ALTAR COUNSELOR'S GUIDE

IntroductionServing as an altar counselor can be an exciting and rewarding spiritual experience: Youhave the opportunity to "reap" spiritual fruit for the Kingdom of God. As a ministershares God's Word, he is actually "sowing" it in the hearts of those who listen. At theconclusion of the service when he provides opportunity for listeners to respond to hischallenge, a great spiritual "harvest" is ready to be reaped. As an altar worker, you serveas a counselor to those who respond to the altar call made by the minister. You areworking with the minister to "reap" the spiritual fruit of men, women, boys, and girls whohave received and acted upon the Word of God.The majority of altar calls usually concern:TYPES OF ALTAR CALLSSalvation:Baptism of the Holy Spirit:Commitment:Healing:Deliverance:A call for those who need to repent from theirsins and be born-again.A call for those who want to receive the baptismof the Holy Spirit.General calls for those who want to recommittheir lives, desire a deeper walk with the LordJesus Christ, missionary appeals, etc.An appeal for those who need physical, mental,or emotional healing.An appeal for those needing deliverance fromaddictive substances, from depression, fear,anger, bitterness, other works of the flesh,demonic influences, etc.THE ALTAR COUNSELOR'S ROLEAfter an appeal has been made, workers are needed to pray individually with those whorespond to the call. This is the role of the altar counselor--to draw along side of someonewho has responded to the altar call and minister to them. The purpose of this training isto prepare you to be an effective altar counselor and work cooperatively with the pastoralstaff.1