"It's a Great Day to Get Saved"

Earlier this evening, there was a knock at my door.  When I opened it, I was greeted by two 30-something adults in dress shirts and ties.  No, they weren't Mormons.  They were members of a local fundamentalist congregation who were out "seeing if they could get some people saved."   This they explained to me while declaring, "It's a great day to get saved."

I think they were a little taken back by the line of questioning that followed.  I began asking them about the relationships they had with their co-workers, neighbors, and family members.  My daughter thought that I might have been just a little too confrontive, but hey! They were standing on MY front porch, weren't they?

Okay, okay.  I admit it.  I don't have much respect for those still doing door-to-door evangelism -- not in today's culture.  But I'd like to be "open to reason", SO... if you believe that this is still a viable and effective method for sharing the gospel with people, I'd love to hear from you.  AND... if you think otherwise, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts as well.

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Photo credit: Julie Monroe

Comments

[John Lunt]

This is a rare moment Chris, but I have to disagree with you.

Churches are so internally focused that the efforts of these men should be encouraged. They'll have lots of doors slammed in their faces. Why should it be encouraged? They're on a journey. They know the church has failed and they're trying to reach out the best way they know how. If they're encouraged on that journey, then mayb - somehow God will move them to other approaches, maybe even change their mindset from evangelism minded to being missionally minded. So my short answer is - I think you were over the top. As a Christian, you could have encouraged them and maybe opened up their eyes to other ways - as it was they probably just left and said to themselves they were going to "shake the dust" off their feet.

My journey took me from annoying street preaching and some door to door stuff - which I hated by the way - to where I am now - loving and reaching out to homeless and hurting people - as well as my work place. I was and am still a work in progress. They probably are too.

[willc]

I had a friend who wanted to start a church in a town where he knew nobody. He started by going around in his neighborhood and asking people if they went to church. If they responded in the negative then he asked them what they would want in a church. After listening he told them he was interested in starting a church and was trying to find out what the community needed and wanted in a church. I hate door knocking and have always been dismissive of it, but I thought his approach was pretty good and I know it was genuine.

[Seraphim]

Chris,

Why would you not have respect for people that were at least walking the walk, even if you think its an old road?

Do you think door to door evangelism = apathy in disciple-ship?

[michelle]

I would have to agree with all the above comments. Praise the Lord for people stepping out of their comfort zone and on a mission to save people. That is supposed to be all of our jobs as Christians.

I am not much for door to door knockers either, but being kind and encouraging them is certainly what Jesus would have done.

[St.Trixie]

I think you were taken aback because they were wearing dress shirts and ties...paleeeeeeze, that makes our faith look so old-fashioned!

[Chris]

"Churches are so internally focused that the efforts of these men should be encouraged. "

John, I'll agree that many churches are far too internally focused, as you've pointed out. The church must be committed to living incarnationally within the culture in which it finds itself. I guess I just don't see knocking on doors as very "incarnational". Admittedly, I admire the conviction and boldness that it takes for these two men to knock on doors, but I'm a lot more interested in how they live out their faith in the midst of coworkers, neighbors, and family members.

Redemptively, I concede that God is able to use the efforts of these two in bringing some people to faith. But is there a better way? I believe there is.

[Chris]

"After listening he told them he was interested in starting a church and was trying to find out what the community needed and wanted in a church."

willc -- it seems to me that your friend was being respectful in his approach, and not pushy or presumptuous. Thanks for sharing this.

[Chris]

Seraphim, I guess I don't see door-to-door evangelism as "walking the walk". Feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, reaching out to widows, getting involved in the lives of the marginalized -- these are the "real" doors that we should be knocking on, and thereby earning the opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with people, and inviting them to join us in the journey of discipleship.

[Karin]

Seraphim, I guess I don't see door-to-door evangelism as "walking the walk". Feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, reaching out to widows, getting involved in the lives of the marginalized -- these are the "real" doors that we should be knocking on, and thereby earning the opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with people, and inviting them to join us in the journey of discipleship.

Amen

It does seem that some people think the point of being a Christian is to convince other people to say certain words that make them part of the club, so that the can convince other people to say certain words that make them part of the club . . . and so on. Oh and going to clubhouse/church on Sunday and putting some money on the plate is another important part of it.

[Gina]

They're on a journey. They know the church has failed...
Wow, that's very presumptuous.

Chris, as willc said, I think it matters how you do it. Someone who wants to invite people to church, and thereby also give people a chance to talk/ask questions/rant about Christianity... that may be overdone, but why not? You may meet people in the community who are not in your normal circle. Some of those people may not have Christians in their acquaintance.

The assumption seems to be here that this church is not feeding the poor or reaching out to widows (some of whose doors they may have knocked on?). Do we know this?

[Chris]

"but being kind and encouraging them is certainly what Jesus would have done."

Michelle, I'm glad you mentioned this. I was concerned about this because of my daughters initial comments to me. And although my initial reaction was certainly "reactionary", I did in fact enjoy talking with these two men. One of them had commented about how difficult it is to have an impact on family members, which led to some meaningful sharing about my wife's and my own efforts with family members. The front porch conversation ended with the exchange of genuine and heartfelt words of blessing.

Could I have, should I have "encouraged" them differently? I don't know.

What would have Jesus done? Probably invited them in for dinner and table fellowship.

[Chris]

"You may meet people in the community who are not in your normal circle. Some of those people may not have Christians in their acquaintance."

Gina, this is a great point. I guess I'm seeing an important difference between sharing the good news with people we encounter out in the community and walking up to someone's door. Part of my aversion may stem from the value I see people in our culture placing on private space. Our cultural reality today -- and maybe even especially in Southern California -- is not at all what it was 3,4,5 decades ago. Because of that, our evangelistic efforts need serious reconsideration.

"The assumption seems to be here that this church is not feeding the poor or reaching out to widows (some of whose doors they may have knocked on?). Do we know this?"

I wouldn't make that assumption. And, in fact, this particular church IS reaching out to our community in other ways. My contrasting comments were purely principle-related, and not in any way a direct criticism. If I communicated otherwise, please forgive.

[Bro. Bartleby]

"It's a great day to get saved."

I kind of like that declaration. Sounds like something Peter were say!

"I don't have much respect for those still doing door-to-door evangelism -- not in today's culture."

But alas, "today's culture" is already amiss, so I would see this as an opportunity to explore what 'hospitality' really is. Especially with strangers as these. The only 'threat' that I can imagine would be if these two were irrational to the point of being threatening. Physical threatening, that is. But if you were spiritually threatened, then perhaps, again, this was an opportunity for you to explore your own spirituality, as well as your own hospitality.

Maybe now is the time to 'map out' future strategies, if by chance a future opportunity comes your way, perhaps formulate a few friendly questions that would let the strangers know that you were open to dialogue, and that discussion is a two-way street, and that you would respect and listen to their story, and would ask that they respect and listen to your story. Too often we are unprepared when confronted with the unknown, and too often we slam the door, not really knowing if the two suited fellows were not in fact Jesus and Peter!

[michelle]

While I have been pondering this whole "door knocking" situation, I was wondering. Maybe in all of this the Holy Spirit was speaking to these two gentlemen that this was their mission for the night. The Lord reminded me of Matthew Chapter 10 when Jesus sends out His twelve Apostles. 10:11-14 Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy man and stay in his home until you leave for the next town. When you are invited into someone's home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not; take back the blessing. If a village doesn't welcome you or listen to you, shake off the dust of that place from your feet as you leave.

Maybe, just maybe they were Jesus and Peter!

[Seraphim]

Seraphim, I guess I don't see door-to-door evangelism as "walking the walk". Feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, reaching out to widows, getting involved in the lives of the marginalized -- these are the "real" doors that we should be knocking on, and thereby earning the opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with people, and inviting them to join us in the journey of discipleship.

And yet Jesus sent them out two by two to preach the Gospel. Paul says "We believe therefore we speak".

I think you err brother. Yes I understand it is better if our lives 'shout the gospel' but just as speaking is not enough, neighter is just 'good living' either.

I'shalom

Seraphim

[Seraphim]

It does seem that some people think the point of being a Christian is to convince other people to say certain words that make them part of the club

I don't know about the convince part, but yes there are certain words and GASP certain things you have to believe.

Romans 10:9 & 10 seem applicable.. but maybe that's just one of those verses that we can understand as not applying today, hmm?

[Pensieve]

I'm convinced more than ever, that we earn the right to share our faith with those with whom we're already in relationship. Personally, I roll my eyes at door-knockers, but I think that says more about ME (arrogance) than THEM (demonstrating boldness and obedience to Jesus' declaration to "Go...", at least as far as they understand it.) Does this negate the sometimes-effectiveness of "door-knocking"? Nah...just because it's an archaic method to some, doesn't mean it's not actually a fresh or novel approach to the non-churched. I understand your frustration with conventional means of evangelism when so often it's not lived out in the life of the proselytizer...in part, I think that's why so many Christians have become increasingly uncomfortable with being called a "Christian".

The bottom line is God doesn't NEED us to DO anything in order for a person to come to a saving knowledge of Him...but, oh, how He blesses the ones who, motivated by the love and forgiveness and grace and redemption extended to them, in turn, live it out! Knockin' on doors...sharing a meal...opening your home...actively listening and demonstrating concern...cultivating relationship by investing time...even small talk over a couple of beers...I know you know the list has no limits. We're only bound by our lack of creativity in what it means to live it out. I'm praying for a more vivid imagination ;)

[Chris]

Seraphim, thanks for the reminder about the disciples being sent out by 2's. Public evangelism has it's place. I still see a difference between public-space evangelism and private-space evangelism (not sure if that distinction is clear).

Your reference to "we believe therefore we speak" seems to be accompanyied by some presuppositions. Maybe you could break that down a little more for me.

"I think you err brother."

Well, that's sure a possibility, my friend.
I'm still soaking in all that's being shared here.

Blessings.

[Seraphim]

well -- not serious error, like heresy. i believe your ortho-doxy and ortho-praxy are in good shape. (like you should be worried about my good opinion... forgive me a sinner)

I think the reaction against the door knockers is against a presupposition that there are those who are superficial in their faith. They only do visitation on Mondays and the rest of the time you couldn't convict them of being a Christian in a court of law.

I like St. Frances who said: "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary use words" but it was St. Paul who said:

(2 Corinthians 4:13) "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;"

So I think it's not enough to believe the essentials. We have to also witness by the fruit in our lives... but it's not enough to just have fruit in our lives we have to speak the gospel. Sharing with our hearts and our life styles? Absolutely.

But also opening our mouths and giving verbage to the "hope that is within us"

LYB

God's Peace

Seraphim

[St.Trixie]

If Christ came knocking on my door...you can be sure I'd be blogging about it! and perhaps he did for you,Chris.

[Julie]

Is "Walking the Walk" really knocking on people's doors, telling them "today is a great day to be saved!"?? Every day is a great day to be saved!

"Seraphim, I guess I don't see door-to-door evangelism as "walking the walk". Feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, reaching out to widows, getting involved in the lives of the marginalized -- these are the "real" doors that we should be knocking on, and thereby earning the opportunities to share the good news about Jesus with people, and inviting them to join us in the journey of discipleship."

Amen. right on!
In my opinion, the door-knocking technique is rather outdated, and overrated. Although its not something to be proud of, "door-knockers" have a bad reputation. Living in a small town, you can often find those same people being the "typical judmental and hypocrytical christian" in the eyes of those being witnessed to. How many people in today's culture are really open to "door-knockers"???
Standing on the porch, after you said "Hows your extended family..ect", the man answered "My fmaily is the hardest to reach."
Could that be because they know how we really are? They see all sides of us, and know all of our flaws! Maybe we should be working on that, and fixing the problem from the core, rather then hiding it for a day to go knock on people's door and start out in the same (and in my opinion cheesey) phrase every time.
Yes, many "door-knockers" are genuine, and feel led to "go out there", but how can the "average Joe" decide who is and isn't? Agnostic people aren't stupid, they know when things aren't personalized...and making them feel like you really care about them starts with something very simple. Acceptance.

[Seraphim]

Is "Walking the Walk" really knocking on people's doors, telling them "today is a great day to be saved!"?? Every day is a great day to be saved!

um, didn't Jesus say something like, "Today is the day of Salvation"

but how can the "average Joe" decide who is and isn't? Agnostic people aren't stupid, they know when things aren't personalized

I'm thinking the Holy Spirit here.

[Brian Monroe]

"I'm thinking the Holy Spirit here." -Seraphim

heheheheh... now would this be the same Holy Spirit that was leading my girlfriend who said that it was "leading her" to break up with me because that's what "GOD" wanted right now? =P Looking at how people in todays culture really only WANT to do what THEY want to do, it would take a miracle for it to work. The good news is that God is AWESOME. So it'll work a few times. But what about all the damage that it does. Do we really stop to think about full reprocussions of what we actually are doing? I'm not saying to be timid, we're called to be bold. But throwing rocks with scripture written on it at some guys windows isn't the best way to be a light to the world. Personally door to door is too much like telemarketing, (on a side note I think telemarketers are the new tax colectors of our day) only it's worse cause you can't hang up your door, and there's no National Do NOT KNOCK list.

[Seraphim]

Looking at how people in todays culture really only WANT to do what THEY want to do, it would take a miracle for it to work.

yes. a miracle. my point exactly.

if i may go out on a limb here (your girlfriends discernment nonwithstanding) I still believe that the Holy Spirit is still the initiator of salvation. Jesus saves. not me.

part of the confusion in the church is the 'invite the world to the church thing' the church is supposed to go to the world.

And what 'damage' exactly are those going door to door doing? the growth rate of the mormans and the jw's are staggering. So we the real Church think we can win the lost by doing nothing?

[Lydia]

"Part of my aversion may stem from the value I see people in our culture placing on private space. Our cultural reality today -- and maybe even especially in Southern California -- is not at all what it was 3,4,5 decades ago."

Things are very similar up here in Ontario, DP. People are polite, but privacy is a big part of the culture from what I've seen. Even good friends don't show up on one anothers doorstep uninvited. To do so would be considered very rude.

I understand what those men were trying to do, but I also think that Christians (including myself) need to be aware of the culture(s) they find themselves living in and among.