Strangers and in Public Areas

 

Going door-to-door or witnessing in a public area such as in a public park requires attention to a number of details.  The following tips are given as a guide for effective witnessing.

 

• Dress cleanly avoiding clothing with holes, but do not overdress.  A tie or suit is not required for males.
• Your purpose is to initiate conversation about Christ, and your church.  Be ready to give out information or a tract.  Let your witnessing opportunities happen naturally, and do not try to force it.  You will be better prepared with these training exercises.
• Stay focused on your purpose and avoid getting side-tracked on discussions on things like the lost Ark of the Covenant or where Moses crossed the Red Sea.
• When you approach a house or person, do so quietly and stay focused on them.
• Look at your surroundings such as the house, yard, vehicles, boat, snowmobile, motorcycle, flag, banner, flowers, shrubs, trees to gain a little information about person.  Never call attention to problems noticed such as dying grass.
• Ring the doorbell, or knock on door solidly but not insistent.  If you use the doorbell, listen for the bell and do not push it over and over.  A single knock is okay if a bell is not heard.
• Step back from door to give the person who may answer some personal space.  Four to five feet.
• If they have a dog, be careful to allow owner to keep control of the dog.  Do not ask to open door if a person is trying to control dog.
• Greet everyone with smile, and be friendly.  Do not put your hands not in your pockets.
• Introduce yourself, “Hi, I’m _____name_________ from ___church___, and I (or we, if another person is with you) am in the neighborhood inviting people to church, and wonder if you have a church home, and wanted to give you some material.”
• If a person takes material and closes door, ignore their abruptness.
• End your visit if:
• They are having or getting ready to have a meal. Hand them tract and invite them to church and excuse yourself.  If they respond offer to come back.
• They have company.
• They are loading into car, getting ready to leave even if telling you they are ‘leaving’ as excuse.
• If they are willing to engage in conversation, allow it to happen naturally.  This is where you can mention what you have observed earlier about the house, vehicle or other surroundings. Do not allow to be side tracked for long on mentioning the noticed items.  This is the point where the witnessing exercises begin.  You want to transition your conversation after a few moments.
• Transitions can be questions.  “Do you believe there is more than this life on earth?”
• If you get to transition but the person is already saved, offer for them to come to church.
• Never ask for entry into their house or even make a suggestion of it. If they invite you in, a man should never enter if there is only a woman or children alone.
• If you are invited in, introduce yourself to every person in the room.
• Do not acknowledge the statement if you hear ‘Sorry for messy house’.  Try to change subject such as mentioning a picture on wall or some other item if it is logical.
• Do not insult the person by looking at your cell phone. Do not speak about others, neighbors, and do not speak loudly calling attention to yourself.  Do not tell jokes.
• If you see children in house you can mention your churches’ children’s ministry, teen events, summer camps, nursery, etc. to let them know what you have to offer.
• When your conversation is ending, make sure you thank for his or her time and ‘letting me tell you about our church’.