Would You Give An Altar Call At A Funeral?

[tyndale1946]

First of all as kyredneck said we do not have altar calls in the Primitive Baptist Church... But this particular altar call beats them all, and this is no joke... The first and only alter call I ever witnessed, was at my Grandparents Southern Baptist Church... At my Grandmothers funeral!...... So you brethren of the cloth or any others that might have some thoughts on the matter, is it appropriate, to give an altar call at a funeral?... Or is it in bad taste and should be used in church service only or your church doesn't do altar calls so it doesn't apply... Comments... Brother Glen

 

[Squire Robertsson]

I'm preparing for my father's graveside service on Monday. He went home to be with his Lord on Good Friday. Due to the logistics of the burial location and gathering of family, nothing could be done until that date. I haven't seen my cousins in over 20 years and wasn't all that close to them at that time. I don't plan on having an "altar call" right in the middle of Sacramento Valley National Cemetary. But, I'm seeking the Lord's wisdom in somehow including the Gospel in what I say.

At my services, I want the person running it to make sure there is a clear presentation of the Gospel and give folks the opportunity to respond after the service is over.

 

[Jerome]

Here's just a sample for the OP:

Typically my funeral sermon is 15-20, and I usually preach from John 11 about grief and glory. I always include a gospel appeal, and have some time of silent prayer at the end asking people to examine their own lives to see if they have the hope of Christ. I invite them to approach me afterwards

Well, we always give an invitation at our church at funerals because our pastor and MANY others have been saved at funerals. What better time to address eternity than when someone has just gone on to their own?

The world today has decided for us what places are "inappropriate." Today, for instance, I was one of three ministers preaching my own grandmother's funeral. I heard some people after the service saying that the way we preached was "inappropriate" for a funeral. But it was what she wanted. I've even told my family that, should I go before they, I want my funeral preached to the point that there is an altar call. After all, it's the "inappropriate" places in which you'll actually reach people who need the Lord and need to hear the Gospel.

 

[MartyF]

no

 

[Reynolds]

First of all as kyredneck said we do not have altar calls in the Primitive Baptist Church... But this particular altar call beats them all, and this is no joke... The first and only alter call I ever witnessed, was at my Grandparents Southern Baptist Church... At my Grandmothers funeral!...... So you brethren of the cloth or any others that might have some thoughts on the matter, is it appropriate, to give an altar call at a funeral?... Or is it in bad taste and should be used in church service only or your church doesn't do altar calls so it doesn't apply... Comments... Brother Glen

Yes. I have seen a lot of people saved at funerals.

 

[Salty]

Would you please allow me to take this a step further?

You pastors - would you consider preaching at your own funeral via viedo tape -
and having an alter call? (Yes, I DO realzise that someone would need to receive
those desiring to make a decision.

 

[rlvaughn]

You pastors - would you consider preaching at your own funeral via viedo tape...

No, I would not consider preaching my own prerecorded funeral.

 

[rlvaughn]

I'm preparing for my father's graveside service on Monday...I'm seeking the Lord's wisdom in somehow including the Gospel in what I say....

May the Lord bless you in this time of your grief, and my he grant you wisdom in your preaching for your father's funeral.

 

[righteousdude2]

First of all as kyredneck said we do not have altar calls in the Primitive Baptist Church... But this particular altar call beats them all, and this is no joke... The first and only alter call I ever witnessed, was at my Grandparents Southern Baptist Church... At my Grandmothers funeral!...... So you brethren of the cloth or any others that might have some thoughts on the matter, is it appropriate, to give an altar call at a funeral?... Or is it in bad taste and should be used in church service only or your church doesn't do altar calls so it doesn't apply... Comments... Brother Glen

Not only would I, I have. My dad requested an alter call at his funeral, and I complied. With people responding.

 

[HankD]

I have given an invitation to receive Christ as Lord and Savior at a funeral , in fact all that I officiated - 6 , 7 maybe but not to come forward that would be clumsy.

 

[Reformed]

I'm preparing for my father's graveside service on Monday. He went home to be with his Lord on Good Friday. Due to the logistics of the burial location and gathering of family, nothing could be done until that date. I haven't seen my cousins in over 20 years and wasn't all that close to them at that time. I don't plan on having an "altar call" right in the middle of Sacramento Valley National Cemetary. But, I'm seeking the Lord's wisdom in somehow including the Gospel in what I say.

At my services, I want the person running it to make sure there is a clear presentation of the Gospel and give folks the opportunity to respond after the service is over.

Brother, I just prayed for you. May the Lord bless your words this coming Monday.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

no

Agree

 

[HankD]

One of the funerals at which I officiated was for a homeless man.
The funeral director and employees were the attendees.
Yes Christ was offered.

 

[HankD]

May the Lord bless you in this time of your grief, and my he grant you wisdom in your preaching for your father's funeral.

I'm preparing for my father's graveside service on Monday. He went home to be with his Lord on Good Friday. Due to the logistics of the burial location and gathering of family, nothing could be done until that date. I haven't seen my cousins in over 20 years and wasn't all that close to them at that time. I don't plan on having an "altar call" right in the middle of Sacramento Valley National Cemetary. But, I'm seeking the Lord's wisdom in somehow including the Gospel in what I say.

At my services, I want the person running it to make sure there is a clear presentation of the Gospel and give folks the opportunity to respond after the service is over.

My favorite place in scripture for a funeral message is the raising of Lazarus in John 11, especially the episode between Martha and the LORD as she privately goes to meet Him and Jesus bears witness of Himself.

I used their discussion at my mother's funeral.

 

[just-want-peace]

I once heard that the officiating preacher of a definitely not saved man, made a few comments re: his life as a father, business man, & community citizen, & concluded with something along this line:
"While Brother Dan is no longer with us in person, I can positively assure you that he would now very strongly advised his loved ones to accept Christ TODAY!"

 

[kyredneck]

My dad requested an alter call at his funeral

Bingo, there's your answer, if it's requested it should be included.

 

[Reynolds]

Agree

Why?

 

[righteousdude2]

Oh, I agree...to have people come forward would be awkward to say the least. I merely ask those who want to receive Jesus and to make sure that if they were to die after leaving the service, to raise their hand, and I would pray for Jesus to seal within their heart and soul the knowledge that they are now prepared to enter heaven upon their own death!

 

[Reynolds]

Oh, I agree...to have people come forward would be awkward to say the least. I merely ask those who want to receive Jesus and to make sure that if they were to die after leaving the service, to raise their hand, and I would pray for Jesus to seal within their heart and soul the knowledge that they are now prepared to enter heaven upon their own death!

Why would it be awkward?

 

[Reynolds]

no

Why?