“Thou shalt go door-knocking two-by-two…” – 2 Opinions 2:2

The Bible is clear on the substance of the Gospel, which we as Christians are to preach (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 2:16).  It is also clear that we are to preach it everywhere we go and to everyone we meet (Mark 16:15). One topic that may not be as clear to some of us, however, is this matter of door-to-door visitation. What’s the big deal about door-to-door visitation anyway? Is it “man’s method” or is it the Biblical model?

While not claiming to own the corner on truth, I suggest these passages and assert from them my position. You might respond with texts showing cases where the opposite was true. Perhaps we might conclude that there is no verse in God’s Word which explicitly says, “Thou shalt go door-knocking two-by-two”  and thus whether or not you should join your local church’s organized visitation efforts, pairing up with the brethren to share the Gospel with someone who desperately needs it, remains between you and the Lord.  Howbeit, I have experienced the joys of soul-winning personally, both on my own and through my church’s organized visitation ministry, and I ask you to permit me just a moment to share with you a couple of benefits regarding the latter.

For starters, most of us are creatures of habit. And usually once we have formed one, we stick with it. Ever tried to form a bad habit on your own? You probably found it to be quite easy. Ever tried to form a good habit on your own? You may have found that it was not so easy. How would you like to habitually share the Gospel? Having a regular partner to keep you accountable and help you form that habit is one distinct benefit to organized visitation.

Let us consider another benefit. Perhaps you find it hard to talk to strangers about the Lord Jesus Christ.  You do not feel you know enough or you are unsure of what you will encounter. When your accountability partner is someone more experienced and confident in sharing the Gospel than you are, you can learn from them. But you will need to find opportunities to spend time with them. You will need to watch them and listen to them and learn from them as they share the Gospel. Would it not be best to do this in real-life, dynamic situations where you can ask questions afterwards? This is one of my favorite benefits to door-to-door visitation.

Though there are even still more benefits, permit me to place before you just one more.  In Matthew 18:20, the Lord Jesus Christ gave a promise, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” In Mark 16:15 He commanded His disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” And in Luke 19:10 He stated His purpose, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” So when you and others pair up in “two or three” and “go” to “seek” the lost, the Lord is both pleased with your service and present in your midst.

Door-to-door visitation: it’s a good habit and one that won’t contribute to your pants getting any bigger this year. And as you do it more, you will grow in the faith and in fruitfulness. And the Lord will be pleased and will go with you. So that’s the BIG deal!  Now when will you… “go” with us?

-DW