A letter from Jeremy Berg, who sometimes writes posts for this blog... I'm very keen to hear what you do when Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door. Can you tell us what you feel, what you want to do, what you do do?
Scot -I had two very nice Jehovah's Witness women show up at my door this morning. I never
quite know how to approach these encounters. I think these encounters are especially awkward for pastors/Bible teachers who are equipped to engage them in theological debate but don't feel like that is the context (standing at the door freezing). Plus, they are usually just well-meaning laypersons who might not be able or wanting to actually be challenged themselves.
Do I just play dumb, hide the fact that I'm a pastor, take their pamphlets and send them on their way with a smile? Other uncertainties include: Is it appropriate to invite them inside? Can they accept and come in?
(I think Mormons are a different story here -- more willing to sit down and chat.)
Is it wise when they are two women and a guy home alone?
Of course, behind all of these questions is my own sense of obligation to evangelize and try to convert them to the "true faith." Should I feel guilty when I miss an opportunity to "witness" back to them -- even when I don't believe door-to-door evangelism is a very effective or wise approach to personal evangelism?
So, I would love to hear how others in the Jesus Creed community handle such encounters. Thoughts?
Grace and peace,
Jeremy Berg
So, I would love to hear how others in the Jesus Creed community handle such encounters. Thoughts?
Grace and peace,
Jeremy Berg
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"Watch out for the false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inside are ravenous wolves"--Mt 7:15
Lots of Jehovah's Witnesses like my own mother have golden hearts but the watchtower cult bosses are predatory Charles Manson types
Having been one for 39 years it is evident that detractors and failed witnesses use the same tactic in religious discussions that are used in politics. If you can't defend your faith or converse intelligently on the issues, then make personal attacks. Words like "cult, brain washed, child killers" are common when real doctrinal discussions are
so difficult for nominal Christians. Ex-witnesses who have been overcome by gross sin are hardly likely "prophets" to hang ones future on. For both Scott and Jeremy, grab your Bible and have a discussion, defending your beliefs from your bible, while listening to their explanations. You may learn something about life, the future and whether your church teachings are really Bible based. If we are demon possed like Jesus was accused of being, how can we go door to door with a good attitude knowing we may meet ex failed witnesses like Gerald and still have a positive outlook about the future. Jehovah's true scriptural hope provides that outlook as we witness to strangers, as his Holy Spirit directs the successful fullfillment of the prophecy at Matt24:14 that the good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth until the end comes. Dutch.
To:Dutch,
Your dialogue with Christians and rebuttal's to Jehovah's Witnesses dogmas is in the prior 40 post many include scripture support.
Try reading some of them
[Dutch said,"Ex-witnesses who have been overcome by gross sin are hardly likely "prophets" to hang ones future on." ]
HUH?
Only those who are truly touched by the Spirit of the true and living God can know the way. Call yourself what ever you want. If it is not of God, it will be revealed in time. JD
I all most forgot the real question! I treat JW's with kindness and tell them I am not a beliver in their faith. I also ask them why the perdictions the WT made in the past about the end of time did not come true as they said. You would be very suprised at how many of todays JWs don't even know of this error of thier past fathers of faith.
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