Seek. Love. Serve.

You’ve seen them coming.

Those crazy “door knockers” from the church up the street.

Hide!

Whatever you do, DON’T answer the door. Don’t. Even. Breathe.

It could be any church, but the Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for this outreach.

When I was growing up in St. Louis, they were the most common door knockers we had in our neighborhood. Sure, it could be annoying. And nothing — not even me answering the door in my pajamas — would keep them from knocking on Saturday mornings.

But you know what? Their persistence paid off.

One lady in particular.

She got to know me. She showed an interest in me, and I believe it was a genuine interest. She presented me with their publications, and I read them.

Before you judge, know this: The Baptists weren’t coming by. No Methodists. No Lutherans. No one from the Catholic church a few blocks away.

For years (yes, years!), the Jehovah’s Witnesses followed up with me and asked me how I was doing in high school. They applauded my successes and encouraged me. During their visits to my doorstep, they posed spiritual questions and answered all questions I had. They even debated with me when I’d tell them about something I’d read in the Bible that differed with what I was reading in their literature. All of this was done with sincerity and kindness. There was never any friction.

They were persistent, but I really didn’t find it pushy because a relationship developed.

You know what?

I haven’t lived in that house or that city for the past 13 years, and the same lady still comes by. I’m not there, but she talks to my mom and asks her about me. And, if you know my mom, you know that she doesn’t pass up a chance to tell anyone about her grandsons.

They’re still showing an interest. They’re still sharing their story.

Am I a Jehovah’s Witness? No. But I have respect for their genuine concern for others and their outreach. It’s effective. Personally, it meant a lot.

Does your church do this? Do your members attempt to reach out – physically – to their neighbors? Ask neighbors to share their prayer needs? Pray with neighbors on the doorstep?

Church marketing involves outreach. Maybe you don’t gather as a group at the end of the street and hit every house on the block. But maybe you simply go to the house next door and simply share the love of Christ through service, discussion and prayer.

What are some of your most effective outreach efforts?