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An effective alter call is an essential part of every good sermon. It extends an invitation to the believer to take a step of faith based on what he or she has just heard the Preacher preaching. In today’s article I am going to present to you some principals that you can follow to give an effective alter call.

1. Be spiritually prepared

Public presentation is always validated by private preparation. Though the alter call is given at the climax of a message, the preacher must remember it’s escorted by advanced spiritual preparation. Prior to preaching, he should take opportunity to repent of sin and to make sure he stands before people with clean hands and pure hearts. Such preparation allows the Holy Spirit’s power to flow through him freely.

2. Be passionate in the appeal

Let me put it this way.

Can you explain to some one what Chocolates taste like, if you haven’t tasted it yourself?

It’s the same with the alter call. The Preacher must experience his message before he could preach about it. He must be convinced before he can convince others. I never preach something that I don’t practice or never experienced. When the preacher knows what he is talking about, at the time of the alter call it becomes automatically evident to the listener, that his Pastor is telling the truth. This makes him to take a step in faith and recommit himself to Christ.

3. Do not be distracted

When the word has been preached, illuminated by the Holy Spirit conviction is at it’s highest peak. This is the most opportune time and must not be allowed to wasted through distraction. Demonic manifestations must be dealt with by taking the effected person to a different room. Also don’t rush, allow the Holy Spirit control the moment.

4. Be specific

Ignoring this step will leave the responders confused. Clearly announce whom are you giving the alter call for? For those who need healing, for people who wants to accept Christ etc.

5. Use a variety of methods

Don’t let creativity to dilute the power of the alter call. But invent some creative approaches.

6. Get the assistance of trained/prepared alter workers

The preacher can attend to a maximum number of 3 people at a time. He should ask the trained alter workers to help him. It’s important that the alter workers are spiritually alert to the Spirit’s move and sensitive to people’s needs. Do they possess the gift of discernment of spirits?

7. Coordinate with musicians in advance

If possible keep the musicians informed of your theme, advice them about your desired music. Sometimes the music being played is too loud the responders find it difficult to focus.

8.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you

Be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Most of the time during the alter call the preacher is used as an instrument to deliver a word of knowledge/wisdom etc.

9. Personally minister to those who respond

Some Preachers pray a common prayer and dismisses the crowd. Such a lazy alter call diminishes any effective sermon. You must minister personally. This builds faith in the listener. It expresses care and concern. However in a mega church situation, it’s impossible to minister to each and every individual personally. This is another important reason why the church must have trained alter workers. Teach them to minister to each respondent personally, express care. Consider the following options once the alter call is dismissed.

10. Give opportunity for public testimony

Confessing one’s own Spiritual encounter encourages him as well as the others. However don’t consume too much time on this. Neither force people. In our church we allow a max number of 5 people and each one can have 60 seconds to share his or her testimony. This way more people will consider responding to the alter call next time.

11.Follow up is important

If any first comers responded to the alter call, the ushers must collect their personal information. These information could be used for follow up purposes later. It’s nice to have a professionally designed folder preloaded with useful information brochures and contact details of the church offered to the new convert. If you do don’t forget to include a card which can be used to collect the new comer’s personal information.