altar call

noun

1. an evangelist preacher's invitation at the end of the sermon, asking people to come forward to acknowledge a conversion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar call¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

In this moment, Mr. Trump’s audience is his congregation, and the former president their pastor as he delivers a roughly 15-minute finale that evokes an evangelical altar call, the emotional tradition that concludes some Christian services in which attendees come forward to commit to their savior.

From Salon

In this moment, Mr. Trump’s audience is his congregation, and the former president their pastor as he delivers a roughly 15-minute finale that evokes an evangelical altar call, the emotional tradition that concludes some Christian services in which attendees come forward to commit to their savior.

From New York Times

A rally for former President Donald J. Trump in July in Erie, Pa. At many of his recent rallies, Mr. Trump delivers a roughly 15-minute finale that evokes an evangelical altar call.

From New York Times

When she was 11, she had a conversion experience during an altar call and vowed to devote herself to Christian service.

From New York Times

The mass baptism wasn’t the only revival this year after an altar call during a regular chapel service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky transformed into a multi-day revival that didn’t end for more than two weeks.

From Washington Times