Do we need to do this?
Some Christians shy away from this kind of door to door visitation in favor of relational evangelism. Of course, as Christians we are to "shine as lights" in our sphere of influence in our daily lives. Sharing Christ with those we know and care about, with whom we can demonstrate the love of Christ is a valid and biblical method of reaching out. Indeed this lifestyle is not only commanded but is inherent in true Christian living- BUT we know that scripture also explicitly commands us to GO and seek the lost, not just share with those we already know or rely on chance encounters. In addition, relationships will be built with those neighbors who give and receive help along side of Christians. This plan combines the relational and the "going" and meeting new people and neighbors!
The Problem- externally: "Door to door" isn't what it used to be.
In today's individualistic, private, fast paced society, it is sometimes difficult to get invited in the house when witnessing door to door. Many people consider it an unwanted intrusion on their privacy, sometimes it seems there is little hospitality left these days. But yet we are commanded to go into the highways and byways and compel them to come and enjoy the feast God has prepared. So how do we do it?
The Problem- internally: We don't know how.
Many Christians want to reach out to their neighbors, but don't feel they are equipped to do so. The truth is with a handful of key scriptures, a heart of compassion, and the Spirit of God, any believer can lead others to Christ. Some new believers are excited, yet so young in the Lord, they simply don't know those few scriptures well enough; they just haven't been trained yet.
Others who have the knowledge to do it have grown cold. Unfortunately years of "busy-ness", fear and apathy have caused our spiritual muscles to grow weak. Though we might once could have done it, we again feel inadequate.
The Solution- internally: Let God arise and His enemies be scattered
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and quit feeding the flesh. Put aside childish things and feed on the sincere milk of the Word and grow into maturity so you can be about your father's business. And for you older Christians- Repent and return to your first love.
The Solution- on the outside: utilize a non-threatening tool that can share the truth without invading their time or space.
Having the neighborhood service to offer makes it easy to approach the door of a neighbor you haven't met yet. You're not showing up and saying "I'm here to 'get you saved'". You have a legitimate offer of practical help or an opportunity for them to help others, and that makes it a lot easier to go door to door!
If they invite us in and they are open and we are able to share our faith and invite them to join in serving their neighbors at that visit, by all means do so, but we don't have to get invited in. At the door we very quickly and easily direct them to the web site or give them a Word-packed, powerful, free interactive CD or DVD that explains the LYNC network, presents the gospel and answers common questions, and then we come back later to see what they thought!
Articles to motivate and move you!
The menu up on the left has links to several articles that can encourage your faith and stir you to action. Most importantly, please understand what we believe to be the secret to the success of this plan. Our doctrinal statement is here.
Links
There is also a page with links to other evangelistic web sites with a wealth of information and training.
The interactive CD (soon to be video DVD) that you hand out to neighbors will also be a great training aid
Since the gospel is clearly presented and objections answered in the CD/DVD, it is also ideal for learning how to share your faith and answer objections and questions folks may have. Here is a link to the web version of the CD/DVD.
