Jehovah's Witnesses, what about introverts?

Question

Someone who's truly uncomfortable with going door to door, what do you do with them?

Rachel: overcome shyness? Is it a disease that needs to be cured?

Answer 1

Fall into line with the door to door ministry, or they will label you weak. They may not admit it to you here, but they will do so.

Answer 2

I am an introvert. As a child, I would hide behind my mother's legs whenever I was around people I didn't know. I was what they consider 'painfully shy'. I never would look people in the face as I walked down the street for fear they would actually speak to me.
When people meet me today, most would never guess that I was ever that shy. It has taken me years of effort to accomplish this.

You asked if shyness was some sort of disease that had to be overcome. To someone who is so shy that it actually hurts them, making them physically sick when they have to have dealings with people they don't know being isolated from people, I would say yes, it is like a sickness. I hated being shy. I always admired people who could converse without worries. I literally had to change my thought process, understanding that I was worrying too much about myself and what other people were thinking about me. I had to realize that it is OK for me to make mistakes and people wouldn't think I was somehow stupid if I spoke up and gave my opinion.

As far as the door to door work goes, it's not easy for anyone to go up to a perfect stranger and talk to them about religion.
However, it actually strengthens my faith when I go in the ministry because without God's help, I couldn't do it. (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:6, 7) I often have to pray for boldness. And I feel that it is Jehovah who helps me (Philippians 4:13) because when I am weak, then I am powerful.(2 Corinthians 12:9, 10)

Answer 3

I am extremely introverted and have such intense anxiety that I take medicine to help me get through my day. I've had this all my life- before even becoming a Witness.
But I regularly go out in the Ministry, from house to house and door to door. I say a prayer and gather my wits and I actually feel better when I speak to the people as directed by Jesus.
The good thing about following Jesus example is that when we do this work, we tend to work in two's. If one of us get tongue tied, the other can jump in to help.
Funnily enough, I prefer to get the doors alone. But that's a matter of pride I need to work on. I worry more about making a fool of myself in front of my friends than strangers :D It's just a personal quark- no one ever makes me feel stupid- I do that myself lol.

Anyhow... with people who have anxiety or introversion even worse than me- there are Bible studies the person could join or they could do telephone or letter Witnessing.

Answer 4

use a taser, bro!

after you get off the floor laughing, i was VERY
introverted. but, you try first to kinda talk about it to someone
whom you know well. then, go with someone else who KNOWS of that peculiarity and they do all the talking.

after a while, who knows how long, as the individual becomes more comfortable, you start by just reading a bible verse or two with the person whom you visit.

took me a bit, but now i cant keep my mouth shut.

need more info? the WTS has a website and has a very well written manual on public speaking, extemporaneous presentations and the like.



ps: the taser doesnt hurt THAT much.
that guy was a wuss .
:=) <---- the nose is clogged. the dust from the fire....
gramps

Answer 5

There are different avenues of service, not only going door to door. There's telephone witnessing, letter-writing.

I am quite uncomfortable speaking to strangers, but I find it easy to talk to my neighbours and school mates and relatives.

I've also learnt that if you REALLY know your subject, it reduces your uneasiness. So also good preparation should help.

And as someone has mentioned above, an extrovert can help them out on the doorsteps.

Answer 6

Interestingly, true Christianity (such as taught by Jehovah's Witnesses) has a transforming power.

(Romans 12:2) Be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(Ephesians 4:22-24) Put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; 23 but that you should be made new in the force actuating your mind, 24 and should put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.


Of course, a person with diagnosed medical challenges can perform his personal ministry by means of letter writing and other avenues of preaching.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20020601a/article_01.htm

Answer 7

An introvert is just someone who is shy. We care for them as we care for all of our brothers and sisters. Most likely, I know I would just wait for them to say that they wanted to talk if they would like. And if they don't feel comfortable talking, then I don't mind. In time, they can overcome their shyness.

Answer 8

You could look at this as a God-given lesson. By having the opportunity to go from door-to-door, you are learning a new social skill, one that might help you later in life.

Just a thought...

Answer 9

that is why when we go to doors, we help one other. sometimes I get stuck at the door and my friend will help me. that is why Jesus said to go to the doors two by two

Answer 10

make them talk door to door still, so your fears can go away
there's no way of escaping going door to door if you are a Jehovah's Witness