04.14. A Time to Stop
14. A TIME TO STOP
It is not often wise to continue dealing with a person after the invitation is finished. As a rule most of the Christians go forward to work with those who are seeking the Lord. Those who do not, usually take their seats. This makes the person to whom you are speaking more conspicuous than when many were standing around you. As a result, he is often embarrassed and sometimes very resentful. Sometimes, as a last resort, as the invitation closes it is possible to get him to kneel at his seat. It is worth trying, but I have known few who received definite help. If he does not quickly respond to your appeal to kneel where he is, immediately leave him and go work with those who have manifested enough interest to go forward.
Illustration A businessman attended a revival service I was holding in Montana. He was known to the pastor and some of the people but had never been in the church before. When the invitation started, an overzealous lady began talking to him and continued talking after the invitation closed. He courteously kept standing. They were the only two people in the church on their feet When she finally left him, without even being seated he picked up his hat, walked out, and never returned. I have always felt that he might have come back if she had been more tactful, for he seemed very interested during the earlier part of the service. The Handshake
If you are dealing with one of your own sex, it is usually best when you approach him to shake hands and endeavor to hold his hand while you talk with him. Sometimes a gentle pressure forward is just what is needed to get him to go. However, never try to pull or force people to the altar or inquiry room. I have seen this a few times, but it seldom works and often drives folks away. If you are dealing with the opposite sex, always be careful. People are watching. Over-familiarity brings criticism. The meeting, souls, and you yourself may be harmed. Solomon said, "He that winneth souls is wise." This wisdom will manifest itself in many ways and one sign of wisdom is carefulness in dealing with the opposite sex. This is one way and place that the soul winner should always be wise.