Door to Door Soul-Winning

Yes and No.

I suppose it depends on your approach and motivation.

I think it's very affective to develop a certain amount of trust and relationship first even it's to find out whether the person has a knowledge of the gospel. "Cold calling" comes across as uncaring.

suzanne

 

Yes, but not necessarily "door-to-door." The "door-to-door" approach is a 1950s salesman methodology. Build relationships. Hang out where people are and start conversations - go to a Starbucks or some place like that.

When Paul went "door-to-door" (as recorded in Acts), it meant that he went from Christian's house to Christian's house, BTW. He was teaching Christians in their homes. Of course, those were times that could be used evangelistically if/when they had invited lost neighbors / acquaintances to come and hear the message. So, think about an evangelistic Bible study in your home also.

Rev. G

 

I agree with Dr. Bob. I think it is a outdated method. At my past church however we had a door to door canvas of the area around Christmas and Easter giving out New Testaments with a invitation to Church but it is what you would call as low pressure. I think the Hyles type confrontational door to door soul winning however is a outdated idea that is based on 1950's culture not 21st century culture

 

I don't think there is anything wrong with it. The gospel should go forth in every ethical way.

 

I agree that door to door evangelism is an outdated method especially in the USA. It was already getting "cold" in California by the early 1960s'. Yet, if one feels as though God is calling him to that form of ministry, by all means, do it, but I wouldn't go alone -not anymore. Dtd ministry is currently working in the villages of India and other 3rd world countries. But first there is usually a public gathering in each village before dtd ministry is attempted. What makes it a little more acceptable in India is the miraces of healing that are commonly done, despite the violent persecution against the brothers, there.

One of the main problems with dtd evangelism, at least in this country, is that as much as the gospel is proclaimed on radio, Tv, and in most of the Churches, that if anyone is interested, they can certainly find it out. But those who are left over, the gospel message has, more than likely, been repeatedly rejected by those same folks who do not know, and are not interested in knowing any better. (John 6:35-40).

[ November 09, 2002, 06:09 PM: Message edited by: zyzex ]

 

Well, I've never been a fan of it. I've never seen anyone get excited when they see a pair of Jehovah's Witnesses ride down the street. Most of us just say, "thanks, no thanks," if they knock on our door (if we even answer). Clearly, though, it must work, else why would they continue to do it?

But most of the time it comes off as pushy, and I've seen more than a few people get completely turned off to Christianity because a couple of local church-goers intruded their privacy by comeing over uninvited and expecting an invitation to come inside and have a talk.

Prince, I think if I had an AIDS or cancer cure, I'd tell people about it, but I wouldn't be taking it to everyone's house myself. I'd tell them where to come to get it. Isn't that why we have media ministries and advertise services in the paper or on telly? Most people in urban and suburban areas have full access to the gospel - they just don't come hear it.

I certainly think we should seek out opportunities to witness, but I draw the line at going around and knocking on the doors of strangers.

 

I think the door-to-door knocking-and-talking
is a waste of time. I do, however, strike up
conversations with strangers which work
around to things religious, and the witnessing
comes across on a more personal level then.

Rather than going door-to-door, why not go
to the apparently needy? Why not drop a flip-
top can of soup, a box of juice, some cheese-
and-peanutbutter crackers, a can of fruit, and a
testimony with Scripture on paper in plastic bags
and give them to the homeless?

How about taking food to the battered women's
or men's shelter once in a while? This may get
your foot in the door for a ministry?

Why not bake some cookies or bread and take
it to a different neighbor each week? Open a
door to our God through kindness.

In the same vein, why not invite a neighborhood
widow out for tea and bagels? Why not deliver
wood to a needy neighbor for help with the
winter's heat? Why not offer to do the grocery
shopping for a sick or injured neighbor? Why
not mow a lawn, plant a rose bush, repair a
screen, or dig up weeds for a neighbor who
is not able.

If you are a pastor, why not start giving teddy-
bears (given to children brought in for problems)
to the police department on a regular basis, with
a note that it is coming from your church? This
may get you asked to be the police chaplain in
some areas where there is no one on the force
to fill the need.

When the Bible says to visit, it does not intend
that we are to drop in for mere conversation
but that we arre to minister to actual needs.
We can do this in His name, with evangelism and
teaching in mind and heart, but people's needs
often must be met first. This is something the
Mormon missionaries know and are using to
build their numbers, but this does not make the
Bible's teachings less true.

 

Really? That's not what the people that thank us for coming by say. Uncaring I would think would be sitting at home, work, or church, and never saying a word...that seems to be uncaring. We do it because we care...why else would we give up our time, walk in neighborhoods that we aren't familiar with per se' in all kinds of weather?

Hey if the Mormons and Jehovas Witnesses can go door to door... I think that it's the least we can do.

And I don't even like going outside of my comfort zone believe me...but I do...because i care.

 

Sorry Abiyah, I didn't see your post.

Why does it have to be an either/or situation?

Door knocking, invitations, visitation, out-reach, bus ministries, talking to people at the super market or at work, talking to neighbors... You don't have to not do one to do another of these things...There all effective.

I'm for trying to reach the lost everywhere...just ask me about how many people I've shared the gospel with over the inter-net. I think once we are saved...we are supposed to share the gospel with others.

I'm vehement about sharing the gospel whenever, whereever, including door to door... I mean no offense to anyone who thinks it's a waste of time... or thinks it doesn't work. I can tell you...it isn't and it does.

[ November 05, 2002, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: WisdomSeeker ]

 

You know, WisdomSeeker, it occurred to me,
after writing that post, that it really depends
upon where one lives. In the South (U.S.),
door-knocking was far more acceptable, and
people were far more gracious about it--even
welcoming.--especially out in the country.
On the West Coast, I have never known it to
be very hospitable to this practice in my 53
years, although a few are all right with it.

Here, people are busy and seem not to want to
be disturbed--myself included, if it is a Mormon
or JayDub group--but I am always friendly and
try not to show my irritation. And it was a plea-
sant surprise to open the door once to a Baptist
group!

A couple cautions about going door-to-door. 8o)
A couple mormon boys came by and gave me
their literature, but I told them I would take it only
if they would accept literature from my church
(the old church I used to attend). The back of the
magazine I gave them happened to have a photo
of a man in uniform, carrying an American flag.
I had not noticed--no big deal. But one of the
boys went into a rage and started yelling at me
about it. It was really quite humorous! The other
guy was embarrassed and tried to get him to
settle down, then he had to practically drag him
of my porch, while I smiled calmly, doing my
best not to laugh right out loud. I thought I had
seen it all!

Then I was visited, some years later, by a couple
Church of Christ ladies. All was fine for quite a
while, until I told them I was not interested in
coming to their church. This woman also went
into a rage, screaming at me, condemning me to
hell. Too funny!

Bottom line: don't get mad at the people you are
trying to impress and start yelling at them--bad
witnesss. 8oD

[ November 06, 2002, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: Abiyah ]

 

vote=no. post=no.

 

There is nothing like sloppy easy-believism. I vote NO.

 

Hi Abiyah...me again.

As you know I live in Palmdale California which is on the West Coast. My church is in Lancaster California. It's the practice of our church to Soul-win...including door knocking.

It's part of our practice to keep a good testimony. Always be courteous and polite. Always introduce ourselves by name, and we don't walk accross peoples lawns either.

I have never lost my temper or in any way had a bad testimony for my church. The church has grown in leaps and bounds in just the 8 years that I've attended. It's Sunday morning attendance is about 5 or 6,000. Salvations, Baptisms happen very very often. I've known many many people who came to our church just because of door knocking...my family included. If my church family had not cared enough to door knock... I would still be unsaved...and church hopping...trying to find one that preached out of the Bible.

I understand what your saying about Mormons flying off the handle at the door...It's happened to me twice. That's why I said... We Baptist's need to get out there...and show our neighbors that We are not like that.

I understand your view point...It is true in some respects...the West Coast is not as open of a mission field as the Bible belt states. But here, where I live...on the west coast...it's not that way. Here in my town...our church has a good testimony...and door knocking is proven to work.

You know what I like about you most Abiyah? We can disagree on certain points...and yet we still listen to each other. You my friend are a blessing to me. Thank you for being that way.

 

WisdomSeeker --

Thank you so much for that sweet compliment!
The fact is that you are the type of person I try
to encourage others to be, when I have ques-
tions on the board that I know can lead to
arguments. Debate is great; arguments are not.
My husband is like you: we debate, but we will
not argue nor purposely hurt one another.

I will tell you what I think: your church must
have it down--how to evangelize door-to-door
without being a pain-in-the-neck. Seeing that
it is obviously successful, that your people
continue to do it, I seriously think you should
all get together and record your:
* Initial nervousness when you began
* Your mistakes through the years
* Your successes
* What works and what does not
Then I think all this should be compiled into a
book, workbook, and journal for sale to those
who want to start a similar ministry.
Book: Information from the above points
Workbook: to study how to put it to use
Journal: to keep account of the participant's own
witnessing activities, successes, failures, etc.

Well, just a thought. I am sure many congrega-
tions would love to have such a boost.

- - - - - - -

Preach, I have seen such statements before,
and I do not understand them. Believe me, this
is not to criticize the statement by any means,
but would you help me to understand?

What is sloppy easy-believism? What is it not?
How is it related to door-to-door witnessing?

8o) Please remember I am asking, not criticizing! 8o)

[ November 06, 2002, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Abiyah ]

 

Door to Door has always bothered me. Usually, the family is having dinner and doesn't want to be interupted, or they are not dressed to receive company, or they feel that their house is not clean enough.

This works for some people, and I do believe in sharing the gospel to all. If you have a phone number for the person, it would be good to make an appointment, then everyone is more comfortable.

Some of you have some great ideas and certainly have the gift of sharing the gospel.

 

Santa Clara, California huh? My Pastor was trained in Santa Clara...You wouldn't happen to go to Dr. Jack Trieber's church would you? My Pastor is Dr. Paul Chappell.

My Pastor has written a book called "To Seek and To Save" that is on the topic of soulwinning, and our church uses it and it's workbook in soul-winning training tract 1 (for beginners)The author is Dr. Paul Chappell. It was published by Striving Together Publications, 4020 E. Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, Ca. 93535 if you want to get a copy of the book you described.

As far as the nervousness that is associated with going out... I have that still, although not as much as I used to. Realizing that it is God and not us that will bring salvation, and that we are just being obedient to his work puts the focus back on God, and less on our personal discomfort. Of course praying before we go out in pairs of two helps a great deal...for me anyway.

I have found that being pleasant, and non-intrusive opens many doors. People like people who are nice...it's just a fact. If a person is in the middle of dinner, or on the phone, or even just doesn't have the time, we ask them if we can leave a tract and appologize for interupting them.

Well, as you know, it's not in my comfort zone to approach strangers...but, I go out every Tuesday morning and invite people to our church...planting seeds. It's kind of fun, get to talk to new people, get out in the sunshine, get to chat with my church friends. It's a blessing really. And I get to think about the verse "He who winneth souls is wise" and talk about my church and my Lord...and those are my favorite subjects.

[ November 06, 2002, 07:22 PM: Message edited by: WisdomSeeker ]