Searching Out Deserving Ones

Jesus instructed his disciples to “search out” deserving ones. (Matt. 10:11) His search for those favorably disposed was not limited to the house-to-house ministry. Indeed, he gave a witness on every appropriate occasion, both formal and informal. (Luke 8:1; John 4:7-15) The apostles also witnessed to people at a variety of locations.​—Acts 17:17; 28:16, 23, 30, 31.

Likewise today, our objective is to reach everyone possible with the Kingdom message. This means imitating Jesus and his disciples in their approach to the disciple-making work as well as keeping abreast of the changing times and the varying circumstances of the people in our territory.​—1 Cor. 7:31.

In addition to preaching from house to house, we must search for people elsewhere. Publishers have been successful in calling on people at places of business. Street witnessing has proved very effective in many countries, as has witnessing in parks, in parking lots, on public transportation, or wherever people can be found. As a result, individuals who are not at home when publishers call may be contacted with the good news.

Presenting The Watchtower and Awake! is an effective way to witness to people. This can be done in a kind and tactful manner by approaching people with a timely subject discussed in one of the magazines. Other literature may also be offered to interested people, and arrangements may then be made to call on them at their homes. Periodically, Our Kingdom Ministry offers suggestions regarding this, encouraging us to share in various features of the ministry. You may find witnessing to people in public places an enjoyable way to expand your ministry.

However, sounding a warning and proclaiming the good news are not all that is involved in the work assigned to Christians today. If you are to succeed in helping others embrace the truth that leads to life, you need to make repeated calls on interested ones so that they can progress toward becoming mature Christians.