[sheltonmac]

I think that the problem with evangelical pragmatism goes back to the 1950s, to evangelical leaders like Billy Graham. One of the problems I've had with his style of evangelism is that results are measured in terms of how many people "came forward" at one of his crusades. It was as if the parable of the sower had no significance whatsoever.

[drstevej]

Actually I have been through the counselor training for a Graham Crusade and served as a Counselor Supervisor in the Atlanta Crusade (many) years back.

We were told not to presume that those walking forward were doing so because they were desirous of trusting Christ. We were trained how to interview those coming forward to discern what their need was and to minister to that need. As a supervisor my job was to listen in on these discussions and help with more complicated issues or questions.

I also was asked to look out for cult members who would walk forward and try to influence others walking forward. I broke up several of these situations.

Those who respond to the message are followed up by local churches.

I can offer many points of criticism to the process, but I think your summary needed some further explanation.

BTW, my "favorite" evangelist was George Whitefield.

[TomSmedley]

One of the problems I've had with his style of evangelism is that results are measured in terms of how many people "came forward" at one of his crusades. It was as if the parable of the sower had no significance whatsoever.

Give the BGEA credit where it's due. They have kept statistics on the results of their "crusades" over the decades, and inform us that 4% of those who "make a decision for Christ" actually become active Christians. This would indicate that the "crusade evangelism" approach -- inducing conversions through various techniques of emotional manipulation -- has a 96% defect rate. People have some kind of experience induced by the event, which fails to last too far beyond the event that created the experience.

I have a personal conviction against responding to altar calls.