Before you ever preach: Spend significant time praying and asking what God wants his people to do.

 

The Response begins before the invitation time.

Ask people to start responding long before you actually give the invitation.

 

Don't be too quick - you can take your time  

Many pastors through in a phrase or 2.  Some end by saying that's all I have

 

Let the scripture and the lesson lead to the invitation

a review or summary from the text

 

Lead in naturally - don't stop and start

Make it personal

Be Clear: Give exact steps - tell your church how they should respond.

Be Direct - ask them to take a specific action

Invite them to the community

Give everyone some way to respond - not just a first-time decision to follow Jesus.

Take away their fears or concerns.

No one here is judging you - Satan wants people to believe that everyone is judging them - this is a lie.  So remind folks that everyone else is cheering them on.

Keep the invitation open after the service

Encourage prayerfulness in the church