A Help for Videophone Witnessing
1 While we properly give priority to the house-to-house method of preaching, videophone witnessing is an effective way to spread the good news in a congregation’s assigned territory, especially where there are many homes to which we cannot gain access.—Luke 10:5-7; Acts 5:42; 20:20.
2 This feature of the ministry can be encouraging to brothers and sisters who are limited in mobility and spend much of their time at home. Publishers will enjoy an interchange of encouragement when they arrange to share in this form of witnessing with these faithful ones. (Rom. 1:11, 12) Also, during inclement weather, publishers may choose to participate in videophone witnessing. Generally speaking, groups should be kept small so that all make the best use of time.
3 Suggestions are provided for use when witnessing by videophone. Add presentations that are effective in your territory or that you feel more comfortable using. You may find it helpful to sit at a table and have notes from these suggestions in front of you.
4 What else will you need when witnessing by videophone? Review this check list as you prepare.
◼ Personal Bible
◼ What Does the Bible Really Teach?—On DVD
◼ Current issues of Our Kingdom Ministry—On DVD
◼ Meeting invitations and copies of the Web site tract
◼ List of names with numbers to call and pencil or pen
◼ Tablet or portable DVD player
5 Keep These Points In Mind:
◼ Relax. Be yourself. Demonstrate courteousness, patience, and friendliness.
◼ Sign slowly, deliberately, and clearly.
◼ Smile.
◼ Avoid unnecessary pauses.
◼ Allow the householder to share in the conversation, and thank him for his expressions.
◼ A partner can help you cue videos to show so that you can focus on the discussion. However, you should let the householder know that you are not alone.
◼ Do not mention the donation arrangement, as this could be misinterpreted as a form of solicitation. At an appropriate time after you have met the householder in person, you may inform him that our work is supported entirely by voluntary donations.
6 Introductions:
◼ “Hello. My name is ________ . I am calling because I am not able to come and see you personally. I live here in the community. [You might give the name of your street or neighborhood.] I’m interested in your opinion regarding . . .”
◼ “Hello. My name is ________ . I’m helping people in the community with their Bible questions as a public service. Have you ever wondered . . . ?”
◼ “Hello. My name is ________ . I’m not selling anything; I am one of your neighbors from ________ Street. Many in the community are concerned about . . .” [Mention a current news item of local concern.]
◼ “Hello. My name is ________ . I am calling because I wanted to ask if you are familiar with the sign-language videos that are available free of charge on the Web site, jw.org.” Then mention some of the videos that are available, such as those represented on the inside of the Web site tract, to find out what type of video most interests him and offer to show him how to find it on the Web site.
◼ [Insert your own.]
[Then continue with your presentation. You may use a suggestion from Our Kingdom Ministry or prepare your own.]
7 To offer a Bible study on the initial call:
◼ “Hello. My name is ________ . I am one of your neighbors from ________ Street. I’m calling because I give Bible lessons free of charge and I have openings in my schedule. Here are some of the subjects that will be discussed. [Mention two or three of the chapter titles from Bible Teach.] Which of those interests you the most? [Allow for response.] The subjects that I just mentioned are from a DVD entitled What Does the Bible Really Teach? I would be happy to come by and drop off a copy. There is no charge for the DVD. The videos are also available for download free of charge on the jw.org Web site.”
8 If the householder hesitates, you might say:
◼ “Then perhaps I could call you again to discuss briefly what the Bible really teaches on the subject you are interested in. Are you usually home at this time?”
◼ [Insert your own.]
9 If the householder says:
“Whom do you represent?”
◼ “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” and continue with your presentation.
“How did you get my number?”
◼ “Since we are given videophone numbers from many different sources, such as family members, friends, and others in the deaf community, I don’t know exactly how I got your number,” and continue with your presentation.
“What is your business? What are you selling?”
◼ “I’m not selling anything,” and continue with your presentation.
10 If the householder requests that Jehovah’s Witnesses not call him again:
◼ “I’ll make a note of that, and we will endeavor to honor your wishes,” and discontinue your presentation. [A dated note with the name of the person should then be placed in the territory.]
11 If you get an answering machine:
◼ “My name is ________ . I was calling to invite you to a Bible-based discourse presented in sign language on the subject ________ . No collections are ever taken.” Include the day, time, and location of the meeting.
◼ “My name is ________ , and I am calling as a public service to help people get answers to their Bible questions. I will call you again.”
◼ [Insert your own.]
12 Conclusions:
◼ “I have a DVD that I’d like to share with you that gives more information on the subject. I would be glad to come by and drop it off. There is no charge.”
◼ “I enjoyed talking with you. Would it be possible for me (and my husband/wife) to visit your home to discuss the subject further? We could discuss the answer to this question: . . .”
◼ “I enjoyed our conversation. The next time I call, I’d like to discuss the Bible’s answer to this question: . . . . Is this a good time to call?”
◼ [Insert your own.]
13 If the person is reluctant for you to visit, you might say:
◼ “If you prefer, I would be happy to send the DVD to you.”
◼ “Then perhaps I could call you again to continue our discussion. Are you usually home at this time?”
◼ “I enjoyed our conversation. I’d like to invite you to a Bible-based discourse on the subject . . . . No collections are ever taken.” Include the day, time, and location of the meeting.
◼ [Insert your own.]