Making A Call To Faith: Intervarsity's Role

Calls to Faith are a common method used by many ministries to encourage people to follow Jesus. It is a public invitation to follow Jesus, and while it is effective at producing decisions, some question whether it creates lasting change. InterVarsity is an organisation that provides resources to train, coach and deliver effective calls to faith. They offer guidance on how to invite people to follow Jesus in small groups, large groups, and digital spaces. InterVarsity emphasises the importance of good preparation, coaching, and creating a culture of response within chapters. They also provide tips on calming nerves and leveraging online tools for virtual gatherings. The ultimate goal is to help people respond to Jesus and start following him, whether that's on campus, in small groups, or through digital outreach.

Calls to Faith are a public invitation to follow Jesus

Calls to Faith: A Public Invitation to Follow Jesus

The Biblical Basis for Calls to Faith

While some critics argue that Altar Calls are a recent phenomenon without biblical precedent, there is strong biblical support for calling people to commit their lives to God. Jesus himself proclaimed the Gospel and expected a response: "Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:14-15). He invited his disciples to follow him and join his mission, saying, "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people" (Matthew 4 & Mark 1:17).

Additionally, Jesus' disciples, such as Peter and Paul, continued this tradition in the book of Acts, calling for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).

Benefits of Calls to Faith in Small Groups

Calls to Faith in small groups have several advantages. Firstly, they allow us to reach every corner of the campus, as not all students will attend large group gatherings or events. Small groups provide an opportunity for more intimate and personal sharing of faith with friends. Secondly, it empowers every believer to experience the joy of inviting others to follow Jesus, as Jesus himself invites believers to do so in Luke 14. It builds faith and solidifies a skill that can be used throughout life. Lastly, follow-up is built-in, as the community is already present to celebrate and pray together when someone responds to the gospel. This increases the likelihood of the new believer continuing to grow within the community of faith.

A Code of Conduct for Making Calls to Faith

When making Calls to Faith, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure effectiveness and integrity. Firstly, pray and rely on the Holy Spirit to change hearts, as conversion is ultimately a work of the Spirit. Secondly, present the Gospel clearly and fully, explaining forgiveness, lordship, and mission. Thirdly, call for total surrender, inviting people to investigate Jesus and commit their entire lives to following him. Fourthly, let people respond in various settings, whether one-on-one, in small groups, or large gatherings. Fifthly, persuade rather than coerce or manipulate. Love should never force but woo, allowing people the freedom to choose to follow Jesus or not. Lastly, do it in love, with a sincere desire for people to come to know Jesus and experience his transforming power.

They are a common method in many ministries

Calls to Faith are a common method in many ministries. They are a public invitation to follow Jesus and are often used to help people decide to commit their lives to God. The practice has been around for centuries, with early examples seen in the Old Testament, such as Abram's call in Genesis 12 and Moses' calls to the Israelites in Exodus 19 and 24.

In InterVarsity, a Call to Faith is not limited to a physical act of moving towards an altar but is seen as a spiritual act of believing that Christ has moved one's soul from death to life. This can be done in various ways and in different group settings, whether one-on-one, in small groups, or larger gatherings.

Making Calls to Faith is an important part of evangelism, and InterVarsity provides resources to help train and coach individuals to deliver effective calls. These resources include videos, guides, and scripts to improve invitation techniques and calm nerves. The organisation also emphasises the importance of creating a culture of response within chapters, where individuals are clearly, directly, and repeatedly invited to follow Jesus.

Calls to Faith in small groups, such as Bible studies, are particularly effective in reaching people where they are, especially on college campuses. Small groups allow for more personal connections and can be more accessible to those who may never attend large group events. They also provide built-in follow-up support, as the individual is already part of a community that can celebrate and pray with them.

Overall, Calls to Faith are a common and significant tool used by ministries to invite individuals to commit their lives to Jesus. With the right preparation, coaching, and delivery, these calls can effectively invite people to make faith commitments and help them start their faith journey.

They can be made in small groups, large groups, or individually

Calls to Faith are a common method in many ministries to help people decide to follow Jesus. They can be made in small groups, large groups, or individually.

Small Groups

Small group Bible studies are where many students share their faith with friends. It is important to prepare and equip students to invite people to follow Jesus in a smaller setting. This can be done through coaching and resources, such as a simple, effective call to faith script. Small groups allow for more intimate and personal conversations about faith, and can be a safe space for students to ask questions and explore their beliefs.

Large Groups

Large group calls to faith also require good preparation. They can be a powerful way to reach a wider audience and create a sense of community. It is important to have clear and direct invitations, and to provide follow-up support for those who respond. Large groups can be especially impactful during the first month of school, when students are more open to spiritual decisions.

Individual Calls to Faith

Individual calls to faith are also important, as most students and faculty won't make the decision to follow Jesus on their own. It is necessary to create a culture of response and to ask people clearly and directly to respond to the good news. This can be done through one-on-one conversations, either in person or online, where individuals are invited to explore their beliefs and make a personal commitment to follow Jesus.

They require good preparation

Making a call to faith is a big deal and it is completely normal to feel nervous about it. However, with good preparation, you can make a compelling call to faith. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Know your audience

It is important to understand the people you are speaking to. In a small group setting, this may be easier as you are likely to be speaking to people you already know. In a large group, it may be more challenging to understand the audience, but you can still consider factors such as the age range of the group, their familiarity with Christianity, and any cultural or social factors that may influence their beliefs.

Choose an appropriate time and place

The first month of school is a critical window for spiritual decisions, so it is a good time to make calls to faith. You can also consider the time of day and the location that will be most comfortable and convenient for your audience. For example, you may want to choose a quiet place where you are unlikely to be interrupted.

Prepare what you want to say

It is a good idea to plan what you want to say in advance. You can use the InterVarsity Evangelism Toolkit for guidance on how to structure your call to faith. This should include an invitation to faith, a clear explanation of the Gospel, and a call for total surrender. You may also want to share your own testimony or the testimony of someone else.

Practice and get feedback

If you are feeling nervous, it can be helpful to practice your call to faith beforehand. You could practice in front of a mirror or with a friend or mentor who can give you feedback and help you improve your delivery.

Be ready to follow up

Follow-up is an important part of making a call to faith. Be prepared to answer any questions your audience may have, and be available to provide ongoing support and guidance as they begin their faith journey.

Seek coaching and support

Making a call to faith is a long process that requires trust and faith. It is helpful to seek guidance from a more experienced student or staff member. They can provide you with coaching and support throughout the process, and help you improve your winsome invitations.

They are a big deal and can make people nervous

Calls to Faith are a big deal and can make people nervous. They are a public invitation to follow Jesus, and as such, they carry a lot of weight and importance. It's natural to feel anxious about extending such an invitation or responding to one. This anxiety may stem from a fear of rejection or uncertainty about how to respond. Additionally, the prospect of committing one's life to Jesus is a significant decision that can evoke a range of emotions, including excitement, hesitation, or even fear.

The act of extending a Call to Faith requires careful preparation and a thoughtful approach. It is not merely a matter of asking someone to make a decision but involves a process of nurturing and guiding an individual's spiritual journey. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their beliefs and make their own choices without feeling pressured or coerced.

For those who are new to extending Calls to Faith, it can be helpful to seek guidance and coaching from more experienced individuals. InterVarsity offers resources and support for students, staff, and faculty members who want to learn how to effectively extend these invitations. They provide training videos, tips for calming nerves, and guidance on making honest and compelling calls.

It is worth noting that Calls to Faith are not the only way people become Christians. Some may have a personal experience or encounter with God that leads them to faith. However, for those who are seeking to extend a Call to Faith to others, it is a significant responsibility and privilege to play a role in someone else's spiritual journey.

Overall, the importance of Calls to Faith lies in their potential to impact individuals' lives and eternities. While it is a big responsibility, it is also an opportunity to extend an invitation that could change someone's life forever.

Frequently asked questions