METHODS AND GUIDELINES Making House Visits

BIBLICAL BASIS: Luke 19:10 - For the Son of man came to seek and to save that was lost. We are in a seeking business. The Lord told us to `go and tell' and not `tell them to come and hear. Even Jesus had to come and seek to save us. We should go where people are. One sure place to find people is in their homes.

1. Each home may have varying degree of receptivity. Be keen for God-given contacts. These are those who are:
   1. Showing more expected interest
   2. Willing to talk about spiritual matters
   3. Readily accepts literature given
   4. Asks for prayer
   5. Responds positively to a second visit.
2. The role of prayer - we should spend time speaking to God about men as much as we spend time speaking to men about Him.
3. Determine area to cover: It is better to concentrate your visits in one area (by streets for example) and saturate the houses there.
4. Determine the best and most appropriate hours for visiting.
5. Have wisdom what to say and what not to say.
6. First impressions are important: Wear clean, neat and modest clothes, wear a cheerful smile, and carry a courteous spirit. The people may not read the tract you'll give but they will `read' you.
7. Be courteous but bold, not hesitant. Remember who you are because of Jesus. We are a people that have something to offer.
8. If people are rude and unwelcoming, then smile and apologize for distu­rbing them. If they refuse a tract you offered, accept their refusal as their personal right.
9. Don't withhold due appreciation: example: for a beautiful garden.
10. Sometimes, a worthwhile conversation is started, but be sure you're not carried aimlessly. Remember your objectives.
11. Don’t overstay! Be keen to signals from the host that it's time for you to go.
12. Never allow yourself to be drawn into an argument.
13. Learn the art of listening. It is while you are listen that you can discover the best way to minister to the person. Really listen, don't be too busy thinking what to say next).
14. Learn the art of asking the right questions.
15. Be willing to answer honest questions but never be ashamed to admit you do not know the answer if you don't. You can say `that's a good question, but I can't answer it sufficiently now. I'll take note of it, find the answer and come back to tell you'. You have now a good reason to return or motivate him to start a Bible study in his home.
16. Remember, it will not always be possible to witness to your contact at the first visit, but end your visit in a way that it will open the way for a follow-up visit.
17. Concluding the visit
    1. Thank him for his hospitality, for the time he has given you.
    2. Thank him for answering your questions (especially when you conducted a `Spiritual Need Survey'. Compliment him also for his questions if he did.
    3. Say you are available for prayer anytime they need it.
    4. Offer a tract before you leave.
    5. Don't hesitate to make an appointment for a next visit. Set day and time.
18. Treat your venture as an adventure with and for God.
19. Accurately record result of visit & suggestions for next visit.