Life's Journey: Is Door-to-Door Evangelism Effective?

Over the next few weeks I want to look a several types of evangelism. There are almost as many ways as there are types of people.

The first approach to evangelism I want to talk about is door-to-door. This is probably one of the least liked methods in all the church today. Over the years it has slowly fallen out of favor and rarely is it even discussed anymore. I love this form of evangelism because I get to meet people in an environment where they are most comfortable, and I’m able to speak with them one on one, usually without interruption.

Some of the reasons I believe this type may not be so popular anymore is because:

1) Some believe it is not effective

2) Too many people are not home

3) Fear. Afraid of scary people answering the door

4) Just don’t want to do it

5) Hate it when people think you’re a Mormon or Jehovah’s Witness

6) And some people don’t consider it to be biblical

The Great Commission is not an option, it’s a mandate. If only more Christians were as prepared to share the gospel as the Jehovah’s Witnesses are to promote their teachings! But is door-to-door evangelism the way?

Jesus commissioned His followers to, “...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you ...” (Matthew 28:19-20)

As far as I can tell, the Bible does not specifically state that the disciples went from door to door, uninvited. Yet, it is just another form of one-on-one evangelism, which is seen many times in the scriptures. (See Acts 8:26, John 4:1)

My experience is that it can be effective, but is a bit more difficult than many other forms of evangelism. I do tend to use it primarily to introduce myself (thus starting a relationship), and advertise our church, yet, I never leave without at least getting a sense of where they are at spiritually. I believe the real reason many Christians do not like to go door knocking, and criticize this method, is because they do not like to do one-on-one evangelism to strangers. They have made up their mind that talking to strangers is ineffective, in spite of hardly ever doing it themselves. Also, when you do it with the attitude that it is ineffective (that God cannot do anything through it), of course you are not going to accomplish much for God’s glory.

Probably the most effective method of evangelism is to speak personally to friends, neighbors and co-workers. This is the type of evangelism is modeled by Philip in John 1:45-46. When Christians befriend others and develop a trusting relationship with them, they earn the right to be listened to. Inviting others to come to church or attend weekly Bible studies in the homes of other Christians is another good way to share the gospel. The way we live is important, too. A life of godliness speaks volumes to non-believers about the transforming power of the love of God.

A good biblical example of evangelism is the young Jewish girl captured and taken to Syria as a servant for Naaman's wife. The little girl's faith in the God of Elisha prompted her to spontaneously speak of his miracles. Her faith and her concern for Naaman’s health resulted not only in Naaman being healed, but also coming to faith in Yahweh (2 Kings 5:1-19).

All Christians need to be equipped to share the good news with others (1 Peter 3:15). We might not all be teachers and preachers, but we should all be so grateful that we have been saved, that we want to tell others, and explain what God has done for sinners such as us. Whether we’re going door to door, leaving tracts at a restaurant, or engaging in friendship evangelism, we should be sharing the gospel. Jesus commands it, duty demands it and gratitude prompts it.

Here are 8 tips in breaking the ice when going door-to-door:

1) Always smile and act like you are privileged to have the opportunity to talk to the person that opened their door for you

2) Pray as you are approaching each door that God would give you the opportunity, and the courage, to share the gospel.

3) Always introduce yourself (and whoever may be with you)

4) Ask for prayer requests. This is a helpful way to get names and contact information so you can follow up later, and it shows which people are open to spiritual things

5) When you go door-to-door in your neighborhood, don’t be afraid to invite the person over for dinner. People are more open to this than you think.

6) If you are only inviting people to church or to a special service, don’t leave without attempting to share the gospel with them. You more than likely will not see them at the meeting. Sharing the gospel with them may make this more of a possibility.

7) Use tracts. Tracts are always a helpful way to break the ice. And there are many videos on YouTube with ideas on how to witness to people.

Remember this fact in using any evangelism method: You Are Successful Only when You Do It! Effectiveness is measured not by how many people come to Christ, but by how much God is being glorified in you. Using some of these tips can make door-to-door evangelism much easier and a lot less scary.

If you have any other ideas that have been effective for you, please share them with us so others may learn.

Here are some tracts that can ordered or downloaded online:

Business Card Tracts

Evangelism Explosion

Crossway

Child Evangelism Fellowship

And here are some videos I found helpful in learning to witness:

Four Things for Effective Evangelism

Your Testimony in 2 Minutes

The Four Spiritual Laws

How to Lead Others to Christ