Resources to assist when visitation is called upon. Not intended as a checklist but as a guide. Not all information here is applicable at our congregation. There are aslo bible lessons at the end of the list in the event some material is needed in the instance that a bible lesson may be needed.
1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
Your main purpose in making this call will be to provide a little cheer and sunshine. Radiate cheerfulness and optimism. You may be able to lend assistance around the house also. This is especially true where unexpected sickness is involved. In most cases, they will be members of the Church. Otherwise, they will be closely associated with someone who is. Remember that we are all servants of one another. Count your blessings before you go. Ask the Lord to help you see the good in all situations. Read Philippians 4:4-13.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
A phone call before going will not be necessary in most instances. Most sick and shut-ins, except in extra serious or contagious cases, are glad to have someone drop by for a visit. If there is a question as to the advisability of a visit at the time you have planned, then a telephone call would be in order.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
In the case of sickness, you more apparently show that you are interested if you call as soon after you learn of the illness as you can. This is especially true in emergencies where you may render some special service.
Either morning, afternoon, or early evening calls are suitable. Avoid early or late hours and mealtime.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
Yes, if you prefer. This is especially true where you know the person rather well. There, of course, is nothing wrong with taking a friend or your companion along. Be careful that you don’t take too many for a large number at once might disturb the contact.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
Introduce yourself to the one who greets you at the door if you do not know them. Explain the purpose of your call and find out if it is all right for you to visit at that time. Make sure that the person you have come to see knows who you are and that you are from Church.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
Bring them up to date on what the Church has been doing its attendance, contributions, work program, responses, etc., especially if they are members. Talk about mutual friends and those about whom they particularly inquire. Avoid gossiping or finding fault with either the Church or individual members. If you discuss their condition, do so with optimism. Do not tell them about your friend who died with the same trouble. Only relate your own’ troubles to show how you conquered them and not to emphasize how you suffered.
Those who are confined, especially older people, like to hear the Bible read. Have in mind some appropriate passages and if there is a Bible handy, ask if they would like for you to read a little. Prayer is also appreciated.
CONFINED AT HOME BY SICKNESS, Disability (Continued) -6-
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
Books or good gospel literature are appropriate to leave under such circumstances if the person’s condition and sight allow him to read. Try to select something appropriate. Flowers, some small gift, or a special dish they like are always in order if you care to take them. These tend to lend cheer.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
It will depend upon the physical condition of the one you are visiting as well as how well you know them. If able, many who are confined like to visit. Don’t rush off in such instances. In other cases a short visit might be preferable (say 15 minutes).
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I HAVE BEFORE LEAVING?
Be alert to any real needs. If they need groceries, if they could use help around the house, if they need some one to care for children, let others know and try to render assistance where merited. Inquire if there is anything you can do.
They might be interested in a particular religious problem if they aren’t members. If they seem sufficiently interested, inquire if you might send a tract on the subject.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
State the date and time of day of your visit on the back of your contact notice. Report their attitude toward your visit and toward the Church, which you were able to sense. Report any special needs, which you could not meet alone. If a non-member, note whether they showed any particular interest in the Church and the gospel. See that the contact notice is returned with your report on the back by the date shown on it. File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
It will be numbered with the contacts made in your zone and included in the elders monthly report.
If there are any needs reported, they will be looked into and met where feasible. If the case warrants, others will make calls and be able to do a more effective job because of the information you have supplied than they otherwise could have.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Since you were interested in making the first call, you will want to check on them by phone or another visit at various times in the case of prolonged confinement. If they are up before long, be sure to greet them and let them know you are happy for them.
Such an interest at such a time may go a long way in strengthening a weak member spiritually or in encouraging a non-member to be more concerned about his soul. They will probably think warmly of you and remember you for some time for being so thoughtful.
1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
This person or persons has identified with the congregation, but they have not attended any of the Sunday services lately or have been irregular in attendance. Your purpose is to show an interest in them by your visit. If you personally have missed them, convey this to them. Try also to make them feel that they are missing something. Before going, ask God’s help in manifesting a genuine concern in them, in the spirit of meekness, Read Galatians 6:1-2.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
(1)If you know the people well enough, you might want to plan something to do with them such as a shopping date, an afternoon of sewing, etc. (in the case of women); or a sports event, etc. (in the case of men) or perhaps a dinner date at your house if it is a family involved. This is a situation where such arrangements might be more effective than a visit at their home. You would need to telephone in such cases.
(2)If you are not intimately acquainted, a call beforehand wouldn’t be necessary. Select a good time and stop by for a short visit.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
This situation may not be as urgent as some. However, there is quite possibly a problem an early contact might help solve. The time of day you select will depend upon the type of call you decide on. (See answer to question. 2.) A time could be arranged if you telephone. If you decide just to drop by an afternoon call might be best for contacting a woman, an evening call for visiting a family or a male member. Of course, your schedule will help decide.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
(1)In the event it is one person you are to contact and you know them well enough to discuss things rather freely, it might be best to be alone with them. If it is a family you are to contact, it would probably be best for you and your companion, where feasible, to be involved.
(2)If it is a woman you don’t know well, a woman could go alone but she probably will want to take another lady with her. Similarly for men.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
(1)If you know them well, don’t make this particular visit with them conspicuously different from previous times you have been with them.
(2)If you haven’t had many occasions to be with them in the past, make sure that when you arrive that they know who you are and that you are from the Church. Indicate that you just stopped by for a few minutes chat.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
(1)When it is a rather close friend or couple, discuss things of common interest as you ordinarily would. However, definitely include allusions to the Church and its work. Perhaps they will volunteer the reason for not having been present lately, giving you an opportunity to encourage them. Talk about the good points of the work of the congregation.
MEMBER HASN’T BEEN PRESENT RECENTLY (Continued)
Try to overcome critical attitudes don't make it a session to gossip about fellow members and avoid arguments where possible.
(2)Become better acquainted if you don’t know the family well. Learn about the family members. Establish a personal contact between your family and theirs where feasible. They may not confide all their problems but try to convey that they are missing a lot by not being present. Tell them of the things the Church is doing (proposed gospel meetings, building program etc.). Tell them about the class work that would apply to their family and what is being studied if possible; tell what attendance has been averaging lately. Help them to see that they are needed and that they cannot continue as they have been and be pleasing to God. Make them want to come.
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
In most instances, they will know what their duty in the matter is. Your purpose is largely to cause them to want to do it by your interest and exhortation. Therefore, it is probably best not to leave material except in a few instances.
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
(1)You can judge that if you are well acquainted with them.
(2)If not well acquainted you probably won’t want to make it a prolonged visit, (15 min. to an hour would be long enough in most cases.)
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
Ask if they will be able to come to services the next Sunday. Impress upon the parents the importance having their children (where present) in Bible study class – Their child’s attendance is not only personally beneficial, but encourages the other children. Volunteer to go by, where possible, if transportation is the problem. Be specific. Set a time when you will be by for them in such an event, (if transportation is the problem be sure to note it on your report.)
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
Note the date and time of your call on the back of your contact notice. Also indicate the nature of their reception, whether friendly or not. State what seems to be the problem and how you think it might be solved where possible by the date shown on your contact notice. File the report with the elders / at the building.
11. HOW WILL THE REPORT BE USED?
Besides adding the contact report to the zone records, the elders will use the information and suggestions on it for follow-up work. Perhaps the elders will need to make further inquiry.
12. AM I THROUGH WITH THE CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
It they are present the next Sunday, be sure to greet them and tell them, how glad you are that they came. If they don’t come, call them or drop by again later on. Have them into your home with other members where feasible. Watch for them for several Sundays until they seem to be over the stress period.
Afterward, follow-up this accomplishment by encouraging them to have part in the other services and activities of the Church besides those on Sunday morning such as the men’s or ladies’ “Thursday” morning class. Sell the whole family on the value of the mid-week service. Remember James 5:20.
WHERE DID THIS MATERIAL COME FROM?
The following material is presented as a work of a gentleman by the name of Bob D. Smith. He created the bulk of this booklet prior to the mid-1960’s when it was reprinted as a local church work. In revision and update, I have added new material from Kevin Cauley of the Southwest School of Preaching in Austin, Texas; Melvin Sapp of the Central Carolina School of Preaching in Sumter, South Carolina; and myself, Travis Main of the Prairie Hills Church of Christ in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The material is free for your use in evangelism. Further copies can be downloaded at: http://www.thatchristianwebsite.com/ .
SYSTEMATIC VISITATION
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.
PURPOSE AND USE OF THIS SERIES
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.
DON’T GIVE UP EASILY
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.
COMMON WORRIES
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
1.WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE BY THIS VISIT?
This is a case where a person or persons have attended our services, probably on the previous Sunday. They may or may not be members of the Church of Christ. (Your visitor card will typically tell). Your main concern in your first visit is to get acquainted with this person or family and to show an interest in them by your visit and attitude. Be as friendly and cordial as you can so that they will recognize you as a friend, and through you, desire to attend services again. Think about; pray about, your attitude so that it will be a sincere, warm one.
2.SHOULD I TELEPHONE BEFORE GOING?
In many contacts of this kind, you will not know or have access to the telephone number. It will not be necessary to call, though, for they have indicated on the visitor’s card (in most instances) that you may call on them. Just use good judgment in selecting a time to visit.
3.WHEN SHOULD I GO?
It is better if you can make the visit before the next Sunday. (1) It’s easier to show that you are interested in them if you call as soon after their having attended as you can and (2) it may encourage them to be there the very next Sunday when otherwise they might go somewhere else, especially if they are “shopping around.”
As to time of day various things will effect your choice. If it is a couple or family, you probably would want to wait till evening to visit when they are more likely to be at home. If it’s a woman, an afternoon call might be better. Try to select a time when you think it would be most convenient for them.
4.SHOULD I GO ALONE?
Your decision here will vary depending upon the contact. If it is a couple you are calling on, it would be better for you to take your companion, where feasible, or another member with you. If it is a woman, a woman could call alone or take another female member with her. Similarly for men.
5.WHAT SHALL I DO WHEN I GET THERE?
When you first get to this home after you introduce yourself, you should mention that you are from the Church of Christ and wanted to come by and get acquainted. Tell them with meaning how glad the Church was to have them in the services last Sunday.
6.WHAT SHALL I TALK ABOUT?
Keep in mind the purpose of your visit. Show an interest in and get acquainted with the members of the family where possible, much the same as you would a new, next-door-neighbor. Talk about the neighborhood, the schools, your jobs, sports, your family etc. Try to establish some personal contact between you and the family and tell them you would like for them to meet your family where feasible. Avoid arguments and antagonistic attitudes on any subject, especially on the first visit. In the course of the conversation, try to secure the following information if you do not already know it.
(1) If one or more are members of the Church: Find out how many of them are members; where they last had their membership; how long they have been members of the Church; number of children and approximate ages; if children in Sunday school; if they seem to have been fairly active in the Church in the past; how long they have been living here.
(2) If none are members of the Church of Christ: Find out where they have been attending; how they came to attend your services; number of children and approximate ages; if children are in Sunday school, etc.
(Don’t quiz them like a census taker, but attempt to pick up this information while conversing. Jot it down on your report sheet when you get home.)
7.SHOULD I LEAVE ANY WRITTEN MATERIAL?
Plan to have some cards available, which will list the schedule of services, and a few other pertinent items that will be appropriate to give on such a visit. If they make specific inquiries about the Church, you might answer briefly and promise to mail or bring by a tract which will deal with the inquiry. (You’ll often find a good selection of tracts in the tract racks or in your preacher’s/elders’ own personal study – yes, they can’t resist grabbing tracts everywhere they go! )
8.HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
The first visit should not be a prolonged one. It is much better to make a short, friendly visit rather than a long, boring one. You can usually determine when you have overstayed your welcome by the flow of conversation. Stay long enough to at least become acquainted (sometimes 15 minutes would suffice); don’t prolong the conversation merely because you can. (An hour is usually long enough for any first visit).
9.WHAT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD I MAKE BEFORE LEAVING?
Try to get a definite commitment. Ask if it will be possible for them to be in attendance again next Sunday. If you know, tell them what the sermon subject is to be. Invite them to come for Bible study. If the parents are hesitant, volunteer to come by for the children next Sunday and set a definite time when you will be by. They are more likely to come when they have made some such commitments.
10. WHAT SHOULD I REPORT?
Your report is to be written on the back of your contact notice. Give the date and time of day you made your visit. Indicate whether it was a good time of day for the family schedule. List the information mentioned under question 6 which you were able to secure. Indicate how you were received whether friendly or indifferent. What response did they manifest toward the service they attended? Did they indicate whether they plan to return? If members, did they indicate if they plan to have their fellowship with you? File the report with the elders / at the building.
11.HOW WILL THIS REPORT BE USED?
The congregation will keep a record of the number of contacts made in each zone and the visit results from the program. Reports will be given out regularly. Besides the statistics, the information on the reports will be used for follow-up contacts.
12.AM I THROUGH WITH THIS CONTACT AFTER THE ONE VISIT?
Continue to show an interest in this contact after your first visit. If they are present the following Sunday, be sure to greet them and introduce them to others. If you can, have them home with you if not then, at an early date where feasible, and you can, have other members in at the same time. If they aren’t present the following Sunday, go by or call and find out why. If they are not members and continue to show interest, ask about arranging a weekly study period with them in their home. If they are members, encourage them to have their fellowship with the congregation and to let the brethren know. Try to promote some visible response on their part as you come to know them.
