“Often a child responds to a gospel appeal out of a deep desire to gain approval. It is part of the identity struggle within each of us to desire the approval of a parent or teacher. Winning the child according to this set of psychological principles, may be little more than instilling into the child the mysterious codes and mores of our society. Thus, willingly obedient, a child may gain his rightful place in the family or other adult institutions.”

Our treatment of altar calls and ethical considerations would not be complete without addressing the pressure that can accompany an appeal for salvation.  Perceived pressure, whether valid or not, may drive a child to a response without the wooing of the Spirit.  The child may have learned, through regular observance, that those who accept Christ find communal approval.  Pressure to “get saved” is translated into acceptance in the church family which is very appealing to children.  Well meaning, and perhaps spiritual, workers may inadvertently apply pressure promoting this kind of “approval conversion” experience among the children. 

In the midst of this possible atmosphere of underlying community pressure, we must continue to encourage individual children in the faith.  Daniel Smith reminds us, “There is no more biblical basis for doubting the genuine, intelligent, and uncoerced confession of faith from a child than there is from an adult.”  Kids can be genuinely saved even if there is a presence of pressure. 

Smith goes on to say, “No doubt many boys and girls are unwisely urged into a false profession.  But spiritually minded adults who know the Word of God and love children can discern genuine confessions by careful communication with children.”  We must begin to sort out the sheep in the pen discovering just what kind of conversion experience they have enjoyed.  Children should not be left without guidance as they progress from whatever level of faith they have achieved.  Pastor Richard Dresselhaus, in his book entitled, Teaching for Decision writes, “Children, if properly taught, may at an early age enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that will be very meaningful, both in childhood and in later life.  The church must never under-emphasize the power of the Holy Spirit to produce saving faith in the heart of a child.”

Our ethical approach demands that we do as Dresselhaus states and “properly teach” the children.  Our approach must never be one of compelling commitments, pressuring young children, or demanding through actions and words that the altar be filled.  “Make appeals for young children to receive Christ that are prompted by pure motives and are given simply and in a nonpublic manner. The notable success of various child evangelism efforts cannot be denied. But the motive must never be numbers or outward response, nor should appeals be accompanied by offers of gifts, recognition, or special privileges.” 

Our challenge is to relax the altar call so that children can enjoy the presence of God.  It was Monday night altar time at a camp in Texas.  A boy named Mike approached me and declared, “I am not going to pray.”  Rather than force his involvement, I was checked by the Spirit and answered, “Well just sit back and watch then.  If you have any questions, come see me.”  Mike almost seemed confused by my answer and worked his way through the other children back to his seat.  This same scenario was repeated the following two nights and finally on Thursday evening, Mike came up to me with tears in his eyes.  He blurted out, “I want to pray.  I know I need Jesus.”  Had I forced Mike’s involvement he may have rejected Christ altogether.

An invitation to come to Christ need not be forced or pressure-filled.  Children can be encouraged to act upon what they have learned in a service without adults and other children applying undue pressure to respond.

Sam Doherty instructs us in the importance and style of the gospel invitation given to children.  He exhorts, “The invitation is a call from Jesus Christ to come to him, in repentance and faith, to receive forgiveness and a new nature.”  This is a loving invitation to come to Christ.  It is a gentle encouraging word instructing the unregenerate child to admit his sin and trust Jesus for forgiveness and new life.  There are no clamps of guilt pressing down on the child.  There are no words or actions which make the child feel less than accepted if he does not respond.

As Sam teaches children’s workers using examples from the book of Acts, he explains, “Like the apostles, you should trust God the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of the children – and not put pressure of any kind on them to respond to Christ’s invitation.”  So our task in approaching altar calls in an ethically responsible manner is to relives the pressure.  Evaluate methodology used to gain a response and develop a process which allows children to come to Jesus without social or emotional screws being tightened. 

This brings us to our final consideration.

Filed under: Articles