What is a “decision for Christ?”

Billy Graham said on David Frost’s PBS show in the 1990’s that he believed only 25% of the “decisions for Christ” happening at his crusades actually resulted in people being born again. Does that shock you? On large evangelical denomination reported 384,057 baptisms in 1995. Yet the following year, only 6% could be accounted for. How do we deal with that?

I grew up on “altar calls” and “making a decision for Christ”. That language is still used. However, what does it mean? Quite honestly, it is hard to actually define the term, especially regarding what it might actually mean for our practical lives. In doing so are we separating salvation and sanctification, making them two distinct decisions?

Is the decision purely intellectual? If so what are the implications for our Faith and for living?
Is it emotional? If so what are the implications for our Faith and for living?
Is it holistic, encompassing both intellect and emotions?
What does it consist of? What is its content?

I would love your thoughts on this.

David has been a systems thinker most of his life. He has started three businesses as well as designed and developed systems and processes in existing organizations. He has a Doctorate in Leadership and has also done additional post-graduate work in communications.

He has also pastored 3 churches and loves to think about, write about and podcast about scripture, theology, and leadership.

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