• Introductions for Use in the Field Ministry
    Reasoning From the Scriptures

    • WHEN MANY PEOPLE SAY: ‘I’M BUSY’

      ● ‘Hello. We’re visiting everyone in this neighborhood with an important message. No doubt you are a busy person, so I’ll be brief.’

      ● ‘Greetings. My name is ——. The purpose of my coming is to discuss with you blessings of God’s Kingdom and how we can share in them. But I can see that you are busy (or, about to go out). May I leave you with just a brief thought?’

      IN TERRITORY OFTEN WORKED

      ● ‘I’m glad to find you at home. We’re making our weekly visit in the neighborhood, and we have something more to share with you about the wonderful things that God’s Kingdom will do for mankind.’

      ● ‘Hello. It’s good to see you again. . . . Is everyone in the family in good health? . . . I stopped by to share with you a thought on . . . ’

      ● ‘Good morning. How are you? . . . I’ve been wanting another opportunity to talk with you. (Then name the specific subject you want to discuss.)’

  • How You Might Respond to Potential Conversation Stoppers
    Reasoning From the Scriptures

    • How You Might Respond to Potential Conversation Stoppers

      Comments: The life prospects of people depend on their attitude toward Jehovah God and his Kingdom by Christ Jesus. The message of God’s Kingdom is thrilling, and it points to the only dependable hope for humankind. It is a message that transforms lives. We want everyone to hear it. We realize that only a minority will receive it appreciatively, but we know that people at least need to hear it if they are to make an informed choice. Yet not everyone is willing to listen, and we do not try to force them. But with discernment it is often possible to turn potential conversation stoppers into opportunities for further discussion. Here are examples of what some experienced Witnesses have used in their efforts to search out deserving ones. (Matt. 10:11) Our recommendation is not that you memorize any of these replies but that you get the idea in mind, put it in your own words and express it in a manner that conveys your genuine interest in the person to whom you are speaking. As you do so, you can have confidence that those whose hearts are rightly disposed will listen and respond appreciatively to what Jehovah is doing to draw them to his loving provisions for life.—John 6:44; Acts 16:14.

      ‘I’M NOT INTERESTED’

      ● ‘May I ask, Do you mean that you are not interested in the Bible, or is it religion in general that does not interest you? I ask that because we have met many who at one time were religious but no longer go to church because they see much hypocrisy in the churches (or, they feel that religion is just another money-making business; or, they do not approve of religion’s involvement in politics; etc.). The Bible does not approve of such practices either and it provides the only basis on which we can look to the future with confidence.’

      ● ‘If you mean that you are not interested in another religion, I can understand that. But more than likely you are interested in what kind of future we can expect in view of the threat of nuclear war (or, how we can safeguard our children against drug abuse; or, what can be done about crime so that we won’t have to be afraid to walk the streets; etc.). Can you see any prospect for a real solution?’

      ● ‘Is that because you already have a religion? . . . Tell me, Do you think we will ever see a time when everyone belongs to the same religion? . . . What seems to stand in the way? . . . For it to be meaningful, what sort of foundation would be needed?’

      ● ‘I can appreciate that. A few years ago I felt the same way. But I read something in the Bible that helped me to view matters in a different light. (Show the person what it was.)’

      ● ‘Would you be interested if I could show you from the Bible how you could see your dead loved ones again (or, what the real purpose of life is; or, how it can help us to keep our families united; etc.)?’

      ● ‘If you mean that you are not interested in buying something, let me put your mind at ease. I’m not engaged in a commercial work. But would you be interested in the opportunity to live on a paradise earth, free from sickness and crime, with neighbors who really love you?’

      ● ‘Is that your usual reply when Jehovah’s Witnesses call? . . . Have you ever really wondered why we keep calling or what we have to say? . . . Briefly, the reason I came to see you is that I know something that you should know too. Why not listen just this once?’

      ‘I’M NOT INTERESTED IN RELIGION’

      ● ‘I can understand how you feel. Frankly, the churches are not making this world a safer place to live, are they? . . . May I ask, Have you always felt the way you do now? . . . But do you believe in God?’