DOOR TO DOOR
A Door to Door Visiting Manual
Notes for Participant's
Hi! This short course is designed to assist you in doing door to door visiting or
doorknocking. To do the course you will need a copy of these participant's notes
and a pen. The course will take about forty five minutes to an hour to complete.
The course focuses on the practicalities of door knocking. It doesn't train people
in sharing the gospel or in answering people's questions. Therefore, if you are
going to be involved in regular door knocking, it would be a good idea to do a
personal evangelism training course at some stage.
Door to Door Course - Participant's Notes
Why
Door knocking has a number of aims.
 Make contact with people in our community.
 Let people know about our church and its' activities.
 Share the gospel with people, either:o Through your conversation.
o By giving them something that explains the gospel.
o By inviting them to some sort of evangelistic event.
How
a. Door Knocking Pairs
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•
Ideally a male and female in each pair (one chinese even better!)
Match up inexperienced people with experienced people if possible.
b. Assigned Streets / Properties
• Stick to these streets / properties.
• If you don't finish don't worry.
• If you finish early don't worry.
c. Properties on Corners
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Only knock on those houses that are actually in your street.
d. Security Doors and Gates
•
•
•
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These can be intimidating and hard to get through.
Press Buzzer and seek to connect with residents.
Best not to have a long conversation over an intercom.
Ask if you could come in or if they could come out to meet you.
e. Dogs
•
Don't risk life and limb getting to the door! Move on.
f. No Answer
•
Move on. Drop a leaflet in the letterbox if appropriate.
Questions and discussion
What to Say
a. Introduction
• Introduce yourselves by your first names.
• Tell them what church (or group) you are from.
• Let them know the purpose of your visit.
• Ask a general question.
"Hi! I'm Michael and this is Nessi. We are from St Philip’s Eastwood Anglican church – which
is across the road from Eastwood Public School. We are keen this year to get know our
community better and let people know about our church…”
•
Work out your own introduction.
•
One person can always do the introduction or you may like to take it in turns.
b. After the Introduction
• A lot of people won't really want to talk or even take what you are handing out.
• Don't feel that you are inadequate as a door knocker! This is very normal for
door knocking!
• However, some people will be interested in talking more.
Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. From this passage, what are some principles that we need
to keep in mind when sharing Christ with people and dealing with any questions
that they might have?
15But
in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience,
so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ
may be ashamed of their slander.
• Try not to get too sidetracked. Try to steer the conversation back to Christ and
the gospel.
• How you say things is important. Smile! Be friendly!
• Stand back a bit from the door - it is less threatening.
c. Some Scenarios
Scenario 1 - A young man answers the door with a towel wrapped around his
waist and a shaver in one hand with shaving cream on his face. What should you
say?
Scenario 2 - A middle aged lady answers the door of her unit. Initially she smiles
and is pleasant but when you mention the word Christian or church, she tells you
to "Go away" and slams the door in your face. What should you do?
Scenario 3 - A woman answers the door and you find out that she is a Jehovah's
Witness. She is very impressed that you are out door knocking! After a while the
conversation gets onto the subject of the Trinity and whether Jesus is the Son of
God. You feel that the discussion is starting to get heated and is developing into
an argument. What should you do at this point?
Scenario 4 - A man answers the door and tells you that he and his family are from
a different denomination. What should you say in response?
Scenario 5 - A woman in her twenties answers the door. She currently doesn't go
to church but is very open to talking about Christian things. You find out that her
sister works in a church. You leave after about twenty minutes having had a really
positive conversation. What should you do now?
Follow Up
• Another visit - note down the address so you don't forget.
• Phone call - if they are willing to give you their phone number.
• Ask permission before passing on their details to someone else in the church.
• Don't harass people!
• Let doorknocking coordinator know if there are people who need to be followed
up.
Questions and discussion
Prayer Time
Spend some time praying for your door knocking and for those people who you
will be speaking to.