Sam Fordham: Welcome back everybody to Ask Dr. Fordham bonus episode, which is on the book I Have Decided. And working through this book, which is a guide to help explain what a decision advisor or altar assistant used to call them decision counselors, but what that is and what that looks like and how that works. And so we're back in the third installment of this bunch of podcasts and again the book I have decided by Keith Fordham and that's the the paperback copy is the blue version and then if you buy it on Kindle it'll have that other cover on it. But both of those are available of course at Amazon dot com as well as Keith's other books. But we want to also ask you if you can please like, subscribe, comment helps get this out in the algorithms and make other people aware that it exists. So we're gonna come back though now to the study and when you get right with God, Manley Beasley said, you will have to backslide to keep from winning souls. It ought to be the the normal activity of a Christian to bring other people to Christ. That's the that's the the impetus behind that. That's that is the theory and the thought. And again, there's no greater greater opportunity for getting to see that happen and getting to see it happen effectively than in a service, whether that's a revival service, a regular church service, a youth rally, children's rally, whatever the case may be, but we want to make sure that people know what they're doing, what their decision is. if they're ready to make the decision. And so we went back into the book. We looked at some of the first steps and the importance of being a decision advisor is kind of where we'll pick up the decision advisor spiritual preparation, the decision advising material and area. Then we'll look at the actual procedure, what needs to happen before, during the invitation and then as you are able to speak with someone, the advice session, and then after that session, what needs to happen, and then of course, follow through some suggestions for that and what it means to extend the right hand of Christian fellowship. And so we begin with the importance of a decision advisor, what what it means to be a decision advisor. And last time we showed a picture there of of a person standing on a on a raised rock podium or platform with a book in their hand and the light shining from it and a it looks like a man there holding the hand of maybe a younger person or child and leading them through the fog and darkness. And so the decision advisor brings people out of the fog of sin into the light of the Lord Jesus Christ. That's what the the purpose is, the hope is. that's what we're trying to do. And so serving as a decision advisor is a tremendous responsibility. And in the book there, Keith, you talk about that responsibility and that the eternal destiny of the inquirer is at stake. we're talking about souls. Keith Fordham: You know, so many times, so many times people have come forward through the years and been under conviction and then not been dealt with or advised and just said, sit on the front pew and fill out a card. Well, they never were saved. And I can't tell you how many hundreds, if not thousands I've seen come and say that when I was younger, even some adults, when I was a young adult, I came and nobody, dealt with me and I thought I was a Christian because I followed through in baptism and got active in church but I never personally met the Lord because nobody ever told me that I needed to do that. Sam Fordham: It's it seems like that has to do and and we'll talk we'll talk more about it, I think, in just a few minutes, with Keith Fordham: Okay. Sam Fordham: don't don't assume that the person you're talking to has the same understanding that you have. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: you know, we we think in in church terms and biblical terms, and there sometimes are people responding that have no background in the church. Nothing in nothing in scripture, and so it is a huge responsibility. It's also a tremendous privilege you have the joy of showing each person, each inquirer, how the Savior can meet their needs. And so that's a it is a a humbling thought to think the God of the universe has asked you to help to help meet that need and help be a representative. And that goes on to say it's a tremendous repre representation. You're representing Jesus, you're representing the gospel, you're representing the church. and so it's yeah. Keith Fordham: You've been an ambassador, an ambassador for Christ. Sam Fordham: Absolutely. And then a tremendous service. the decision advisor frees the pastor to receive anybody that's coming and Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: and to briefly be able to speak with them, but then to be able to take that person and give them to a competent, a competent, loving Christian and say, All right, Christian, help this person finish this decision, help help them to see through the darkness. and to know what they need to do today. and that permits the pastor to be able to continue receiving people and serving others. and then it's also a tremendous burden. Many inquirers speak about things from their past, their present and their future that are not fit for public consumption. because you're talking about sins, you're talking about things in their life that could be embarrassing, damaging, hurtful. And and so you ha you have to be confidential because that even though you may not be a minister, you are you are helping act in that role and they're trusting you, so you need to keep that keep that in mind. So decision advisor helps to provide a better opportunity for individuals to respond right now to what God may be doing in each life. And we don't want to miss the opportunity. you know, you think about I I've looked and and played around a little bit with blacksmithing and something you learned real quick in blacksmithing is the time to hit the iron or whatever you're working is right when it comes out of the fire. if you wait just a few seconds, that metal gets extremely hard extremely quickly and you'll find yourself just pounding away, wearing yourself out, having missed the great opportunity and and so really what we're doing here is is trying to be ready in the moment when somebody's heart is at at prime condition to receive God's gospel, to be sure that we don't miss that and and watch pe you know, if if somebody sees a a line Keith Fordham: That's That's a great, great illustration. Sam Fordham: of people down front talking to the pastor and they say, Well, I'm I might not get to talk to the pastor today. Keith Fordham: See ya. Sam Fordham: they're starting to cool off. You know, it's t as the kids are ready to eat. It's it you're it's cooling off. And you know, they may just wait and say, Well, I'll come next week and might not ever show up next week. They might get in a wreck and die. You just you don't know. And so we want to be ready when the time is right. So let's let's move on though and talk about the spiritual preparation. What does a decision advisor spiritually need to be ready for and ready to do? And The first thing you suggest is that they review the material. Keith Fordham: Yes, what I have found through the years, I've used 167 different tracks to lead people to Christ. The Sam Fordham: Right. Keith Fordham: tracks, I have to read them seven times so that I'm familiar with not only the scripture, but the concept of where the track writer was coming from and how that would apply best to that person listening. and wanting to be saved or wanting to understand baptism or wanting to answer the call of the ministry or wanting to get right with God because the Holy Spirit has them under conviction and they're ready to yield and so you need to be very familiar with your tools and especially the scripture verses. Sam Fordham: So you ni you need to know which end of the hammer to use. That's the Keith Fordham: That's right. Sam Fordham: and that requires a a little bit of preparation. It's not hard preparation, just Keith Fordham: No. Sam Fordham: just but again repetition and those kind of things. at the very least you need to know be familiar enough with what you're using to know where things are, where those verses are, or illustrations if you're dealing with something in particular th that that track speaks to, knowing the material. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: but more than that too is is knowing you cannot go wrong spiritually with knowing the word of God, knowing in your Bible, and I and you know, some people will use the small get in New Testaments because Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: it has and and the back cover of that you open it up and there's there are the scriptures. And so again, knowing those things and and and putting them in your heart too is not a bad thing to do. prayer. Pray. In in preparation for revival meetings, I would say probably between eighty and ninety percent of all material and all preparation is prayer, is w is what is said. Is and and there are there are many who would say that that again that that is the key. And so we want to be prayed up. And your Keith Fordham: All right. Sam Fordham: suggestions in the book are to pray for Christ to be noticeably alive in you. So that they can t I want them to see Jesus in me as we're talking. effectiveness in giving advice, that we know what to say at the right time and speak clearly, and for God's word to be at work in the advise and the inquirer's heart. Keith Fordham: more. Sam Fordham: And so also be committed spiritually, commit yourself to the Holy Spirit's leadership. you know, he told us if if not to worry, not to lean on our own devices when we go before kings and princes of the earth. I'll give you the words to say. And so Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: we need to be attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading. And to be thankful, to have a spirit of thankfulness. Thankful that you can serve God in the role of decision advisor and to anticipate the experiences of which you will be a part. you're gonna get to see great things happen. and the stories of lives changed and it's it goes beyond imagination, but again, be anticipating what God can do. And then be victorious. win the victory over any kind of discouragement before you give advice to anyone. We always joke about greeters at churches and you know, sometimes the person that signs up to be a greeter for Sunday morning at church is is bless their hearts. They just They look they look mean or they look discouraged or Keith Fordham: You Sam Fordham: they look unhappy or it's it's the last person that needs to be to be doing that or they need to fit they need to change their countenance. And there's a story and you've probably heard it before, Abraham Lincoln, a man came to him and proposed that Abraham Lincoln appoint a certain person to a certain job in the government, and Abraham Lincoln responded, I don't like his face. And the the man the man who had brought this name forward said, Well, sir, a man is not responsible for how he l looks for his face. And Abraham Lincoln said, Every man over the age of forty is responsible for his face. And and we need to have a a good countenance and the countenance of victory and and and show what God's done for us. so that's the spiritual preparation and ideas there. Review, pray, commit, be thankful, and be victorious. And then we move on. Go ahead. Yes. Keith Fordham: And that verse at the bottom of that slide, if you're backing it up, the effective firm prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Let him Sam Fordham: Mm. Keith Fordham: know that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death. And how true that is. Sam Fordham: Yeah. All right. Talking about the actual advising, the material, the area, the setup. I've got here number one and and this is not directly out of the book, but I I took it and samified it. Draw your swords. each advisor should have his or her own Bible. have have one that you're familiar with. I would recommend and the older I get, the easier it is to recommend this, have one with big enough words. That people can see what it says and that they might be able to read it. Keith Fordham: You ought to see my Bible. Sam Fordham: you know, you you don't want anything that you're gonna drop and break somebody's foot if it hits on it, but Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: you do want to be able to see it and and read it clearly and understand it. And so you need to be familiar with it. the next thing is draw your pencils. You need some way of recording important information. And that's gonna be integral to follow up and those procedures is knowing who you've been talking to and how you might be able to get in contact with them again. And then the decision cards and or commitment cards or whatever they're called, they should be present. it is it is more than frustrating if you have to look here I've got somebody ready to change their life and and and get get right with God. And and Keith Fordham: Can do. Sam Fordham: I've gotta say, hold on a minute, we've got to go find the decision cards. they need to be ready, need to be on hand, they need to be filled out completely and legibly. And even though we we did training when we had that crusade meeting a few weeks ago, and and we we emphasized that, but still, you'd get a card, you'd get you'd get the name of the person that was inquiring. but you wouldn't know who talked to They didn't put their name on there. They'd put half Keith Fordham: I just... Sam Fordham: half the phone numbers, no address, and again, it's impossible to follow up if you don't have that stuff complete or legible. That's the Keith Fordham: Yes, the address and phone number. The legible part, I just taught a class Monday night. I, actually it was the second class teaching our book training counselors Sam Fordham: Yeah. Keith Fordham: at my home church. I got the list and I passed it around and said, everybody sign your name on the list so I can give it to our pastor, Paul Allen. who is in charge of family and discipleship. And I asked one of the other staff members, can you read these names? And they said, well, with difficulty. And then I said, well, which one of these names would you pick if you were a school teacher to give an oral test to because you can't Sam Fordham: Mm-hmm. Keith Fordham: read the words? And they all pointed to this one line. Nobody knew I did because I knew who the men were in the class, but the rest of them didn't even have a guess as to who it was. And so Sam Fordham: Mm-hmm. Keith Fordham: you need, some people need to be told to print and not do cursive, you know. And also Sam Fordham: Yes. Yes. Keith Fordham: the book is made so that it will fit inside of a Bible and you can carry the book and just flip through the decisions there in the book. And if it's salvation, those... two, three, four pages on salvation and baptism or whatever Sam Fordham: Gotcha. Keith Fordham: and go directly through that with the person there and just give them the book when you finish and tell her to take it home. Sam Fordham: Absolutely. And and one more thing about the decision cards, it needs to fit your church or your context or your event, Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: whatever may happen, again it helps if it makes sense as to how that information is is used. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: the area itself should be f it needs to be somewhere that is familiar. y you need to know the location, know Keith Fordham: I've lost. Sam Fordham: where it's gonna take place. if it is in the meeting hall or the sanctuary or the event arena, whatever the case is, or if it is gonna be in an adjacent room or a different building. I think Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: I think it was Nettleton he was one of the he was actually one of the Presbyterian evangelists Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: and talked about when they would have a meeting, of course they were open air out in the field, but when they Keith Fordham: Right. Sam Fordham: would give the invitation, he would ask the inquirers to come forward and then they would go into a barn or another, you know, structure to to do their decision advising. Keith Fordham: You know, when we trained people for the Billy Graham crusade there in Atlanta back in the 90s, we were told it because I taught the training. We went to special training and they said Sam Fordham: Mm-hmm. Keith Fordham: concerning the area, if you have a portion of what's in front of the preacher, you don't have enough space. You have fewer people make decisions. And I thought Sam Fordham: Mm. Keith Fordham: that was interesting. So they would have to put the folks in wheelchairs, not right up front and close because that might be three or 400 people not accept Christ because there was nowhere Sam Fordham: Mm, well yeah. Keith Fordham: for them to come. I... Sam Fordham: And that is not that is not something that people usually think about. Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: we think about seating, we're thinking about concerts and you know, plays Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: and those kind of things, but that's not the reason that we're there. We're we're there to we're there to bring people. Keith Fordham: The most difficult time I ever had was down in Colquitt, Georgia, First Baptist Church, and we had a youth night, on that particular youth night, we had a standing room only. In fact, people were standing while I preached. They had seats Sam Fordham: Right. Keith Fordham: everywhere, they had folks sitting everywhere, and we just couldn't reach. But when we gave the invitation, our plan was to send people to seven rooms that were behind the podium. Sam Fordham: Mm. Keith Fordham: The problem was, is we had so many people come and got in line that they lined up from the pastor all the way to the back door, out through the vestibule, all the way to the street, and then turned left, the line did, and it went for two Sam Fordham: Good gracious. Keith Fordham: blocks. two city blocks. And I finally said, listen, we're gonna have to go out and just call everybody in. We'll move them over to the gymnasium and we're gonna have to do group counseling Sam Fordham: Yeah. Keith Fordham: because we'll be here tomorrow morning. Those kids will need to be headed to high school and here we won't even be finished with the invitation, you know. So we had to do it, but the problem. Sam Fordham: Mm. But it but pl planning Keith Fordham: Yeah, they didn't have but one way into those seven rooms and it was the same way you came out. And so we were clogged and bottle-necked. Sam Fordham: Gotcha. Bottlenecked. Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: Gotcha. All right. Some of the other materials that a decision advisor might want to have on hand is a handbook like I have decided something that again has the material there for decisions that may need Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: to be made, or in some cases it's the follow up material you're going to be using, whether that's a tract, a booklet, this book, whatever the case may be. Keith Fordham: you Sam Fordham: And so those are some other materials that again, but you need to be familiar with them with the tool that you're using. Let's talk about the procedure. and start with before the invitation. your recommendation there is to be open to the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit through prayer. Again, being prayed up is paramount. And be open to what He's gonna instruct you to do. be praying that the People present are able to hear and respond to the message. And so even even while the preacher is preaching, be praying, you know, again that people will be able to hear, that distractions will be mitigated and and all such all that kind of spiritual warfare. Be praying against sin, distractions that people may keep that may keep people from responding. And again, there are many distractions. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: that can arise in a church service, revival service. And but again, God's at work and so be praying along with him and his working, be praying for the preacher and that God's invitation will be clear through the message. and we'll talk about this again in a minute, but just be aware of what's going on around you. because again, you you may pick up on somebody seated nearby that's that's under conviction. And that that may need a a decision advisor in a few moments. So keep in mind your purpose, why are you here? Consider your own attitude, be dressed neatly, as neatly as the circumstance can permit. dress cons Yeah, yeah, the flip the flip flops, those were necessary. Keith Fordham: Yeah, like when you were wearing the shorts and sweating in that 110 degree heat in Kansas City. Yeah, that's right. Sam Fordham: and and frankly were fairly neat compared to some of the some of the Keith Fordham: Right. Sam Fordham: folks in the neighborhood, good night. It was it was hot. dress but you do want to be sure everything is appropriately covered. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: And just just again, use some use some judgment, some thought. and I'll s I'll say too, in regards to that, if you're gonna be working with children and the possibility that you might need to be in the floor, just think through what you're doing, what you're gonna be doing and make those good decisions. Treat your breath. breath meant. something. Or the the I don't know if they still sell or not. Lysal used to make little gel clear almost like a piece of paper you'd stick on your tongue and it would treat your breath for a few minutes. But of all the things we don't want Keith Fordham: I was gonna show you one that's in my coat pocket. I have them. Sam Fordham: And then and then also again Keith Fordham: you Sam Fordham: have a friendly and warm demeanor. be sure that you're you don't want a bad you don't want bad breath to distract from the gospel. You certainly don't want bad attitude to distract from the gospel. And and also again be be cognizant of gender, like with like. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: men with men, women with women, men with with young men and boys and women with young ladies and girls. and there are a lot of reasons for that. I don't I don't Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: think we have to go into it outside of understand the world that we live in today. it is it is even more important to take those precautions and protections. And you you may be thinking in your mind, Well, this you know, this grade schooler, they're not gonna have a problem with any sort of temptation or what they have seen on their telephones or their parents' telephones or brothers and sisters Keith Fordham: Yes. God Hail. Sam Fordham: or friends' telephones, let me tell you, it it is a it is something you need to pay attention to. And then of course, again, depend on the Holy Ghost. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: Depend on the Spirit and His guidance. All right, so before the invitation, study your materials well. and think about where you're gonna sit. Where do you need to be? Keith Fordham: in some churches. Sam Fordham: I know in the Billy Graham Crusades, you would you would sit a month just wherever you needed to sit. But it but again, Keith Fordham: for any order. Sam Fordham: a lot of times they would cheat towards the front because you didn't wanna have to walk as far. Keith Fordham: but that we would release on different verses. In other words, on first verse, there'd be a certain number of counselors come and that way, the people making decisions, they would kind of intersperse down on the field so they'd be easy to get to, you know, somebody making the decision. And they had people like me, I was a field general and I made sure that Everybody had somebody dealing with them and you know one of the trained counselors With them and my problem was there was not enough aggressiveness Among the counselors. I had to go almost drag some of the listen You need to go through this with this man or this woman and I thought that was interesting the lack of Aggressiveness Sam Fordham: Right. Keith Fordham: and we were taught that you know in our pre training that that would be a problem. Sure enough. They were right it was Sam Fordham: Hmm. I don't know if that's nerves or who knows what it is. But yeah. Maintain easy access as you can to the aisle if possible, and be available again at every service. And and I, you know, go ahead. Yeah. Keith Fordham: Another interesting thing, Sam, is some of the churches I'm in have large balconies. And we have a staff member receive people in the balcony. So we would need trained counselors in the balcony as well as on the main floor, you know, to be available to help the staff. Sam Fordham: Again, all all the training and preparation in the world means nothing if you're not present. and and Keith Fordham: It's right. Sam Fordham: again we we we at that crusade meeting we had every night we always had more advisors than we needed except for the most important night, which was the last night, and and we ran out and and Keith Fordham: Yes. goodness. Sam Fordham: had to had to double and triple up and and you know Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: some people had to wait. But anyway. Just be available, be there. And this is an example. This is your home church, Harps Crossing Baptist in Fettville, Georgia. And all right. Keith Fordham: Let me tell a little bit about this. The little card I'm holding up says, with Jesus in me. And so I told every counselor, we'd train all of them ahead of time. When the young person comes, you be sure they're saved. Ask them to give you their testimony. And if they're not saved, lead them to Christ. And then the rest of the card was, Jesus in me. I'll not drink alcohol, not participate in premarital sex, won't do drugs, and I will marry an on-fire Christian if God ever wants me to marry and keep themselves clean. As a youth, yes, that's Sam Fordham: So this is a youth this is a an a youth specific service, an invitation. Keith Fordham: right. so dealing with their salvation, dealing with each of those issues with each individual and praying with them. would have taken the pastor that night probably five hours had we not had extra counselors. And we did probably in 15 minutes or so what would have taken over five hours if not longer to have been dealt with. Sam Fordham: Right. And I th I think I've got some more of pictures from that night Keith Fordham: Okay. Sam Fordham: in just a moment. So what is the most important part of the service? And the answer is the invitation. because that That is the whole the whole service is designed to have even if it's your Sunday morning service, they say we come to worship. Well, what does that mean? That means, okay, it's I'm I'm going to reorder my life for God's purpose. I'm going to do something in response to what I'm hearing and what I'm seeing. And yes, we're gonna praise, we're gonna give thanks, but the question before we leave is what do I need to do? And and again we preached and teach and plead with people to respond, not for the sake of showing people responding at the end of the service, but so that they so that their life is changed and we don't let the world get back in the in the mix or the devil get back in between a person and their responsibility. And so this portion of the service is where individuals interact with the calling of God on their lives. It is the time of the service where there is but one question That each soul needs to be asking, and that is, Lord, what would you have me to do? All right, now let's talk more about the procedure. During the invitation, the evangelist pastor is going to invite inquirers to respond in a specific direction, whether that's come forward. we had a youth rally at one point. They instead of having the people come forward, they were to go to a door towards the back of the sanctuary because that's where our decision advisors were. And so again, they just need to be attentive. Keith Fordham: Yeah, we also had a, I was doing a men's wild game supper at a church and we had 880 men there so the entire floor was used for eating of the gymnasium and even around the top of the gymnasium. And so, Sam Fordham: Yeah. There's nothing about Keith Fordham: They had me in because they'd not been having people saved. Sam Fordham: it. Keith Fordham: So they wanted an evangelist and I presented the gospel and we had to have the men raise their hand and pray after me. And then also we did not only salvations, but we had 50 some odd men. Saved that night and and and they We had them fill out a card now the way we got them to fill it out and do it legibly was this Everybody had to turn a card in because at the end of the service they had a drawing and they had guns and you know fishing rods and a four-wheeled Gator and and so if you were going Sam Fordham: Right. All kinds of stuff. Yeah. Keith Fordham: win that, had to be legible, it had to have your phone number, it had to have your address. And the way the church men did, they did not win any of the prizes. They only put lost people and guests on the list. And so that triply made sure we got their names. And we had over a hundred men rededicate their lives. And then these trained counselors, Sam Fordham: Right. Keith Fordham: We had to do it in a group. We had to have the cars, but to follow up, the trained counselors helped go out because you can't go see 160 men in one night. The staff couldn't do that. took, you know, if everybody goes, it doesn't take forever to follow people up. That's right. Sam Fordham: Mm mm. Yes, it's a it's a yeah, many, many hands make for lighter work. during the invitation it's a good time, especially during a larger event, to move towards the altar or whatever designated area the decision advisor needs to be, and there are a lot of different options for that. They can go stand near the pastor if if that's what the pastor would prefer and be ready to approach the reception area or altar and wait for designated cues. There may be I think you mentioned the Graham Crusades, certain groups of advisors would come down during certain choruses or Keith Fordham: Versus Sam Fordham: certain stanzas of the song. you can move to the front pew or the front row of seating and and respond as needed. you know, the pastor would call you at that point, or wait in your seats until depending on if you can see everybody from the floor and from the altar Keith Fordham: Right. Sam Fordham: area, then then that opens up that option. or to approach people who appear to be under conviction and initiate a conversation even before the inquirer responds. If if you're sitting next to old boy and he's sweating bullets and holding on to the pew, well th that that that's Keith Fordham: And that's right. Yeah. Sam Fordham: Find time to reach over and put your hand on his and and say, what do you need to do today? And and and and help there. Keith Fordham: And you know, Spurgeon had so trained his people that they would lead folks to Christ while he was preaching. And then they would go down stairs to the basement there because at least the church I went to where he had preached, course that building burnt three times, Metropolitan Tabernacle had been rebuilt, but they didn't have any space to come forward. Your knees were... against the, you know, podium. So they had Sam Fordham: Yeah, you're gross. Keith Fordham: to ask them to go downstairs to a different area and be dealt with there. And then another RA Torre in them, I think they used to, when he was preaching at a church, would have soul winners that before the people hit the street, they would already have led them to Christ. Sam Fordham: Yeah. Keith Fordham: before they got off the front porch even. So they did it in a different manner. Sam Fordham: All right. Well, let's let's the next would be during the session itself. So once you've Keith Fordham: Okay. Sam Fordham: come down, you've got an inquirer and you're you've moved to the area where you can speak with them, they can speak with you. And here's another picture. I think that's of the same service. Keith Fordham: Yes it is and we had them and even you could go farther to the right in that picture. We had all the way across Sam Fordham: Yeah. Yeah. Keith Fordham: that platform and so the counselors were able to deal with people and have turn them loose and then I would point out hey this counselor free as I'm pointing I think to a lady right there so that Sam Fordham: Yeah. Keith Fordham: some of the young ladies would could come to her and Sam Fordham: now while you're talking to people, be sure that you maintain an open attitude. Don't again don't presume either either of these things. Don't presume that they know it all and and you need to be sure that you're willing to explain to them everything that you're talking about and don't presume that you know it all. You don't know why they've come. you you may presume it, but that's a that's a dangerous thing. And Be relatable, be warm and welcoming, keep it simple, and stay on task. That's not not the time to talk about the, you know, the Bama game or whatever or the Georgia Keith Fordham: That's right. Sam Fordham: game or or how or how bad they got beat or anything like that. It's just stay on target and and do what you're there for, and that is to help them in their decision. Communicate in clear, distinct voices. And again, that depends on what kind of setup. you've got. and so you need to be aware and attentive and you also need to be able to hear and so if you need to go get your hearing aids. you know, you you've been using excuses not to do that, go go get Keith Fordham: mine right here. Sam Fordham: so that you can help lead somebody to to the Lord. Keith Fordham: That's right. Sam Fordham: you know, so they don't have to scream at you. during the session, again, don't assume anything about the inquirer, their comprehension Of why they have come. don't assume that they are already in a particular spiritual condition or or that you know what they are going to say. Let them say it and listen. if they seem lost to what you're saying, ask them, is this making sense? Does it do you understand? Can you tell me? Can you explain to me what I just told you? Use those sorts of questions. Work your way through the material regarding their indicated inquiry. So again, if they've come to to be saved or or if they've come to for assurance, go to that particular material and be sure that you get them on the right track. Be sure to introduce them to the discipleship material that you're going to give them. Let me but let me go back there. again, don't don't presume 'cause there may be somebody come and say, Well, I need to rededicate my life. Well that's great. When were you saved? When when was your You can't rededicate if you didn't dedicate in the first place. W what what's your testimony? When were you saved? And again, don't assume those things. and you get you'll get answers sometimes. Well, I was baptized. Well, that's great. But when were you s saved? And and again, be sure that they've got a good understanding of of what it means to be saved. after the session. present the inquiry to the pastor. And I liked that Rick Gage the other week at the Crusade. That they wanted to be sure when the when the decision advisor got finished speaking with the inquirer and they'd prayed they were to bring them to one of the field generals or a advisors there and let the person that has made the decision tell what the decision was. And so y I'd have people come up to me and you spoke with this person tonight. That's wonderful. Why did you come tonight? What did you do tonight? and and let them tell you I asked Jesus into my life or I I came came for prayer, whatever the case may be. Again, it's a it's just a neat idea. be sure that you're able to communicate that, that the person is able to communicate it. And again, this is the beginning of following up and discipleship. It starts It's it's already started. And this this special part of the service also permits those individuals to express their decision. Sometimes you know, pastor will line up and just go down there and ask each one, what did you do today? What did you do today? And so that's a great great time, great opportunity. And remember, God can use you. and I I don't know if that's the same service or a different service. Keith Fordham: different. Sam Fordham: Okay, and and but if if if you're a Christian and you see the altar filled, it speaks. And God will use the sight of people responding to whatever the invitation is, that they've they've made eternal decisions and his church altar being full reminds us of why we do what we do. Seeing people who have come to be saved, be baptized, join the church, receive assurance. answer the call to ministry, rededicate their lives, to see all these sorts of folks standing together for Christ, it is inspiring. And so God can use you. He can use you today. He uses us the moment we respond to Him in faith. And starts starts to use that for other people's sakes. And then that brings us to follow through and You say if a person is truly saved, there's nothing you can do to stop him from joining the church, following through in baptism, reading advi reading his Bible, praying, tithing, and telling everybody that he knows about Jesus. Just tell him what God wants him to do and he will do it. the time to start followship follow up and discipleship is is the moment that a person turns their life to Christ. That's you're never Go back to the analogy of the blacksmithing. They're never going to be more malleable in their faith than right then. And so that's important, it's critical. if a person is not truly saved, then all the discipleship on earth isn't gonna do a thing. And and so you make that statement in your book, and this there's so much truth in it. follow through, having a copy of the decision card and and the decision advisor, your job doesn't necessarily Keith Fordham: Ugh. Sam Fordham: end when when the night's over. you know, but Keith Fordham: Yeah, can you see my phone up there? It's disappearing with me, but you can take a picture of that decision card so that you'll have it and then turn the one into the church and so. Sam Fordham: Yeah, you know, sometimes they'll have carbon copy versions, Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: or w or whatever the case may be. But again, that allows you to to maintain contact. Pray specifically for that person, follow up visits, preferably in person and a contact within the first forty eight hours to maybe seventy two hours, but but very shortly after a decision. Again, that's a great Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: time for encouragement. because the person that's made the decision, they've gone back home. And and they've had to go to work. And so they've they're back in the muck and Keith Fordham: right. Sam Fordham: hear hearing that call or receiving that message can make a world of difference. special follow-up for folks that are decided to be you know, you know, needing to be baptized is important. encouraging encounters at church. not not that you are encouraging others to make the encounters, but you are being an encouragement to the person Keith Fordham: Right. Sam Fordham: when they attend. and be available for as much Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: as you can. Connect the inquirer to the appropriate ministries in the church. So if it's a young if it's a young boy that's come, I want to be sure that they get to meet they and their family get to meet the children's Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: pastor or children's director. I wanna be sure if it's a teenager that they meet the people who are helping with the youth ministry, whatever the case may be, if it's a man, I'm gonna try to connect him with our men's ministry or if a lady with the ladies ministries or groups. And so again, that's that. Keith Fordham: Yeah, Sunday School Enquirer. Sam Fordham: now let's talk just for a minute though about the right hand of fellowship. And, you know, that sounds like a old an old fundamentalist term. Well it it should because it comes from the Bible. That's Galatians 2, 9. And recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas, Peter and John, who were reputed to be pillars they were that means they were the high up muckety mucks in the church. They were the they were the they were the bees' knees. Okay. There's you an old saying. Gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. So the right hand of fellowship is the chance for every church member to welcome a new believer, encourage a brother and sister in faith, pledge support for the inquirer, et cetera. it is a public and participatory event, a simple handshake or a hug. And again, the idea that that, all right, the service is coming to an end. Here are the people that have made decisions. Maybe they're coming to join the church. All right, folks, come and speak to them. Come and And give them the right hand to fellowship, shake their hand. a lot of times that ends up in a a you know, a hug hug of a neck. but but the difference it makes. Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: we'll talk about that word there in just a minute, quantonia and fellowship. It says in Acts two forty two, they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, quininea, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. And the decision advisor is helping bring the inquiry into the fellowship of the church. you you used to give an illustration of a young man, maybe a twelve year old boy, that well, he wa he was he was in a state of of probably depression. He was ridiculed at school, but the night he c Keith Fordham: Yeah, it's South Carolina and he His dad worked and his mother had died so he was really raising himself and he was maybe 14 or something like that and that's the illustration you're Well when Sam Fordham: Yeah. Probably so. What what did he say though at the end of the s at after folks had come by and Keith Fordham: I said now you're you've been safe so I you to stand up here and I'll be standing with you and everybody in the building came by and you know there are several saved that night and shook their hand and when he got through got through with it he looked over at me he said brother Keith I didn't know I was half this popular around here yeah Sam Fordham: And that and that sa that sounds hokey and and silly, but for a young man who feels Keith Fordham: yeah. Sam Fordham: like he's alone on earth, good night, what a difference a church family and fellowship Keith Fordham: Yes. Sam Fordham: can make. And so a decision advisor is to have a mind through which you are a mind through which Christ is thinking, a heart through which Christ is loving, a voice through which Christ is speaking, and a hand through which Christ is helping. And again, it is an important thing and that's why the book's written. That's why we've we've spent you know, forty five minutes here talking about it. So anything else you wanna s say in regards to this portion of the book? Keith Fordham: No, other than to say you need to get the book and study it and I would say use it. Use it to counsel people. You can just turn, we've got the drawings throughout and we'll Sam Fordham: Yeah. Keith Fordham: be looking at that in the future. So in the next. Sam Fordham: Well, I I all I all I know is you've got something, you can use it. I we were in South Carolina, the first church I pastored, Keith Fordham: Yeah. Sam Fordham: and had had a precious couple, Ben and Vera. And Mr. Ben he had died one day. And Miss Vera was precious, precious saint and precious widow. But one day I got a call from her and she had just the the frailest squeakiest little old voice. And so as soon as she said hello, it was it was before caller ID, or we had phones with caller ID. And Brother Sam and I said, Hey Miss Vera, how are you doing today? I'm doing real good. I just have a question for you. okay, well what's your question? She said, can you lead somebody to the Lord over the telephone? And I said, Well, yes, ma'am, you sure can. She said, Good, because I just did. But what she had done is we had put out a special issue of our bulletin that had the Romans Road plan of Keith Fordham: Later. Sam Fordham: salvation on the back of it. And she had a widow friend who called her. Her husband had just passed away. And and in talking, she said, Well, have you ever have you ever responded to Jesus? And and the lady said no. So she led her through. that material. So this is a great resource. It goes beyond just salvation again toward baptism, assurance. yeah. Keith Fordham: church membership insurance. Sam Fordham: And so there we'll cover some more of those things when we come back next time. But until then, I hope y'all are blessed. Keith Fordham: Amen, God bless.