Cultivating a Culture of Evangelism - Part 5

1. Knock on Doors - The response to the gospel was tremendous when Peter preached Jesus at Pentecost.  “About three thousand souls were added” which was certainly a miracle of the most spectacular kind.  We should also note what the believers were doing in these evangelistic efforts as they were “breaking bread from house to house.” (Acts 2:46)  Paul mentions that his ministry involved “teaching publicly and house to house.” (Acts 20:20)  The ministry of Jesus involved proclamation to the multitudes but He also went personally from house to house visiting with people.  Some may think that this idea is outdated or only limited to cultures which “still” accept the practice and we must admit there are challenges to this method in our day of gated communities and neighbors who don’t even know one another much less a stranger knocking on their door.  However it strikes me that even the entrepreneurial experts on the show “Shark Tank” highly respect a start-up entrepreneur who is willing to go door to door with their product.  I would suggest infiltrating gated communities and apartment complexes from the inside by establishing a Bible study/cookout in the home of one of the members of that community and invite their neighbors.  I know, I know, you may not have the people whose doors you knocked show up at a worship service but here is one thing I have certainly learned:  God blesses the going.  You may not have many, or even any, of the people whose doors you knocked show up but people will come and God will send them because you have been faithful to go and try.
2. Use Service Projects - One simple way to effectively visit people by knocking on doors is to offer to serve them in some way.  Introduce yourself as being from your church and let the person know you are wanting to be a blessing to the community.  Ask them if there is anything that they may need done around the house or in their yard.  You may change light bulbs, mow yards, clean up brush and trash, or wash windows.  Anything to help build relationships and show Christian kindness to those in our communities.  In every church there are some people who want to help do ministry but are more introverted and find it difficult to talk to others comfortably.  This can be a good way to help them engage in ministry by doing service projects and then that provides the more outgoing people a bridge to be able to share the gospel with those served.  I would advise against getting so caught up in doing good deeds that you fail to share the gospel.  Rather use this as an opportunity to share Jesus with the people you are helping and it will be a blessing to everyone involved.