1. Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Door to Door witnessing

Discussion in 'Evangelism, Missions & Witnessing' started by Havensdad, Aug 31, 2008.

?
  1. All the time! Everyone in town thinks I'm a weirdo!

    4 vote(s)
    13.3%
  2. I have before, but not regularly.

    10 vote(s)
    33.3%
  3. Tried it once.

    2 vote(s)
    6.7%
  4. I am chicken, butI think it's important.

    2 vote(s)
    6.7%
  5. I think this is a bad evangelism method.

    12 vote(s)
    40.0%
  6. You mean we are actually supposed to TELL people about Jesus?

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. bapmom

    bapmom New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    3,091
    Likes Received:
    0
    It wasn't you, but someone else in this thread mentioned going to a coffee house and sitting and talking with their friend and "hoping" that someone will walk by and overhear you and want to know more.

    I don't think anyone here is claiming that door-to-door is the ONLY method we ought to use, just that it ought not be abandoned.
     
  2. 4His_glory

    4His_glory New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2005
    Messages:
    2,884
    Likes Received:
    0
    While we ought to be fervent in our evangelism, is see no reason why God can not use our coffee house conversation to save sinners. Stranger things have happened because God is the one who divinely appoints each evangelistic situation. We ought to be looking for these divine appointments anywhere we go.

    I would say that if door-to-door evangelism is culturally unacceptable, and there are better methods of sharing the gospel. By all means those methods should be embraced and door-to-door abandoned. Again it depends on the location of ministry. According to what John wrote it sound completely acceptable in Japan so I would say go for it. Here on the other hand it is rude to show up announced at some ones door a creates an unnecessary stumbling-block that should be avoided.
     
  3. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2005
    Messages:
    7,051
    Likes Received:
    3
    We have used door-to-door in the past but the culture in the area where we live now demands a personal relationship or a friendship prior to getting into 'personal' matters- such as one's spiritual state. The JW's are the only ones going DTD here- the Mormons don't even do it because they see it does not work well here.

    We do more community-type events- for example, this summer our church bought out a game at the local minor league ball park and gave away 5,000 tickets to the community. We had booths set up for the different ministries- many folks have come to visit our church as a result and several have become saved and joined the church.

    We also visit newcomers to the community- we give them a basket filled with goodies, community information and coupons as well as info on our church and a salvation booklet.
     
  4. bapmom

    bapmom New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    3,091
    Likes Received:
    0

    Obviously we should have conversations that glorify Christ and if overheard might lead someone to ask us about our faith - but that should not be our only way of transmitting the gospel to our community.
     
  5. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Messages:
    11,250
    Likes Received:
    0
    I voted bad method because that is the way I see it..

    Then you should have opened a conversation.. Let me get this straight... you didn't talk to your friends about Christ, but you expect people in this culture to open up their doors to complete strangers and take them seriously? Not going to happen here. I hope it works for you.

    I agree... Postcards are only used when an event is big... (BTW, buy your postcards from the postoffice... already postage paid, then run them through your printer...a lot cheaper)

    I disagree... I seen a girl saved over myspace a couple months ago... she was a friend from High school in the 80s.. and I posted a bulletin explaining the plan of salvation...
    Again, the relationship was there so that she trusted me...


    It worked well in the 50s and 60s when people were used to salesmen..
    But even the vacuum industry realizes it doesn't work now...

    It is too much like selling the gospel..

    I grew up in churches where door to door was big.. .I mean BIG..

    Many said they got saved... most never committed...

    Relational evangelism is best...

    If every Christian would just win one of their friends to the Lord this yr.. Christianity would double.
     
  6. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    4,894
    Likes Received:
    28
    Just for the record, I am not against door-to-door evangelism, I just don't think its a good method is most AMERICAN contexts. You know what happens when 2 or 3 strange people come to my door on a weekend or weeknight? I come to the door with a 9mm behind my back with the safety off.

    It does not appear to me to be a culturally acceptable method of communication to go door-to-door. But, if your soteriology teaches you that if you get a decision you have been sucessful, then I can see why you might continue in it.

    When I pastored a church for a short time (Interim work) a man remarked how in a previous church they went door-to-door and had dozens of folks make decisions for Jesus. I asked them how those same folks were doing in the Lord since their decision. Answer: None ever came to their church. None answered their doors again when they knocked.

    As far as that man knew, no one was following Jesus afterwards. I went one time to the local beach area near my home to preach the Gospel. I would take tracks and bottles of water and speak with individuals and small groups if they would listen. Two women seemed open to Jesus. So, I asked them to show their faith by submitting to baptism right there. They refused. I encouraged them to continue with the Lord, but that their unwillingness to obey Christ in baptism could be a great indication that they have not obeyed His Gospel from their hearts.

    Others in my workplace I sowed seeds with. One man in particular was a very righteous man by human standards. Yet, he did not see his need for Christ. One day we were having lunch together and he prayed a very moving and theological prayer. I was surprised and asked him about it. It turned out that he had recently trusted in the Lord Jesus realizing that his own righteousness was not good enough to make him acceptable to God, that he was indeed a sinner, and in need of the righteousness of God in Christ. He understood and believed in Jesus for His righteousness and acceptance before God.

    To this day the man is continuing in the faith of Jesus Christ. Apparantly, he has truly been born-gain.

    What is my point in all this? Just because someone doesn't knock on doors to share the Gospel doesn't mean they are not preaching the Gospel. I always look for culturally and, as the sister said, RESPECTFUL, ways to share the Gospel with people. When I do have the opportunity to talk to a stranger, I ask their permission to speak with them. I tell them why I want to speak to with them, what I want to speak with them about, and if they would like to speak with me. If they say no, I move on.

    While I believe the ministry of the Gospel will result in confrontation, I don't believe we are to be antagonistic or obnoxious to others. Nor do I believe we should withhold the Gospel from any context. I have had a hobby of gaming online. I brought the GOspel to that online community and was both praised and hated for it, even to this day.

    I have been thanked for preaching the GOspel in a variety of contexts, and I have been cursed at and yelled at for doing it to.

    If the Lord is moving you to go knock on doors, then go knock on doors. I sometimes go with my pastor and fellow believers to the open square and preach the Gospel. Some think this is a bad method. It may not be the best, but after the preaching or during it I usually find a few people willing to stop and talk with me. Not me talking AT THEM, but talking with me.

    Hope this helps...

    RB
     
    #26 ReformedBaptist, Sep 2, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 2, 2008
  7. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,382
    Likes Received:
    0
    I talked to all my friends about Jesus the first few days I was saved. They are all avid followers of Christ. Sitting in Starbucks talking to other Christians about Jesus, does NOTHING> except having the manager ask you to "talk quieter". I have NEVER had someone start talking with me about Jesus, simply because I and my friends were discussing Him.

    Btw> where is "here"? Because this works in the United States> all over. I am currently doing this in one of the worst neighborhoods in the country, and have had great success. I promise you, unless you live in some foreign country, with strange customs, door to door is effective.




    I can form a relationship with someone in two minutes, by letting them know I am sincere, and that I care about them. You do not have to spend months with someone forming a relationship.


    We should not be salesman. I have formed friendships going door to door. If you are coming off like a salesman, you need to change the way you are doing things.

    Results are Gods business> proclaiming the gospel is ours.

    We are commanded to "proclaim" the Gospel, not have conversations, although there is nothing wrong with that. If every Christian JUST told one of their friends about the Lord, we would have the same number of people saved as not (God calls whom He will), and a LOT of disobedient Christians.
     
  8. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,382
    Likes Received:
    0
    Brother,

    I understand your feelings, but you are not being consistent with your theology. I am a staunch 5 point Calvinist, Lordship Salvationist, evangelist. My soteriology does not say if I get a decision I have been successful.

    As a reformed Christian, I do not witness to "get people saved". God is going to save those whom He will. Rather, I go out and proclaim to as MANY people as possible, the true gospel of Christ, because that is what I am commanded to do. I plant the seed> God provides the increase.

    ALSO> I do not press "decisions". In fact, unless I see visible signs of the Holy Spirit's convicition on their face, AND they ask, i do not lead them to "a decision". Rather, I demonstrate their own sinfulness, if necessary, tell them of the coming judgement, and tell them the good news. I wan them of the seriousness of the situation, and leave the "saving" up to God. I NEVER press "decisions"> they are useless, and result in a bunch of people who think they are saved, but are not.
     
  9. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Messages:
    11,250
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am glad it works for you...

    I don't see it as a mandate to go door to door...

    Christ ordered us to witness wherever we go...

    That means looking for opportunities to share Christ everywhere.. not just on Tuesday evening visitation...

    At coffee shops..
    At the grocery store.. .(a teen was saved a few weeks back by this with me witnessing)
    At Walmart...

    Being aware of God's leading is better than us leading God.

    You do it your way...
    I'll do it mine...

    God gets the glory! agree?
     
  10. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    4,894
    Likes Received:
    28
    Friend,

    Did you notice I was not replying to you? Perhaps you took my post as directed at you, it was not meant to be. So I am not sure how you see that I am not consistent in my theology? Can you explain that more?
     
  11. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    4,894
    Likes Received:
    28
    I agree. :thumbs:
     
  12. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,382
    Likes Received:
    0
    "Reformed" is more than just a name, yes?

    I do not do things because they are "culturally acceptable". Very little that the Apostles did was "culturally acceptable". Reformed believers go out and proclaim, regardless of results, because it's not about results, but obedience.
     
  13. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2005
    Messages:
    9,031
    Likes Received:
    2
    I'm going to stay out of the debate over door-to-door witnessing, confrontational soul-winning, or relational evangelism. I've been involved in all of them at one time or another.

    I want to share a thought or two to help those who simply are uncomfortable, or even scared to do soul-winning or personal witnessing. Some people I know don't feel qualified because they don't feel they know enough of the Bible. They don't know what to say. And some are fearful that they'll wind up in a debate and would be at a disadvantage.

    I have suggested that if the opportunity to witness comes their way, simply tell them about your own salvation. Describe what happened to you, how God opened your eyes, convicted you of sin, and drew you to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. I tell them that they don't have to try to convince anyone to be saved. That's the role of the Holy Spirit.

    Out of my own experience, I have also learned that if you are willing to give a witness when the opportunity arises, don't be surprised if God sends you those opportunities. I had a Roman Catholic co-worker ask me to his office one day. He was teaching a class at his church and his next teaching was on grace. He asked me how Baptists defined grace. I mean, what a door was opened to me, right out of the clear blue sky.

    I also realized that these kinds of opportunities were coming my way fairly often.

    I was also very liberating to come to the point where I realized that the results were God's business, and I did not have to rely on my powers of pursuasion.

    One other observation: If the Holy Spirit impresses on you to witness to someone, He may be working on the other end as well.
     
  14. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    4,894
    Likes Received:
    28
    Well, Reformed is not my first name. :laugh: What I was aiming at by my reply my brother was that I look for methods that are not counter-cultural. I have found them to be effective. But as I said before, I am not knocking (pardon the pun) door-to-door evangelism. The Lord may use all manner of means to call His people to Himself.

    Can you give an example of how the Aposltes acted contrary to the culture of their day? It seems to me that they acted very much within their culture by preaching in every place, Paul preaching in the synogogues, et.

    But I agree to some extent regarding the results. I would disgree about the means.

    RB
     
  15. John of Japan

    John of Japan Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2005
    Messages:
    19,349
    Likes Received:
    1,772
    Faith:
    Baptist
    I just got back from door-to-door tract distribution dendo with Habazaki San. We did not knock on the doors, though many salespeople still do that in Japan. However, the JW's have given religious door-knocking a bad name. In Japan the nice thing is that we are allowed to put tracts in the mailboxes. We visited about 160 houses, talked to several people but didn't get to witness to anyone. This is Japan, after all, where 60% are said to be agnostic.

    Folks, my own attitude is, praise God for every single effort to witness for Christ as long as (a) it isn't unethical, and (b) the Gospel presented is Biblical (1 Cor. 15:1-8). There are so few Christians who actually witness for Christ that I cheer for anyone who does, no matter how clumsily or poorly. In fact, was not the Apostle Paul literally joyful for those who preached the Gospel with the goal of getting him in trouble (Phil. 4:14-18)?

    So, I was disappointed because of those who said door-to-door work was actually a "bad method" of evangelism. Is it bad practically speaking, ethically speaking, theologicaly speaking? I don't get it. I don't believe there are any bad methods (with the above caveats).
     
    #35 John of Japan, Sep 2, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 2, 2008
  16. 4His_glory

    4His_glory New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2005
    Messages:
    2,884
    Likes Received:
    0
    Same goes here, at least in our barrio (neighborhood) and the Mormons have done the same. I was told by one lady that the JWs once spit on a virgin Mary. While we obviously do not agree with the teaching of the Catholic Church on Mary, we do not condone this type of behavior.

    Amen and amen. This is what I have been trying to say. Where we are located it is considered to rude to actually drop in uninvited and creates an unneeded barrier. We can however leave literature freely in mailboxes or gates (legally) with no problem. To actually speak to people in their homes we need to build a relationship first- and no that can not happen in 5 minuets here. People are very untrusting since we live in culture of lies, theft and deceit.

    I think they mean ethically or culturally speaking, not necessarily theologically. A theologically bad method would involve the nature of the gospel presentation itself.

    Good thoughts John. May God bless your efforts. Please pray for us as we seek to stay faithful to the gospel here.
     
  17. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,382
    Likes Received:
    0
    John,

    What about a Act 14:15 presentation of the Gospel?

    "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.

    Or a Act 17:30 presentation of the Gospel?

    The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
    Act 17:31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead."

    I am just curious, not trying to start anything. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 was written to what you might call "churched" people...people who were Christians, or hanging around Christians. The people the letter was written to were people who possibly knew something already of Christ> I think we should look to Acts, and how Paul (and the others) actually proclaimed the Gospel, as our evangelism model.
     
  18. dan e.

    dan e. New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,468
    Likes Received:
    0
    1) yes

    2) I think it lacks sincerety in a person's life. Regardless of motives, the actions seek to pass on a certain set of information in order to convince that person that you are correct.

    I think we need to put ourselves in positions where we would naturally connect with those who don't know Jesus....and serve them. When we do this I've experienced that people are more willing to listen and engage. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit.
     
  19. Havensdad

    Havensdad New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2007
    Messages:
    3,382
    Likes Received:
    0
    So Jesus and Paul were wrong?
     
  20. dan e.

    dan e. New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2006
    Messages:
    1,468
    Likes Received:
    0
    Well....let me back up and say that it may depend on where you live. Of course I don't think they were wrong....by I also don't recall them going to knock on doors to present a tract.

    In some areas, if this method worked....and people were responsive, how could I argue against it?

    However, I think we are in a time where generally, approaching peoples' homes is not a very smart idea. People would rather have a relationship than for you to come to their doorstep to try and convince them of where they are wrong in life. This is why I think serving the people that are already around you is the best way....because it shows an investment in their life, and shows you are not only concerned for where they are after life....but are concerned for their life in the here and now.
     
Loading...