1. WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
This contact is not a Christian, but has manifested an interest in the Church and gospel of our Lord. They may or may not have visited our services. Their interest may have been manifested in one of various ways. Perhaps some one called on them previously and they showed a real interest. They may have relatives who are members through whom they let their interest be known. They may have a close neighbor who is a member who has noticed genuine concern on their part. They may have been attending and indicated an interest to the preacher or another member at some service. Perhaps, they heard about the congregation from the Internet. In most cases, however, it will be someone you know.
Your first visit’s purpose will be to become better acquainted with them on a congenial basis, if you don’t know them too well, and to attempt to pin-point some special problem or questions they may have which may be dealt with later. If you already are well enough acquainted, enter early into a discussion of questions they may have if you feel qualified to do so. Your task is to help retain and intensify their interest in the cause of Christ. Read Acts 8:27-35, Romans 10:13-17.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
(1)If you purpose to go for a study session with them, make arrangements in advance either by telephone or in person so they will be expecting you and know the nature of your visit.
(2)If you do not know them well enough as yet and desire to become better acquainted, a phone call in advance may not be as important, perhaps.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Don’t put off your contact too long. Their recently indicated interest will best be retained by an early contact of some kind. An early answer to questions they might have will probably lead them to further study.
4.SHOULD 1 GO ALONE?
In the event it is one person you are to contact and you know them well enough to discuss things rather freely, it might be best to be alone with them. If it’s a couple or a female you are to visit, it would probably be best for you and your companion, where feasible, to be involved.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
(1)If you have made advance arrangements, they will be expecting you. Be cordial and visit with them for a while upon arrival.
(2)If you have stopped by without advance notice and you don’t know them too well, make sure they know who you are and that you are from the Church. Make sure that you are not breaking into their plans.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
(1)If they have been expecting you, they also will be expecting to discuss the Bible or some particular questions if you mentioned it when you called. After a short visit with them, tactfully turn the conversation toward that subject. Structure the situation so they feel free to ask questions. After some religious topic pertinent to their case has been introduced you might say, "And I hope to be able to help you along that line.” This would make it easy for a problem to be presented by them. Don't monopolize the conversation, but give them ample time for their comments.
(2)When you drop by mainly to get better acquainted, you can spend most of the time talking about various topics: families, work, school, etc. Do not avoid religion if they bring it up. Attempt before you leave to determine what has aroused their interest concerning the Church and along what lines they are presently interested in finding out more. Inquire about their religious background if you don’t already know.
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
It’s usually best to find out first what they are mainly interested in at the present. You probably wouldn't know that in advance of the first visit. After talking with them you might tell them about the tracts we have available on the subject and that you will be glad to mail one or better still, bring it by. Sometimes they may ask for some written material on a subject. It’s best not to give them too much material and do not get ahead of their interest. If they want to know about baptism, don’t give them some tracts on instrumental music, etc, in addition.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
(1)Don’t overstay you welcome even though they knew in advance that you were coming. In most instances it will take more than one session to satisfy their needs. Deal with the problems presented as effectively as you can. Then make arrangements for another study period. Even though they may still seem willing to continue, it's a mistake to try to cover too many problems at the first session.
(2)When you have just dropped by make your visit short and cordial (15 minutes to an hour is a rather good measure).
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
(1)If you spend most of the time discussing religion and feel you were accomplishing something, set a specific time for a similar session next week. Have them invite other interested parties they might know about if they (and you) so desire. If you prefer to have someone else (maybe the preacher) have a part in the next session, make sure that such would be acceptable before you leave.
(2)In the event you didn't discuss religion at length but feel there is sufficient interest to warrant, arrange a study period for the next, week.
10.WHAT SHOULD REPORT?
Give the date and time of your visit. Indicate the nature of your visit whether or not you studied with them. Note the extent of their interest and the kind of inquiries that were made. Indicate if you made arrangements for follow-up on the contact. File the report with the elders / at the building.
INTERESTED IN CHURCH OF CHRIST (Continued) -18-
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
The report will be used to determine what follow-up, if any is to be made after recording the contact and the information for reference.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Actually, one visit just begins to lay the basis for accomplishing results in most cases. You are in a position to know how to proceed. Should they be ready, arrange for further study sessions. Continue to visit and show an interest in the contact even though you prefer that someone else continue teaching them.