1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
This person or persons are members of the Church, i.e.; they have been baptized at some time and place in the past. They have since moved into this community and attend services at the congregation most of the time when they go anywhere. They may have lived here only a short time. On the other hand, they may have lived here for a relatively long period of time (Your contact notice may tell). However, they have not indicated either publicly or to the elders or anyone privately that they desire to be a part of the congregation to share its work and be under its overseers.
You are to become better acquainted with them by your visit; show an interest in them; aid their relationship with the Church. Represent the work of the congregation in such a way that they will be led to desire and feel a need for fellowship in its activities. Even the example of your own work in calling may be the encouragement they need.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
It is not necessary, if you would feel more secure if they knew in advance that you were planning to visit them, then be sure to telephone or talk to them at services about it.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Attempt to follow through on a visit within the first two weeks of being aware of the situation. There is no particular urgency about this call, especially in the case of a member who has lived in the community for some time. You might be of more assistance to a member who has recently moved here if you call soon after you learn about him. The longer he puts off assuming a working relationship with the congregation, the more difficult it becomes.
With regard to the time of day if it is a couple or a male member, evenings or weekends would be the best time. If it were a woman, the afternoon might be better.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
Yes, if you prefer. If, on the other hand, you desire some one to go with you and your companion isn’t a member or can’t go with you, call on a friend, from the Church to accompany you. It’s usually best for two to make evening calls.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
Introduce yourself if they do not know you and mention that you’re from the Church. If you have not informed them of your visit in advance, you might indicate that you have just come by for a short visit (and mean it). This will set them at ease in the event they have other plans. Be alert to situations where they seem to be getting ready to leave, etc, and don’t stay.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
Become better acquainted if you don’t know them very well. Ask about the family, what the husband does, number of children, etc. and attempt to establish a personal contact with your family where feasible.
If they have recently moved into this area, inquire about the congregation where they formerly had their fellowship. Find out how many of the family that are members of the Church. Determine if you are able, how active they have been in Church work and attendance in the past. Inform them of our work and services and urge them to have their fellowship with us and to let this desire be known. If they have lived here for some time and have attended some, talk about the work program and plans of the congregation, or evangelism efforts. Emphasize the need for all members in the area getting behind the cause and really accomplishing something. Be enthusiastic about the work and its prospects.
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
There is very little pertinent written material available on this problem of: “placing membership.” However, there is a very good article written by Kevin Cauley regarding this topic following this section. This article should help you in your preparation. If they have questions about “placing membership", which you can’t deal with satisfactorily, make arrangements for the preacher or elders to talk with them.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
If this is your first visit with them, don’t prolong it merely because your time will so allow. A short, friendly visit to get acquainted is much better (15 minutes to an hour should suffice in most cases, depending on the reception and flow of conversation).
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
Work toward helping them to broaden their participation in the work and services of the congregation. Ask if the children (if any) are in Bible study classes. Ask if they won’t come and bring them the next Sunday if they aren’t attending. If you know them well enough, encourage them to let it be known right away that they are ready to go to work.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
Note the date and time of your visit. Indicate how you were received whether friendly or indifferent, if they have recently moved here, give pertinent information you remember about the family such as number of children, where they last had fellowship, if they plan to work and worship with us, etc. File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
It will be added to the contacts made in your zone. Follow-ups, if necessary, can utilize the information gained. Someone else may be able to take the problem you discovered where you left off.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THE CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
See if they do show an increase in interest after your visit. See if they do “place membership”. Continue to cultivate your friendship with them and show a genuine interest. It may be that as you come to know them better, they will confide in you their problems and you may help remove obstacles. And as you become better acquainted, if you were unable to do so on the first visit, encourage them to let it be known that they want to go to work as a part of the congregation.
