Altar Worker Training
the content below was first delivered as a sunday night training for the members of immanuel baptist church.
Welcome! THANK YOU FOR BEING WILLING TO SERVE THE LORD JESUS AND HIS CHURCH. THIS TRAINING WILL ASSIST YOU TO ASSIST US
What is an Altar Worker?
An altar worker is a trained member of Immanuel’s body who assists the pastoral staff during the invitation time at the church.
Altar workers watch the pastor when people respond to God’s invitation. When they see his signal, they move forward with Bible in hand.
They touch the pastor’s hand to let him know they are present.
After the pastor introduces them, altar workers take the respondent to the foyer and go through the altar worker process.
What is the Altar Worker Process?
They are trained to respond and keep the bookmark handy in their Bible.
They respond (normally) to someone of the same sex.
Those specially trained for children should respond when children come forward.
Why do we send people out during invitation time rather than presenting them immediately?
Responding to an invitation can be emotional and difficult
We need to be clear with the souls of those who come forward
We will give an account before God for those who join (Heb. 13:17)
We trust you to go through the gospel with them and hear their story (which may take more time than we have)
We trust you to ask about their baptism and church membership
We trust you to find out about any concerns or flags that you might see (and hold them back from returning).
Why Don’t Staff Members Handle Altar Worker Duties?
Staff has other responsibilities at times
Staff are too few to respond if we were to experience a move of God
The Pastor’s job is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12)
Altar workers understand the people and can empathize with them in some ways that staff cannot
How Can I be Prepared to be used By God during this important time?
Ask God to prepare you as you prepare to come to church
Tell the pastoral staff that you’re praying and ready
Bring Bible to the service and pay attention during the sermon
Pray as the invitation begins for God to touch people’s hearts and for yourself to be ready
Pay attention to the invitation as people begin to respond
How Can I Begin the Process with the Respondent?
Begin with prayer and pray for the respondent by name.
Ask the respondent, “Why did you come forward today”?
Listen to their response and pray silently for wisdom as they share
If they are not clear, ask follow-up questions:
”In what way did God speak to you through the message?”
”Do you know for sure that if you died today, you would go to heaven? Why do you think that way?”
How Do I Help Someone Who Wants to Be Saved?
First, rejoice with them in the importance of this response: “Praise God for this important decision!”
Second, ask, “May I walk with you through Scripture and show you God’s way of salvation?”
Use the bookmark, and where possible, let them read the Scripture aloud (image below).
Help them to understand their lost condition and Christ’s free gift of salvation.
Lead them in a prayer of repentance and faith.
Walk with them through the first steps for new believers:
Be baptized.
Join a local church and attend faithfully.
Tell one person about your decision today.
Develop a pattern for daily Bible reading and prayer.
Find a Sunday School or small group that fits your season of life.
How do I help someone who wants to join and has been scripturally baptized?
Again, rejoice with them in this decision—”I’m so happy God is leading you to Immanuel!”
Ask them to share their testimony of conversion and baptism.
Confirm that the baptism was scriptural:
Were they a believer when they were baptized?
Were they immersed in the water?
Were they baptized as a sign and symbol of their conversion and not for salvation?
How Do I Help Someone who wants to join but has not been scripturally baptized?
If they have been saved but not baptized, explain that the only clear NT example of an unbaptized believer is the thief on the cross who had no opportunity for baptism.
If they were baptized as an infant, explain that we believe that Jesus’ command (Mat. 28:19-2) and the biblical examples do not support infant baptism.
If they were baptized in a tradition that teaches baptismal regeneration (that baptism saves) explain that we believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone (Eph. 2:8; 1 Cor. 1:17).
If you have any questions at all, let the pastor know.
How Do I Help If I don’t think the person is ready?
First, do not feel any pressure to rush the process. We would rather have confidence that a person really understands the gospel, has been saved, and is ready for baptism and membership.
Explain the gospel as thoroughly and as many times as seems necessary and appropriate.
The respondent does not know what our process is. They will have no reason to think that they will be presented that day for baptism or membership.
Give as much detail to the pastor and staff as possible so that we know what questions to ask.
How do I Help a Child?
We do not rush children into decisions.
It is important to discern whether they have responded because their friends have, because of parental pressure, or any reason that is not in response to the gospel and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
We include the children’s minister and parents in every step in the process.
We give a simple book on baptism to the parents to ensure the child understands baptism.
Assume nothing. Ask why they responded during invitation.
Walk through the gospel in as simple terms as possible, asking questions along the way to ensure they understand.
Give as much detail to the parents, children’s minister, and pastor as possible.
If you lead the child in a prayer, make absolutely sure that they do not think the words you are speaking are what saves them.
Because of the process (the booklet, multiple conversations, etc.) it is rare that we will present a child the same day that they respond.
How Do I Help if a Person’s Situation is Complicated?
Begin with questions.
Walk through the gospel.
Be kind and do not condemn. People are messy, and God can save them.
Tell the pastor the situation is as much detail as possible.
