The Effective Invitation: A Practical Guide for the Pastor

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

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.

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.

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.