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The Effective Invitation: A Practical Guide for the Pastor

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In these days of shallow preaching and easy believism, "The Effective Invitation has taught me to preach the Word in an uncompromising fashion and yet it has shown me the urgent need of the call to all to repentance and faith. Biblically and evangelistically this book is rock solid, and it is a well-rounded approach to evangelism and evangelistic preaching that will bless you tremendously. I look forward to reading it again and again along with the workbook.
This book is not a book that can or should be read only once. "The Effective Invitation" is a book that's not meant to be put on a shelf to flex ones intellectual muscle, but one that should be found on the desk, coffee table or some where sermon preparations are done. It's a book designed for the lay person, Pastor, Evangelist or anyone who is serious about the Word of God and how to deliver an effective call for sinners to Repent and Trust Christ through the proclamation, preaching, or heralding of His Word.
Without this book I would still be preaching a half-empty gospel. It is like putting a puzzle together and missing a piece. Some might say "it's no big deal" or others might say "Oh, well". But to me it never seemed complete. You see my preaching seemed to be missing something (just like the puzzle) until I found the missing piece in "The Effective Invitation".
This book has also shown me the need to have a message with an invitation and music that flows together in one accord. It has given me the necessary tools to be able to prepare, put together and deliver an effective evangelistic message. It proves this point through the use of Historical, Theological, and Biblical bases. It has shown me that it's not through the words of man but from the very Word of God is the call issued for the sinner to repent and believe in Christ and Him alone to save them.
The book also covers the invitation from A to Z which is the best method especially in these fast paced, hectic times we as minister are living in. Again it has shown me that I don't draw the people to repent and trust but that it is the role of The Holy Spirit to convict and draw.
This book has caused me to examine the reasons, moods, and methods of other preachers as wells as mine to have people walk the aisle. Also it has shown me how to deal with those who down play or even deny the need for an invitation and its biblical roots. May the Lord bless you as He has me through this book.

This is a review of the book entitled The Effective Invitation. A Practical Guide for the Pastor. It is an updated edition, published in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Kregel Publications; who copyrighted the material in 1884 and 2004. It includes eleven chapters in addition to a short introduction and preface. It also has an appendix of invitational hymns; notes; bibliography and an index.
Overall, this book is a defense of the invitation that also is instructive about ways that the invitation has been used in history. One topic throughout the book was introduced by Robert E. Coleman, Ph.D.; in the introduction: "One cannot hear a clear presentation of Scripture and remain indifferent." The main idea all throughout the earlier part of the book is to explain the need for an invitation; as if there are those who argue against one. I personally considered the invitation neutral ground before I read the book because I have friends who are Plymouth Brethren and follow much of Lewis Sperry Chafer's theology concerning the invitation. I have not wholeheartedly agreed with them; but also have not considered a solid theology concerning the invitation. Before I comment further on that, I will complete a chapter review and explain what I learned from the book.
Chapter one and two discuss the origin and meaning of words related to the invitation and a theology; which is primarily related to repentance and faith. The author ties proclamation and appeal together; a tie which the author feels should not be separated. The author attempts to explain the tying together by saying that one would not present the crucifixion apart from the resurrection; nor would one present Christ without presenting his person, therefore why would one proclaim the gospel without thinking about the response to it? The point is also made that the very nature of the gospel is to ask for an answer to it. "The invitation is that act by which the preacher of the gospel exhorts his hearers and instructs them how to appropriate the content of the kerygma in their individual lives. Any sermon that does not include an invitation as well as a proclamation is not New Testament-style preaching." In chapter two, there is an interesting discussion of biblical repentance and faith. My Brethren friends would probably say that repentance is for the Jews because they are the ones who actually crucified our Lord; and additionally, most of the references in Scripture to repentance are addressed specifically to the Jews. In example, Peter's preaching in Acts 2. I personally do not feel the need to follow a theological system that would exclude any portion of Scripture from applying to my own life. Certainly, there were Jews that crucified Jesus; but do I find myself any less responsible for that act? The answer to that rhetorical question is no! And repentance does not have to apply to any one action; but to a simple changing of mind. I found the author's analysis in chapter two helpful: "When issuing a gospel presentation, the preacher has two options. First, .... call upon his listeners simply to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ." .... it is essential that he clearly explain the full nature of saving faith. Or second, .... call his listeners to conversion by outlining the two steps of repentance and faith individually, defining each more narrowly." The verse that really solidified what I believe about repentance; and therefore had me agreeing with the author was Romans 2:4. It says, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?"
In the third chapter, the author continues with a defense of the invitation by citing the origins of it. He goes back to biblical passages that describe a proclamation of God's word and how it was responded to. I think that some would question whether the invitation has such a history because of their assertions that it began relatively late in history with preachers like Charles Finney. Some of the most compelling evidence against that idea is Jesus' public invitation of people from many walks of life.
The fourth chapter exemplifies a defense of historical invitations by discussing evangelism before and after the Reformation period. He also discusses the Great Awakening, the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; as well as particular groups that had an influence on the invitation. Of particular interest was the writer's mention of Luis Palau. Luis had a strong Plymouth Brethren background, which "told him that public invitations spoke only to man's emotions, not his heart and soul." He explains how Palau later felt free to make such invitations. The author also addresses Lewis Sperry Chafer's concerns about the invitation; in which he simply notes Chafer's objections and approach to invitations.
After explaining a history of invitations; which I found more necessary than interesting, the author devoted all of chapter five to William Franklin Graham. Much of the chapter is about how Billy Graham began his ministry and the many techniques of invitation that he used. At one point, he let people indicate decisions with heads bowed and eyes closed; yet at other points he urged coming forward in front of everybody. There was a time in his ministry that he even had invitations before the message. At various points throughout the book the author expands on how different ministers of the gospel used invitation. Because I am invited to speak frequently at a Plymouth Brethren church and I want to be invited back, I have an invitation; but more in line with an anonymous decision. I made a bold move last time I spoke because I held both an invitation and also spoke of repentance; which was stepping out beyond their typical way of theology and service. Generally, they want to say "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" and not have any word about repentance because of the nature of salvation being a gift. It appears that they think repentance is some kind of work you have to do to be saved. Anyway, I used Romans 2:4 as I taught that we should not neglect the mercies of God as a motivation to be a living sacrifice, nor should we neglect them as motivation to repent.
Chapter six and seven are both chapters in defense of the invitation. The first answers the critics concerning it; and the second gives reasons why we should extend an invitation. The pages spent on the objections from Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones are somewhat helpful; but are a little unclear about what his personal stance really is. But, they help a bit in discussing what might be some issues. One of the most compelling concerns in the chapter is a quote from Billy Graham; in which he questions objections to an public invitation. He said, "if it is right to ask a single sinner to repent and receive the Lord Jesus Christ, why is it not right to ask a whole audience to do the same?" In chapter seven; I also had to be sympathetic with the argument that we damage people's lives by offering the truth; and then not allowing them to make a decision concerning it. The quote is: "Nothing is more cruel and damaging than to disturb people religiously, make them ready for a decision, and then fail to give an invitation to register the decision." Certainly, it's like giving an individual hope for change and then asking them to stay the way they are.
Having never really been trained in how to perform an invitation; I found the eighth chapter of the book the most helpful. It outlines considerations when giving an invitation. "The ideal conclusion serves three primary purposes. .... it effectively brings the sermon to a close. .... it applies truth of the message to the lives of the listeners. .... the conclusion calls upon hearers to take an immediate action in response to the truth presented." I found all of these helpful because when I was proofreading my sermon manuscript because I did not have to emphasize things in my conclusion that could be addressed in the invitation. In other words, it helped me consider how my invitation could be all of, or part of my conclusion. Certainly, it calls those in the audience to take a real look at how they would practice God's word in their lives. Finally, it was an amazing blessing to me personally because I felt that I was actually sharing Christ as opposed to just giving a message about Christ. I found in this chapter an offering of excellent guidance in how to offer an invitation!
Chapter nine was somewhat helpful as it discussed ways that people could respond to an invitation. Would they respond immediately, or would they respond in a class following the service? Maybe it could be a private thing that is only revealed to the Pastor? I did not like the delayed options; and the author gives reasons why those may not be good options. Generally, he gives the pros and cons of each method of invitation and gives examples; such as baptism being a way of invitation.
Chapters ten and eleven discuss music in the invitation and evangelism for children. The first discusses how music has been used by evangelists throughout history to invite people to Christ. The second discusses considerations of teaching children the gospel and their understanding of biblical theology in their salvation. I recently used a hymn as closing for one of my sermons; and music helps with the tone of a decision-making time.
Appendices are included that may be helpful for some as they search for illustrations concerning repentance and faith; some motivating themes for invitation; and music selections. There is another appendix that I found helpful entitled: "Reformed Objections to the Invitation Considered" because of the objections that I have been considering. The Brethren that I am speaking to are Calvinistic; yet they are strong for choice. This is interesting because they would argue against repentance saying that only God can change the heart; but then also would argue for "whosoever will," and finally argue against an invitation? It all seems inconsistent to me. One of the main points that stood out here was "the outer call is the work of the evangelist, the inner call is the work of the Spirit (John 6:37)." Overall, I found this appendix helpful in explaining the objections that both Reformed and Brethren have because of the supporting information that the book details. Because of dispensationalist theology; I would have hoped that the writer would have used more supporting verses concerning repentance from Paul as opposed to historical-scriptural addresses to the Jews. Most heavy dispensationalists would place more stock in words from Paul to Gentiles than they would from Peter to Jews (at least this has been my experience). My point is: in playing the advocate, can I answer their objections by using their own theology to say that an invitation is not something to object to. Anyway, the most compelling evidence against their idea is the fact that Paul certainly does seem to teach repentance. I do believe that God is the one who changes a heart, so I think that repentance comes as a result of God working in an individual; but I do not find any reason why that precludes an invitation. In fact, I have found the invitation, if one of many things; to be a great blessing for the one giving it.

Of all the books I've read, none has impacted my evangelistic ministry more than THE EFFECTIVE INVITATION. After I read the last page, I turned back to the front to read the book again. If you are a pastor, evangelist, teacher, or a soul winner, this book will be a tremendous help to your understanding of the gospel message and how to give a biblical invitation.

In recent days the evangelistic public invitation has come under heavy fire on many fronts. In some cases the criticism is well deserved because of public invitations that attempt to manipulate spiritual seekers. As such, many evangelists have retreated from calling people to a public commitment to Christ. "The Effective Invitation" by Dr. R. Alan Streett provides a powerful apologetic and a practical guide for a return to the public invitation. In this 252-page volume, the gospel message is clearly outlined, and an outstanding explanation of repentance and saving faith is provided.

The author presents the Biblical and historic precedents for the public invitation, followed by a fascinating chapter chronicling Billy Graham's use of the invitation. Streett answers the critics and presents the pertinent reasons for extending an evangelistic call. Finally, he examines the "how to's" of preparing and delivering an authentic and effective public invitation. This includes an assessment of the various models used to invite people to make a decision. The book concludes with sections on the use of music (somewhat dated) during the invitation and insights into the particular sensitivities required when inviting children to Christ.

"The Effective Invitation" is concise, persuasive, and practical. I'm aware of no better book on the subject. I highly recommend it to any pastor or evangelist who desires to see people come to Christ through the public invitation.

This little paperback authored by Dr. Alan Streett has enhanced my working knowledge of the importance of the Gospel presentation, it's delivery and the means for invitating one to receive Christ. Dr. Streett appears to have used all of his expertise as a pastor, evangelist and professor to make this book clear and concise. It is easy reading with distinctive guidelines that can be implemented easily. This book outlines the 'dos and don'ts' for an effective invitation from the introduction of the sermon to the last word of the final prayer. Dr. Streett gives precise creative methods that can be used in many different settings. The material is doctrinally sound and enegetic in it's delivery. This book is a must for all Christians. Recently, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Streett teach on the subject of the importance of the invitation and his sense of humor can readily be seen throughout the pages of the book. He is a hero of the Gospel equal to Paul and this book clearly defines his courage in a world that fears man's response rather than the will of God. I would even venture to say that to hear Dr. Streett deliver the message of Christ, makes the book even more impressive.

I purchased Dr. Street's book out of curiousity of what the author would write to defend the evangelical method of altar calls and the ever so popular sinner's prayer. Sadly, the book lacks any serious theological treatment of salvation and completely ignores the sovereignty of God in salvation.

The book seeks to be a guide both to evangelists and pastors to how to deliever an "effective" invitation (emphasis on numbers being the key word for effective.) Dr. Street should have rightly named this book, "The Effective Manipulation Methods" and then traced the poor theology of Charles Finney right down to Billy Graham. While Dr. Street does try to answer his critics (such as Martin Llyod-Jones) he never truly gives any answers but simply lists Llyod-Jones' nine reasons not to give an altar call and never gives any biblical reason we should do so.

Dr. Street works from a Baptist theology that ignores election and the work of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44; Acts 14:48) and places the emphasis on man (both pastors and hearers). He cites not one biblical example of an actual altar call or genuine invitation but uses various Scriptures out of context to try to make his point. He also gives justification to the sinner's prayer method although he never deals with any Scriptures concerning this matter (since there are none I would expect him to do so).

Overall, unless you are an Arminian in your evangelistic approach, then I would not encourage you to purchase this book. It offers nothing in the means of theological content. You would be better to read Iain Murray's book THE INVITATION SYSTEM or John MacArthur's ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS, or HARD TO BELIEVE.