Have you ever noticed someone walk to the front of the church building while the congregation sings at the end of a sermon? You might wonder why they're doing that, what happens afterward, or whether everyone is expected to do the same.
This practice is commonly called the invitation. It gives people an opportunity to request baptism, acknowledge a spiritual struggle, or ask for the prayers of the congregation.
Where Did This Tradition Come From?
The practice of publicly inviting people forward became popular during American religious revival movements in the 1800s. Preachers such as Charles Finney encouraged listeners to come to a designated seat near the front for prayer and spiritual instruction. Similar practices eventually became common in many congregations, including churches of Christ.
Over time, the invitation song became a familiar part of worship. The preacher finishes his lesson, the congregation sings, and anyone wishing to respond is invited to come forward.
The New Testament gives no command requiring an invitation song or a walk down the aisle. However, it does teach Christians to proclaim the gospel, encourage repentance, pray for one another, and help those who are struggling spiritually (; ). The invitation provides one opportunity to accomplish these things.
Why Would Someone Come Forward?
Sometimes a person has come to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and wishes to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (). Others may already be Christians who have sinned and desire to acknowledge their wrongdoing or ask for prayers.
There are also occasions when someone simply needs encouragement. A Christian dealing with illness, grief, family difficulties, or other burdens may appreciate the congregation praying on their behalf.
Walking forward allows those needs to be made known, and the congregation has an opportunity to respond with love and support.
What If I Have Sinned but Don't Want to Walk Forward?
This is especially important to understand because some Christians have grown up believing that certain sins require a public response during worship.
Scripture teaches Christians to confess their sins to God. In , John writes, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." A Christian who recognizes sin should repent, confess it to God, and seek His forgiveness through Jesus Christ (; ).
When a sin has harmed someone else, repentance may also require seeking that person's forgiveness and making things right where possible (; ).
There are also circumstances when others need to be involved. encourages Christians to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another, while calls believers to restore those who stumble and help carry one another's burdens.
A Christian who needs help can speak privately with a trusted brother or sister, an elder, or another spiritually mature believer. When wrongdoing has affected the congregation, the matter may require appropriate acknowledgment and correction among those involved.
The important thing is to respond to sin with genuine repentance and seek the forgiveness, help, and healing that Scripture teaches.
Is Walking Forward Necessary?
The New Testament records people being baptized, confessing sins, requesting prayers, and seeking forgiveness in different circumstances. It establishes no requirement that these things happen during an invitation song.
The Ethiopian official requested baptism while traveling (), and the Philippian jailer was baptized during the night (). Likewise, a Christian can confess sin to God and seek help from fellow believers without waiting for the next worship service.
Walking forward is simply one way to make a spiritual need known. What matters is responding to God's Word faithfully and receiving the help He has provided.
If you have been carrying guilt over sin, consider what Scripture calls you to do today. Confess it to God, turn away from it, make things right with those you've wronged, and seek the support of fellow Christians when needed. The Lord welcomes those who sincerely turn to Him.
Those wishing to study these matters further are welcome at Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas.
Plan your visit to see what a Sunday here looks like before you arrive.
To read what the Bible teaches about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm