1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
A person may have been recently baptized and is therefore a new member of the Lord’s body. He may have recently indicated a desire to have fellowship with this congregation and be a new member of the local Church. In either event, each case can benefit by your visit. They need to feel at home and to be given any spiritual assistance necessary. They need to become acquainted with the members, with the schedule of work, and services. Your visit will help to meet these needs; your interest will mean a great deal.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
It might be well to call in advance, or perhaps better still, say something to them at services about your plans to stop by for a little while one evening, specifying the evening. There’s nothing wrong though with just stopping by for a short visit without advance warning if you prefer.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Your interest in them should prompt you to go as soon after their response as you can. This will convey a message of welcome, which a later visit would miss. An evening call is best when you are calling on a family. Even where only one of the family is a member, a visit at night may give you an occasion to meet the companion who isn’t a member and open another door. An afternoon call, especially when the party is a woman, is not ruled out.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
It is better for a couple (man and wife) to call where feasible when calling on a family. If you choose to go in the daytime, ask another member to go along unless you prefer to go atone.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
Make sure they remember who you are and that you are from the Church. If they are new in the community, they may have difficulty recalling names. Don’t embarrass them with guessing games about who you are.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
Spend some time getting better acquainted. The probability is that you do not know them very well, discuss their family, their work etc. Convey to them how you feel about the new convert who has recently come into our fellowship. Let them know that the congregation is happy to have them in their midst. Tell them about the congregation. Note briefly its history. Make sure they know whom the elders and deacons are. Emphasize the schedule of services and encourage them to participate fully. Make explanations about Bible classes and the material that is being studied, if you can. Talk enthusiastically about work programs, orient them to our procedures, and help them to see how they may be useful. In the case of a new convert, he may have some Biblical question he would like to have help with. Assist there if you can.
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
In the case of a new convert, he may desire advice regarding periodicals or books that are available in the brotherhood. You might let him see some you subscribe to. There may be some acts that would be helpful in dealing with some questions he may have. Be sure that in either case that this contact has one of the directories to help him become better acquainted with the members.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
Stay long enough to get acquainted, don’t prolong your stay needlessly, however. An hour or hour and a half will usually be long enough. It doesn’t need to be that long to be successful. The important thing is to be friendly, warm, and congenial. When you have gotten acquainted and informed them a little about our work leave.
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
Leave the impression that you will expect to see them at the next service of the congregation. Encourage them to start the practice of attending all the services from the first. You might make plans with them to have them over for a meal at a date in the near future. If weather permits, you might plan an outing or picnic and invite others from the Church along.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
On the back of your contact notice, put the date and time of your visit. Report any facts about the family, which would be useful such as the number of children, if others in the family are prospects, etc. If they seem to have ability and experience along certain lines that might be utilized, note that. File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
It will be recorded and used in the zone reports. The elders and others can utilize any information about their abilities. Others can also make use of it in getting acquainted with these new members within the next two or three weeks.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Continue to show an interest in them. The first few weeks for a new convert and even for a Christian, who has recently come into the local group, represent an adjustment period. Since you were among the first to visit after their response, it would be well for you to feel a special responsibility toward them for at least six months. Keep in touch with them, help them get oriented and adjusted. See that they meet others and find a working relationship with the congregation.
