The ideal congregation is one in which all the members are working and contribut­ing to the planned program of scriptural activities. This is true because: (1) such work is essential to the individual’s fulfilling his mission as a Christian. (2) Such work contributes to the individual’s spiritual vitality; (3) Such a situation means that the Church is instrumental in saving souls, whether they be in God’s fami1y or yet outside. Whatever contributions the Church makes in the community of a social, cultural, or ever benevolent nature are wholly incidental to its concern for souls.

WE NEED TO MEET THE CHALLENGE MORE EFFICIENTLY.  The potential of most Church visitation programs is great. A good working force of Christians who want to work for the Lord can accomplish much.  Yet, they often need to be meeting this great chal­lenge with more efficiency and devotedness. There are weak and delinquent members of the congregation who need admonition, exhortation, or rebuke. There are a number of families of the Lord’s people represented who are wholly out of duty, not attending any­where, which we know about. And there are scores of non-members who have shown an interest in some way who need attention, to say nothing of the thousands who have never heard of real, New Testament Christianity.

ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM.  A program structure designed to meet this challenge can be effectively matched to most all congregations.  Imagine the area in which you live will be divided into zones. These zones are arranged so that there is a fairly equal distribution of members in each one. All the members in the congregation, who will, are asked to participate. A file will be kept by the elders on all prospects or members who need assistance. Visitation for the most part will be within the respective zones of the callers, with a few exceptions. They are to be made IN ADDITION to those you make on your own. In fact, you are urged to make other contacts whenever you can and to make them in any zone where you see an opportunity. Feel free to consult the elders regarding the member files for additional information to make your work more effective.

VISUALIZE WHAT WILL HAPPEN.  If at least an average of three families from each zone participates (example 7 zones) and makes one call each month, that will mean twenty-one calls each month in addition to those that some are making each week on their own. Over a period of time it ought to produce inspiring results if you do your part.  Not only will souls be won and God’s children restored, but you will grow as well.

WHY THIS BOOKLET?  There are three common problems encountered in a systematic visitation program. (1) A lack of information on the part of many as to the nature and specific purposes of the program (2) Trouble in arranging a suitable schedule so the majority of the members may participate (3) A sense of insecurity on the part of those who are inexperienced.

In approaching this work, there has been an attempt to largely eliminate all three of these problems. (1) Each zone is given a detailed description of the work in, small, informal meetings. (2) The program allows for a flexible time period in which the calls are to be made. (3) This booklet has been prepared to assist those inexperienced in this work by proposing some answers to the questions which commonly plague them.

HOW TO USE IT.  When you receive a contact notice, note the type of contact which has been checked. Turn to the section in this booklet which deals with that particular type of visit. You will find, answers to twelve questions which are pertinent to such calls. The answers given to these are not intended to be final answers in any case, and they are only intended to be suggestive at best. Use them only as suggestions adapting them to the par­ticular call which you have been asked to make. Apply those which are most suitable to you. Make your call as personal as you can and not professional. Don’t mention that you were asked to make the call. They should feel that you came to see them because you wanted to, not because you were asked and that should be your attitude.

You will meet problems, most of which will have no connection with the amount of experience you have had. Some people will offer all kinds of excuses for their negligence when you call on them. Others will expect you to visit them often or to do what they refuse to do, but will not make calls themselves. A small minority will resent your visit.

But those lovable characters who manifest real appreciation; the joy of seeing those you have visited become more interested and obedient to the gospel will more than compensate for the disappointments. You will know a satisfaction that can only come to those who have developed a genuine interest in the souls of their fellows.

I DON’T KNOW ENOUGH SCRIPTURE TO DO THIS PROPERLY:
When will you know enough scripture to visit a brother or sister who just needs your presence?  Does it require scripture to give a senior Christian a ride to the store?  If it required scripture to greet a new member to the community, we would never become acquainted with new neighbors.  Yes, knowing scripture is valuable, but you have brothers and sisters in Christ to aid you in this opportunity.  READ Luke 11:9

I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR SAY:
This booklet is designed to guide you in what to say and do.  Having a plan and a purpose for your words and actions provides comfort.  Still, there is no perfect method.  Study this booklet, talk to those with experience, pray about your concerns, and ask God for help.  Remember, you will not be alone unless you want to be.  READ James 1:5, Rom. 8:31

I AM TOO BUSY TO SPEND THE TIME:
There is no question that we can fill our life to the brim with activities.  Television, shopping, internet, sports, recreation, making money… these activities are part of most of our lives.  But what is your priority?  Have you not an hour or two out of 168 hours a week to be about your “Father’s business”? 
READ Matt. 6:33, Rom. 15:1-2, Eph. 2:10, Mark 16:15-16