This is a very thoughtful and accurate review – if you felt inspired by it, Justin, it would be well worth contacting CVM (Christian Vision For Men) to tap into their experiences. There are CVM groups already in countries other than the UK, so I’d encourage you to find out more at least by signing up to their email updates or visiting their website to look at the wonderful resources available. I’m sure the leadership would be happy to chat
I think alter calls are an important part of ministry. They give an opportunity to make a personal statement before God and our fellows. I responded to an alter call as a boy in a childrens meeting, ok we were not asked to walk out to the front but were asked to leave the 'big tent' with the crowd and then come straight back in again if we wanted to 'give our life to Jesus' I could not wait to get back in, I did not understand all about what 'being a christian' meant. That has been and still is my journey of faith, what I did know is that Jesus died for me, even me, I wasn't a 'bad' boy but I knew even then my sins (whatever they were) were forgiven, and that my name was from that moment written in the lambs book of life. I'm glad I 'went forward' and responded that day. There have been times when satan has whispered 'your not a christian' you are no good, I turn and remind him of the day I trusted in Christ. What a blessed day.
I was also at TG23. You are right it seems 'bonkers' but it is a good bonkers, God by his Holy Spirit moving in mens lives, role on TG24, can't wait.
Totally agree with everything you have written brother, like you I was a first time at the Gathering but I served with the stewards. They were a great bunch of brothers who were very supportive.
I had the privilege of praying with some of those who went forward Saturday night including my grandson.
To say thank you to all the organisers does not seem enough.
I think that altar calls have their place, but I so agree with everything you said. ABCs first:) ! Altar calls with altered lives-yes! So good.♥️
Usually I associate altar calls with a lot of hype and emotionalism, but certainly many people must have come to Christ that way. Like you said, it depends on the message, 100%! Otherwise it’s like saying to someone on the street, “Do you believe me?” And then giving them no other words:) haha
I was saved when I was a very small child, not remembering a time I didn’t believe in Jesus Christ-but was in the category of not knowing the truth. (Like in I Timothy 2:4) Just kind of drifting from Sunday to Sunday and hoping I was doing alright, without real leadership to live for God. Maybe a call to discipleship is what a lot of Christians want, but don’t even know it! I think I’d have answered that altar call. A sort of 2 Cor.5 call to be reconciled to God. I think it’s amazing that those words were written to born again ones.
The parable of the sower and the seed has been a big topic of discussion in our church this month...that message NEVER gets old! ♥️Again-here I am with lots of words! Haha Thanks for making me think:)
Sounds like a real adventure. I'm in Texas and I think dressing this sort of event up in Texas themed clothing would really land with men here too.
The activities around it like sport, wrestling lessons, quad biking etc really help people build community and feel connected. Texas would love it!
This is a very thoughtful and accurate review – if you felt inspired by it, Justin, it would be well worth contacting CVM (Christian Vision For Men) to tap into their experiences. There are CVM groups already in countries other than the UK, so I’d encourage you to find out more at least by signing up to their email updates or visiting their website to look at the wonderful resources available. I’m sure the leadership would be happy to chat
https://www.cvm.org.uk/
I was that chicken that spit up a fight lol lol
Somebody needed to!
I think alter calls are an important part of ministry. They give an opportunity to make a personal statement before God and our fellows. I responded to an alter call as a boy in a childrens meeting, ok we were not asked to walk out to the front but were asked to leave the 'big tent' with the crowd and then come straight back in again if we wanted to 'give our life to Jesus' I could not wait to get back in, I did not understand all about what 'being a christian' meant. That has been and still is my journey of faith, what I did know is that Jesus died for me, even me, I wasn't a 'bad' boy but I knew even then my sins (whatever they were) were forgiven, and that my name was from that moment written in the lambs book of life. I'm glad I 'went forward' and responded that day. There have been times when satan has whispered 'your not a christian' you are no good, I turn and remind him of the day I trusted in Christ. What a blessed day.
I was also at TG23. You are right it seems 'bonkers' but it is a good bonkers, God by his Holy Spirit moving in mens lives, role on TG24, can't wait.
It’s amazing to hear the long term impact of the decision you made. Wonderful weekend with some bonkers bits for fun 🤩
Totally agree with everything you have written brother, like you I was a first time at the Gathering but I served with the stewards. They were a great bunch of brothers who were very supportive.
I had the privilege of praying with some of those who went forward Saturday night including my grandson.
To say thank you to all the organisers does not seem enough.
That’s amazing that you went to serve. I can’t imagine what it must have felt like to see your grandson come forward to make a choice to follow Jesus!
Hope he stops being shellfish!. Show stopping one-liner.
I love an appeal. The 7 step appreciation of The Gathering is an excellent appraisal of it and appeals generally.
Nick Gumbel describes supernatural new birth as similar to natural birth in that it is a (9 month) process and a sudden event.
Appeals and Parallel go very well together.
Excellent comment!
I too believe appeals done well are an excellent part of the discipleship process.
I think that altar calls have their place, but I so agree with everything you said. ABCs first:) ! Altar calls with altered lives-yes! So good.♥️
Usually I associate altar calls with a lot of hype and emotionalism, but certainly many people must have come to Christ that way. Like you said, it depends on the message, 100%! Otherwise it’s like saying to someone on the street, “Do you believe me?” And then giving them no other words:) haha
I was saved when I was a very small child, not remembering a time I didn’t believe in Jesus Christ-but was in the category of not knowing the truth. (Like in I Timothy 2:4) Just kind of drifting from Sunday to Sunday and hoping I was doing alright, without real leadership to live for God. Maybe a call to discipleship is what a lot of Christians want, but don’t even know it! I think I’d have answered that altar call. A sort of 2 Cor.5 call to be reconciled to God. I think it’s amazing that those words were written to born again ones.
The parable of the sower and the seed has been a big topic of discussion in our church this month...that message NEVER gets old! ♥️Again-here I am with lots of words! Haha Thanks for making me think:)