And the issue of making people that are actually trying to pray feel uncomfortable and cutting them off.
I don't want to hijack this thread... but this is something that is somewhat similar if not tied in to the subject.
One of my biggest peeves is prayer request time in church.
Yes.. we have wonderful prayer meetings throughout the week and before service.. and people are expected to have their own prayer times at home... But when prayer requests are listed off.. and it takes longer to list all the names than it actually does to pray for them... that always annoys me.
I'll still be praying when the Amen's are said and the next song starts... And that's in most churches though I think.
Last Sunday morning we prayed for a specific need as a church body and God just moved in... and there was no preaching... such a strong presence of the Lord came in to minister. No music needed. We didn't dismiss early either.
I like that! And I wouldn't mind taking longer for prayer during church.
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The point is not in defense of "altar calls" or "come forward" pleas in an of themselves. The point is to point out the inconsistancy that is displayed by people saying one thing and doing another. People's words say they want one thing, but their actions say another.
And the issue of making people that are actually trying to pray feel uncomfortable and cutting them off.
If people want to leave, they can leave. If somebody is concerned about visitors having to sit through something then somebody should have the job of going to greet them at their seat and letting them know that "it's all over but the shoutin'" and they're welcome to go or stay, in whatever tactful manner somebody with this burden thinks it should be done.
I do think these are tied together. I would favor addressing it formally though.
For example:
A pastor might say, "You are dismissed, and those who desire to continue in prayer please do so, if you would like we will even pray with you."
Or it that is too much distraction a private place established for those who desire to pray. In either case the pressure to dismiss at expense of those praying is eliminated. I think that is the real issue the leaders wrestle with when the majority is waiting to be dismissed...
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
I know exactly what you are talking about. I have felt so sorry for people that go down to pray and no one will go with them or even if there is one person..... the show must go on and I'm sure it hinders their prayer.
If that person felt led enough to go down and seek God, then I believe they need to feel comfortable enough to do just that.
If the service needs to proceed maybe having an "altar worker" assigned would be a good idea and they could take that person to the prayer room to continue praying with them.
Right, provision should be made for this individual.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
Or it that is too much distraction a private place established for those who desire to pray. In either case the pressure to dismiss at expense of those praying is eliminated. I think that is the real issue the leaders wrestle with when the majority is waiting to be dismissed...
If that's the "real issue," then it feeds directly back into my beginning points, that talk is cheap, and the church at large has no desire.
__________________
If you sometimes get the sudden urge to run around naked, drink some Windex.
It will keep you from streaking.
I agree Bro Seth... the only comeback I can possibly have for this one is to the sound of the airplane system... Ding... you may now move about the church...
Seriously our church thank God does not have that problem and for that I am thankful. They will after about 45 min put a sign on the screen that says you may be dismissed quietly please... Otherwise.. most of our people are the stay prayers .... Guess that explains why we are sometimes almost 10 out on Sunday nights... (before dinner too LOL)
I agree Bro Seth... the only comeback I can possibly have for this one is to the sound of the airplane system... Ding... you may now move about the church...
Seriously our church thank God does not have that problem and for that I am thankful. They will after about 45 min put a sign on the screen that says you may be dismissed quietly please... Otherwise.. most of our people are the stay prayers .... Guess that explains why we are sometimes almost 10 out on Sunday nights... (before dinner too LOL)
In a church that has a projector and all that, that wouldn't be such a bad alternative to put a message like that up at some point. I think that's a bit different than bringing everything to a halt, getting up and making closing remarks and announcements aloud and all that and then everybody getting up and bustling around.
Obviously the scenarios would be a bit different from church to church, the size of it in number and space, etc.
I'm more of the opinion that people that are praying should be free to pray in the sanctuary and not have to be escorted away, while the people that want to leave and talk can go outside.
__________________
If you sometimes get the sudden urge to run around naked, drink some Windex.
It will keep you from streaking.
In a church that has a projector and all that, that wouldn't be such a bad alternative to put a message like that up at some point. I think that's a bit different than bringing everything to a halt, getting up and making closing remarks and announcements aloud and all that and then everybody getting up and bustling around.
Obviously the scenarios would be a bit different from church to church, the size of it in number and space, etc.
I'm more of the opinion that people that are praying should be free to pray in the sanctuary and not have to be escorted away, while the people that want to leave and talk can go outside.
You are exactly right! Thats why we pride ourselves in being a revival church! I cannot tolerate a church that allows that during altar services.. and better yet is when I have seen pastors do it too... walk around and fellowship like no one is praying at all... If our pastor sees anyone visiting near the front... He just gives them his very nice "look" but its stern enough for them to know to move on... and they do...
I never think it is right to stop someone from praying to move them elsewhere!
I agree Bro Seth... the only comeback I can possibly have for this one is to the sound of the airplane system... Ding... you may now move about the church...
Seriously our church thank God does not have that problem and for that I am thankful. They will after about 45 min put a sign on the screen that says you may be dismissed quietly please... Otherwise.. most of our people are the stay prayers .... Guess that explains why we are sometimes almost 10 out on Sunday nights... (before dinner too LOL)
You beat me to it AG. We used this at a Church I used to attend.
It was before we a projector. we3 had a hand lettered sign we put up on the podium that dismissed people if they wanted to leave or stay if they'd like.
It works well and there is no interuption to those that are in the altars praying.
__________________
God has lavished his love upon me.
Well not to brag on the church we attend too much or nothin but... 150 new souls in the last year and about 12 or so so far this year... yep I think they are doing sumpin right!!! God is good!!!!
And that's in most churches though I think. 
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