Bible Question: Hey, brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. How was the alter call or invitation established in the church and is there any biblical reference for it? I have not found any thus far. Thanks, Jim. |
Bible Answer: Jim: Reading from the journal of Sam Watkins in a book called “Company Aytch” I came across the following entry. While he was attending a revival that was in Dalton, Georgia he noticed many soldiers coming to the services nightly. It was a custom to call up mourners and a long bench had been placed in proper position for them to kneel down at. Ten of them were kneeling down at this mourner’s bench, pouring out their souls in prayer to God, Asking Him for the forgiveness of their sins, and for the Salvation of their souls, for Jesus Christ their Redeemer’s sake. Page 107. Written in 1863. This mourner’s bench has been around for a very long time in Southern history. At the Church I attend often, they have these benches in the front of the Church building and many come there to mourn almost every time I go. Some refer to this as an alter or an alter call. I have seen them since I started going to church and have even visited them a few times myself. I find that this is an excellent and wonderful place to come and pray and mourn and there are others that come to join with you and just let you know you’re not alone in your battles. I have also been to churches that don’t have this bench. The understanding there is that you can settle or pray right where you are (which you can) and its just between you and the Lord with no one else knowing. I thank God for both. God Bless |