Neal Pollard
While delivering and having the invitation is an expedient rather than obedience to a specific command, it seems a very wise and judicial custom. If someone has heard the gospel preached and the plan of salvation delivered, they may never be more inclined to obey than in the moments directly following the invitation delivered. Whether we are talking about members responding to ask for prayers or confessing sin struggles or a lost sinner expressing a desire to be baptized, the invitation is a vital moment of decision for several at any given service. Perhaps because it is such a “fixture” in our services, occurring at the end of each lesson, it can make us, individually and as a whole congregation, lax about how we should behave leading up to and during the invitation and the “invitation song.” Consider some suggested advice for “invitation etiquette.”
- Select an invitation song that convicts, persuades, and admonishes. Some songs do this much better than others, as evidenced by indexers efforts to list certain songs as “invitation songs.”
- Avoid the pregnant pause. The song leader who is ready to begin leading the song as soon as the preacher stops speaking helps prevents that dramatic time lapse that may be enough to break one’s train of thought who is mentally wrestling with the decision to respond.
- Avoid the rack rattle. As listeners who are thoughtful of one another (including those deliberating over whether or not to respond), let us be careful not to drown out one’s thoughts by pulling out our songbooks as we anticipate the preacher “winding down” his sermon. Most of us know most of the songs well enough that we probably don’t need the songbook for the first line anyway. It is a courtesy to the preacher and potential responders when we refrain from the racket of pulling out the songbook as the invitation is offered. If you must get the songbook ready while the preaching is still going, go the extra mile to remove it without making any noise!
- Moving lips should be singing. The invitation or the song that follows it is not the most ideal to handle logistics, further worship planning, and similar discussions. Who knows but that we may be carrying on some conversation in such a way as completely distracts one who might have been readying to respond? If a dialogue with someone is necessary, why not discreetly excuse yourself and the other person to some place outside the auditorium, if possible?
- Be prayerful. How powerful would it be if all present not intending or needing to respond were in prayer for anyone who might be wrestling with that decision? Satan is looking for any obstacle or scheme (cf. 2 Co. 2:11) that will keep someone away from Jesus. By silently praying for these ones as we sing, who knows what impact will be made in this matter?
Perhaps there are other “etiquette tips” that could be added. Certainly, the preacher should give thought and preparation to that final part of his sermon, emphasizing urgency and eternity. He should not make false promises of concluding a sermon without “keeping his word.” With that, let the rest of us consider how we can partner together with him to make each invitation as impacting and effective as possible.
The Preacher Pollard Blog 
I would add, avoid the “unnecessary exit”. That is, no one should unnecessarily exit the auditorium (whether it be children going to the restroom, or others for whatever reason) during the invitation itself or the invitation song. Some do it routinely. An unnecessary exit should be avoided at all costs due to distractions. Besides, it can come across as inconsiderate and impolite. There are emergencies, of course, but there are also times to take care of things.
Great addition to the list, brother. Harmful for the same reasons. Good point. Thanks for reading.
Great article, Neal! I would like to just add variations on a theme. People playing with babies or children are a distraction at ALL times and shows that the mind is not engaged in spiritual things (Rom. 8:5). Also, any activity that amounts to “getting ready to go” is simply inappropriate.
Great words on a much overlooked subject. Thanks again, Neal!
Good insight, Kevin. I’m with you on that and believe you are astute in your reasons why.
God bless, brother.
Neal
Neal, I cannot re-write my post but really appreciate the whole of your article and this discussion. Some who do the “distracting things” may be hit-and-miss Christians (thus, out of tune with the Lord in general), and others may be visitors who do not know how to behave. But for those who should know better, what message is being sent to visitors who truly are looking for a spiritually- minded church? It really slides right into the way we look at “assembly etiquette” in general. My parents used to make us go to the restroom between assemblies and behave with due respect for God and for others trying be close to Him. It has made a difference in the way I have looked at the assemblies all my life.
Amen, brother! I think you are spot on and agree wholeheartedly. God bless.