The Invitation System

by Iain H. Murray

Should preachers ask for a public response in evangelistic meetings?

Genres: Theology, Evangelism, Nonfiction, History, Christian, Christianity, Ecclesiology

39 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1967

About the author

Iain Hamish Murray is a British pastor and author. He was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham before entering ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956–59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961–69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney, Australia, (1981–84). In 1957 he and Jack Cullum founded the Reformed publishing house, the Banner of Truth Trust, of which he continues to serve as a trustee.

Reviews

[David Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful little 50-year old book that could not be more relevant today.

[Ryan Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This booklet was written in 1967 and is a critique of what he calls “the invitation system” in evangelism. What Murray means by this is altar calls and inviting people to come forward and pray a prayer. I read it because after reading Naselli’s *No Quick Fix*, I wanted to see a little more in the history of altar calls.

In the booklet, Murray addresses the idea of altar calls from three angles. First, biblically. Second, psychologically. Third, concerning its visual effects. In each of these, I think he does a superb job giving wisdom and discernment on the issue.

Throughout the booklet, his main example is Billy Graham. He admits there are many more, but he chooses Graham because he was the most popular proponent of the movement. Murray does a good job not being overly critical and harsh of Graham, but pointing out areas in his invitation system that can lead to error and confusion.

That was the short booklet/essay. It was well organized and argued.

But to my surprise, what was the best part of the book was the last 10 pages or so of quotes from various preachers/teachers from the past that applied to the subject. In here were some excellent quotes from Puritans, Spurgeon, Lloyd Jones and more that all applied to the idea of the altar call. Even if someone is more lenient toward the altar call and invitation system than Murray is, I still encourage them to read his essay, and especially read the quotes from these men that almost everyone respects.

Overall, I agreed with most of what Murray said, although I wish he fleshed it out more in a longer work. The booklet was not only a helpful tool in discernment, but helped me understand more of what was going on at the crusades and invitations.

[Michael Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why read a book about the altar call or as Murray calls it, the invitation system? Why even debate about the methodology? These are questions one might ask of Murray's book, published in 1967. It may be surprising to some but the topic has much relevance today. Growing up with the altar call myself, it was really interesting to look at Bill Graham's defense for why one should use an altar call. Murray addresses Graham's defense and exposes it to show that the scriptural evidence is lacking at best.

"The altar call is based on the assumption that coming to the front is tantamount to, if not identical with coming to Christ."

Perhaps the most pressing question Murray answers is: What relation does 'coming forward' have to do with 'receiving Christ?' Along with this, what role does the Spirit have in regeneration?

I'd encourage anyone in ministry to pick up this book. Especially friends who may practice an altar call at the end of their services.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murray here in this little booklet gives a quick critique of the pitfalls of the invitation system that has been popular in American evangelicalism. It was used repeatedly in the Graham crusades and as a result, gained far greater prominence and acceptance. Murray examines the Scriptural basis of the practice, and its tendency to distort one's understanding of the Gospel. He offers a quick, easy, but insightful read. I recommend it highly.

[Michael Locklear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This pamphlet was written in 1967 during the prominent days of the Billy Graham Crusades. The writer, Iain Murray gives some insight into ways an “invitation” can be problematic for the true conversion of an unbeliever.

[Grant Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little booklet should be required reading for every person who engages in public ministry. The confusion surrounding how to evangelize continues to plague many and result in destructive practices.

[Nikita Demyanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great critique of the unbiblical “invitation system” and debunking popular defenses of it. Quick read

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good critique, still relevant

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though brief, Murray’s exploration of the invitation system (most popularly utilized by the Billy Graham Crusades of the late 20th century), provides a variety of thought-provoking material to digest. Although many churches assume that times of visible response have always been included at the end of worship services, this is a relatively new phenomenon, and one that Murray fears may cause more harm than good. He makes a compelling argument, and reaches some highly important conclusions.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good critique

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! Excellent!

[Bob Ladwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice essay on the aisle walking for salvation revivalist methodology. A rebuke to Billy Graham in a kind fashion.

[Chris Comis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid Murrayisms in this one.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good little work. A short but kind Biblical critique of the walk-down-the-aisle-for-salvation approach to evangelism.

[Nathan Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least in this reader's experience, this is a little known monograph. That should be remedied, however, as this counter to Finney-esque altar calls is in significant need of reconsideration from Scripture, psychology and experience. Iain Murray, co-founder of Banner of Truth Trust, does an admirable and thorough job, not only of considering the practice himself, but also of rounding up pertinent quotes from a bevy of Puritan stalwarts and their descendants.