Counselors are important during revival services, but equipped counselors are essential. This guide will assist your church in training decision counselors to help those who come forward during the invitation time.
Who should be a counselor?
Guidelines for counselors:
We shouldn’t make assumptions about a person’s salvation. I always ask what D.L. Moody asked, “If you were to die tonight where would spend eternity?” The person will answer in one of three ways:
In most cases, I lead people through the sinner’s prayer just before the invitation time. When they come forward you may ask, “Did you pray to receive Jesus tonight?” If they answer “Yes”, then confirm their decision using the Romans Road to Salvation approach provided in this material. The Romans Road is a tool that helps counselors explain God’s plan of salvation.
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
It’s important to understand that we are not the Holy Spirit! Always allow Scripture to confirm why someone is responding during the invitation – whether they need salvation or assurance of a prior decision for Christ.
First, go over what the Bible says regarding salvation:
And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21)
Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. (John 6:37)
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13)
Say, “Have you ever sincerely asked God to save you from your sin?” If the person affirms that he or she has, then ask, “According to the Word of God, do you believe that He did?” Again, if the individual acknowledges faith in God according to His Word then His Spirit will bear witness within that person’s spirit that they are saved. If there is still uncertainty, however, then use the Romans Road to guide the individual to place his or her trust in Christ Jesus.
People often struggle with doubt or despair, even though they have previously placed their faith in Christ. In that case, ask if there is any sin of which they need to repent. Things such as bitterness, resentment, gossip, an unforgiving spirit, or divisive behavior can cause a person to doubt that he or she is really a Christian. Explain that being a follower of Jesus Christ doesn’t mean they will never sin again, but that known sin should be confessed quickly. God has provided a way to cleanse us from daily sin, just as a bar of soap cleans us physically:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
Again, ask if he or she believes God’s Word, then help the person to confess any known sin to the Lord in prayer.
Your church may already use a specific gospel tract or have material in place for counselors. If you do not, however, I encourage you to order materials such as Billy Graham’s, Steps to Peace with God, or the Four Spiritual Laws tract. It can be helpful for new Christians to have something in their hands that they can refer back to in the days that follow.
No matter what material you use, make sure that it points to what God’s Word says regarding salvation and faith in Jesus Christ.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10b)
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)
…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9,10)
Many counselors will memorize the Romans Road but we should also recognize that it can be intimidating for some. Using the Romans Road can be effortless by simply creating a map, of sorts. Start by writing the first verse (Romans 3:23) in the opening cover of your Bible. Then, after each verse, write the address of the next verse in the margin. Following your “map” of the Romans Road will keep your focus on the person you are counseling with and off of your ability to remember it in the urgency of the moment.
People often come forward during the invitation because they are broken over the unbelief of a family member or close friend, dealing with a hurt, or grieving over a death. Take time to listen then pray with them. Use the person’s name as you pray, whenever possible. Calling on the Lord on their behalf is powerful.
Name
Address
Email and phone number
Church membership (if applicable)
Decision made: Salvation, Assurance, prayer need, repentance/restoration.
Name of counselor
Connect with other believers on a more personal level
Someone if more likely to notice when they are not there due to illness, travel, or a family crisis
Creates a sense of community as they “do life” together
Spiritual accountability