The invitation system…encourages people to make a response that “settles things” and, through subsequent counseling, to never doubt that decision. Anyone who is involved in personal evangelism can share countless examples of persons who, though presently living in gross sin, will nonetheless tell the evangelist that they are fine because they “made a decision for Christ” a certain number of years ago. They have never had any change in their life; they have no interest in the church, the Bible, or even God. But they have made their “decision.” Can we not see how dangerous such a system is to the souls of men?
— Jim Ehrhard (b. 1954), Pastor, Theologe und Autor
Topics: Church & Congregation, Witness & Mission, Guilt & Forgiveness
Occasions: For Reflection
Jim Ehrhard
Jim Ehrhard (* 1954) ist ein US-amerikanischer Theologe und reformierter Baptistenpastor, der als Gemeindeleiter sowie in der theologischen Ausbildung in den USA und Osteuropa wirkte. Bekanntheit erlangte er durch kirchenhistorische Studien sowie seine Kritik an methodischen Bekehrungsaufrufen wie dem „Altar Call“, die er als Verkürzung biblischer Buße und Gefahr trügerischer Heilsgewissheit beschrieb. Für Bibelleser bieten seine Arbeiten Impulse, das Wesen rettenden Glaubens und der Gnade anhand reformatorischer und puritanischer Theologie zu reflektieren.
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller
The Church is not a cultural club, but the family of Jesus.
Pope Francis
The Bible in the pulpit must never supersede the Bible at home.
John Charles Ryle
In essential unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all this charity.
Rupertus Meldenius
Henry Ward Beecher
Philip Yancey
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
In a congregation, every person must be able to be as their heart truly is.
Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf