I wasn’t raised Baptist but we joined a new Baptist church that is STRONGLY Reformed/Calvinist. Not 5 point Calvinist. Good Biblical exegesis. My husband and I differ from such a completely narrow version of election but we have grown and they put up with us. Now, my pastor is really in to SBC politics and is getting his PhD from Southern Seminary, used to work for Albert Mohler. Last night at small group they mentioned this very topic and the debate is STRONG over this new “idea” and the traditionalists like my pastor who is Reformed does NOT agree with the “new” idea.
I realize more and more that we have to keep guard for what the Bible says because men start to think and then their thinking becomes eminent in their own minds.
Our church is very mission minded and in action. NO altar call but people are pointed to the need for Jesus. I love our church but I see contradictions with having no way but Reformed. Sometimes I bring them up. I think they pity my husband and I because we haven’t read the right theologians. LOL It is mostly ok but sometimes exhausting. I don’t want to read theology even though I recognize the strong importance of sound doctrine. I just don’t believe what men write is any more sound than God’s word.
Alter calls are not relly a Christian concept.
Nor are alters.
Nor is tithing.
i.e. i personally don’t fault your church for not doing alter calls. I’m sure that puts your mind at ease. :-)