alter calls, my wife would just rather set in her pew and pray, she will tell you its more quite for her to think and pray, less noise and she doesnt have to worry about some one comming up to her and laying hands on her.. recieve the Spirit..

me i use to be there all the time and praying over people, i have slacked off awhole lot.
The alter calls can be a blessing for many, but i do agree we need to be sensitive to the people down their, and i like the idea of asking..

infact that is a great idea.. Brother what prayers can i send up to God that would bless your soul. Infact i believe that would make the church grow very closer to gether because it becomes more personal..

few years ago when i went to a church of God, the sunday school class did something i like. we took regular 3X5 cards wrote on them things we wanted to pray about and just randomly swapped it.

when you recieved the card form some one else, we would take the card home pray and write the day and some times the time of prayer, and each time we prayed for that request over a week.

I would even look up bible verses to attach to it. then we give it back the next sunday school This makes it more personal and people develop relationships, and instead of a religion and some normal theme each week everyone is working on a loving development in a relationship with each other..

Just my thoughts

Godsdrummer · #9 09-06-2011, 07:58 AM

JMHO

Alter calls are just another one of those stretches of scripture Many men try to use to conform to thier way of thinking. Like the "others scoffing said these are drunk" line in Acts 2 that is use to preach and condone every type of worship from rolling on the floor to walking the backs of the pews. 90% of Pentecostal doctrine is just that strecthes of scripture taken out of context in order to preach some mans convictions which then in turn has become a doctrine.

acerrak · #10 09-06-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godsdrummer

JMHO

Alter calls are just another one of those stretches of scripture Many men try to use to conform to thier way of thinking. Like the "others scoffing said these are drunk" line in Acts 2 that is use to preach and condone every type of worship from rolling on the floor to walking the backs of the pews. 90% of Pentecostal doctrine is just that strecthes of scripture taken out of context in order to preach some mans convictions which then in turn has become a doctrine.

ive not seen the back of pew walking yet.. seen them pass out, seen them roll on the floor in youtube...