Sinners Prayer(s)
Posted by Pastor Dan Masshardt at 7/15/2008 1:01 PM and is filed under uncategorized 
Is it your church's practice to 'lead someone to Christ' one-on-one? Assuming that it is for many, do you lead that person in a prayer (sometimes called the 'sinner's prayer)
What is the content of that prayer? Would you ask them to repeat it aloud or silently?
I'm also wondering whether this practice is a cultural thing. Is it biblically mandated or just an effective option.
I'd really love to hear some of your thoughts. I know that 67 people are getting this email, so speak up!
What is the content of that prayer? Would you ask them to repeat it aloud or silently?
I'm also wondering whether this practice is a cultural thing. Is it biblically mandated or just an effective option.
I'd really love to hear some of your thoughts. I know that 67 people are getting this email, so speak up!
Hey Dan;
My first thought in your article (which is a great thought provoker) Salvation requires repentence... repentence requires acknowledgement of personal sin and a turning from that direction toward God... People without Christ need to be presented the correct information and answers to their questions... However salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit... When Isaiah saw the glory of God... He said I'm ruined... I'm undone... He acknowledged without God he was lost...
I have a concern that we can have a tendency to lead people in a decision about God and their need... "A man work"... TO my knowledge I don't find any scripture to show a recitation or what I would term a coached response from a person in terms of a "Commitment" to Christ. What I do see is the work at Pentecost, Phillips encounter w/ the Ethiopian/ Peter and Paul's work and what about the very first convert under the new covenant The thief on the cross who simply said Lord remember me.... I find that we have a problem in the body of Christ with too much lip service and no true heart conversion which leads to a definate change of life... the NEw Creation in dwelt by Holy Spirit.
Just some quick thoughts but like you interested in thought and heart felt discussion
Take care Steve
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Good thoughts Steve. I agree.
My concern is that often we're either so nervous when someone responds to a gospel presentation and invitation or so excited that someone is responding, that we run to the 'prayer' instead of engaging the person.
Does he or she really understand what commitment they are making? Was there something left our of the presentation that needs to be clarified?
There are probably many people who respond to the gospel that need to spend more time reflecting before making a commitment that will redefine their life!
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The "sinner's prayer" has always been a hard pill for me to swallow personally; but, it seems to be the way many evangelist seem to go. Close your eyes, bow your heads, and raise your hand if you said this prayer. What a way to take your first stand for Christ (please forgive the sarcasm).
The Lord has allowed me the privilege of seeing the Holy Spirit do His final work on a persons heart in bringing them into the kingdom of God. I usually explain to the person what is needed to be done.
1)You have to admit that you have rebelled against God and He has condemned you to death.
2)You must surrender control of your life over to God. The only way to find freedom is to accept that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your rebellion when He hung on the cross of Calvary.
3)Once you have asked God to take over control of your life, start being His disciple. Read Scripture with other Christians and ask lots of questions. Rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance by praying about everything; and, worship God in Bible Study, in serving others, as well as gathering at least once a week with the body of Christ.
If they want to pray at that moment, I let them pray in their own words. As far as I go is having them fill in the blanks. I might say, "Lord, John has something to tell you" then I just sit quietly and let God do His work. I figure the Holy Spirit knows what He is doing and I should just stay out of the way and let Him do it.
I wish I could say that I have always been there for the people after wards, but I have dropped the ball sometimes.
God has taught me how important follow up is over the past several years. The goal must not be to get people in the door and drop them off. The goal, at least according to Matthew 28:18-20, is to have people meet Christ, accept His Lordship over their lives, and then walk with them as we each grow together in our relationship with the Lord.
I think the sinners prayer is just an effective option that people have used. These are my thoughts. I too hope other people join in on these questions you have asked.
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I can find no Biblical evidence of the need for a sinner's prayer.
Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that, "Jesus is Lord", and that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth you confess and are saved.
This passage doesn't really say that it needs to be a prayer just a humble confession that Jesus is Lord. I guess it can be done in quiet or a shout from the rooftops.
I do agree with Tom that we need to continue to follow up and encourage new believers. In particular to help get them involved in a simple form of ministry such as usher or greeter to reinforce the need to grow and become disciples.
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I really appreciate this discussion and the comments... Along with Dave and Tom's comments... I really believe that as a church we need to constantly cultivate a sense of family... a place of belonging and be cared for and a true desire to reciprocate... Truly loving one another is the ingredient that she said would demonstrate that we were His disciples...1)ALlowing God...through the power of His Holy Spirit to lead us into divine meetings and relationships... 2) Being apart of helping someone discover their need for Jesus and truly wanting Him and then 3)implementing a loving reinforcement of Jesus' family and that Holy sense of belonging... Wow arer we on track... "LORD, let us catch this vision and run with it."
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