Reaching the Lost: Unlocking the Door

Over the past few decades, door knocking has fallen into disfavor with churches of Christ. “It just doesn’t work anymore” is the mantra. Few evangelists have experience with door knocking in the States. Those who knock doors are consequently poorly trained and left to figure it out on their own. In short, there is almost no training or strategy behind door knocking. If you are going to knock doors successfully there are three required elements: strategy, training, and tools.

First, you need a strategy. Why are you knocking doors? Are you seeking a Bible study? Are you inviting them to worship or a gospel meeting? Although these goals are commendable, they are almost unreachable in a cold knock on the door. Imagine standing on the ten-yard line of a football field. Could you throw a pass into the far end zone? If you could, would someone be able to catch it? Now imagine knocking on a stranger’s door and trying to teach the gospel to the stranger who opens the door. Few evangelists could “throw the ball” that far, and even fewer strangers would be ready to “catch” it. That kind of door knocking leads to a losing record and a culture of failure. Instead, you need to move the goal posts to something reachable and find a winning strategy to create a culture of success. The first goal post is called, “contacts.” This is a goal almost anyone can reach.

Second, you need training. Once you understand that your goal is to obtain a contact, you are ready for the training. We use four different approaches: House to House/Heart to Heart, Prayer, New Movers, and Community Services. For example, you approach the person who opens the door and say, “We are going to send a free, 8-page publication about the Bible to everyone in this neighborhood.” After you hand the person a copy of the HTH door knocking edition, ask a question or two: “What do you think about the Bible? Would you be interested in receiving information about it?” Each approach needs explanation and demonstration. American Mission Campaigns (AMC) is a great place to get your feet wet (amc.housetohouse.com).

Third, you need tools. A tool is only as good as the person using it, but once you are trained, tools are essential. Here are some door knocking tools that will help you achieve success:

The House to House/Heart to Heart School of Evangelism has spent considerable time developing a successful door knocking strategy. We have moved from a low single-digit success rate to a consistent 30-35% rate of return. We have duplicated it in several congregations, and we continue to learn. If you want to get started, please sign up for our annual door knocking day that is scheduled for October 8, 2022.  You can find tips and tools when you register at:
https://nextdoor.housetohouse.com.