When a Jehovah's Witness comes to your door, what is the proper way to greet and treat them?

Question

I'm a bit confused as to how I am supposed to act when a Jehovah's Witness comes to my door. Keep in mind, I am Christian. If I do not have time to chat, do I simply say "no thank you" and say goodbye?

If I do have time to converse with them, which I honestly don't mind sometimes, I love to learn about religion, do I invite them in and offer then drinks/food? In the past, we just briefly talked at my doorway because, to be honest, last time I had some come by my door, my place was a mess and I was in my boxers lol.

Any info on the proper etiquette when it comes to this stuff would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Thank you for being so polite! It is very refreshing to meet people like you, who display Christian qualities.

As far as just visiting on the doorstep, we are fine with that. We know that you were not expecting us, and we do try to share brief scriptural encouragement when we come to our neighbor's homes, because we know that everyone is "busy" doing something. Our goal is not to be a nuisance. It is to share the good news of God's Kingdom (Matthew 24:14)
On the days when you are busy, and don't have time to chat, there is nothing wrong with politely saying, "I don't have time to visit right now." They will probably ask you if there is a more convenient time.

Hospitality is pretty rare, and is always welcome, but it is not expected by any means. So if you feel you have the time and would like to offer drinks or a snack, that is very generous and commendable. As I mentioned, when we make unscheduled visits, we try to keep these brief, however If you have further questions, or would like to have a Bible discussion, it is actually more convenient for all involved if you can make an appointment for them to call back. That way, you are expecting them, and they can spend more time with you answering your questions. However, if it is not possible to make an appointment, they are more than happy to take the time to answer your questions anytime they find you at home.

Answer 2

As with anyone who comes to your door, courtesy, respect and truth are how you should respond. I too, am a Christian, and although we do not hold the same "beliefs" as others, we need to be respectful and accepting of them nonetheless.
What you shared seems proper and even honest (referring about your house in a mess...) Just because we don't agree, doesn't mean we can't learn about each other...in doing this, we help break down barriers that cause hatred and many misunderstandings between all peoples.
I live in a clean/sober living home and often had Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses at the door on a weekly basis. We put up a sign at the doorbell stating, " We are a Christian believing household, ringing our doorbell will get you invited in, where we will share our love of Christ with you...ring at your own risk!!" We have'nt had any more "unwanted visitors" at our door, except for the ones that did want to hear about Christ and what He's done for us....lol
I hope that this helps you....take care and peace....Cuervo

Answer 3

If you really do not want JWs to call, ask to be put on a don't call list. You can call the local Kingdom Hall if you want and ask for this or mention it when some stop by.

If you truly want to talk to them, you can do so on your doorstep, in your house (if you are comfortable with that) or at your public library (where much reference material is available to check things in already plus many additional Bible versions for comparison) or you can do so over the phone......

We believe Jesus is the Son of God, not God the Son (John 3:16, Hebrews 5:8, 9). God the Son is from the Athanasian Creed, not the Bible. That creed was written by Catholics in the 5th and 6th centuriess to put the Egyptian and Platonic doctrine of the trinity into Catholic theology. Some Protestant religions have adopted the teaching too but even in trinitarian religions, most church people do not even know what trinity means. Then tend to think they believe about Jesus as we do.

Debbie
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Answer 4

Just be friendly. If you would like to chat, we are quite happy just chatting at the door if you are not comfortable letting us into your house. I can understand people being weary of letting strangers into their homes. If you don't have the tim, just nicely tell us that you are busy say maybe we can chat another time. There is no need to be rude. We are merely doing what we have been told to do by Jesus in Matthew 28:19,20. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

I'm very polite to them. I explain that I'm Jewish, and each week we focus on a specific section of the Torah to learn the lessons about how to live in that section. I ask if they would like to join me in a Torah study. They usually do.

Then I read from the Hebrew and translate into the English and give some insight into the different meanings of the Hebrew words and alternative translations.

I take it from the plain meaning to the mystical which has to do with the spiritual template we are to use to live our lives.

Usually, we sit around for a couple of hours and have a great time. Most of the time at the end, they don't give me their Watchtower.

Most of the time missionaries come in the warm months, so we sit outside. I have some chairs there just for that purpose.

I don't think Hashem would like it too much if He sent someone to my door to learn Torah and I slammed the door in their face.

Shalom,
Gershon

Answer 6

Come to the door nude; if asked if you've found Jesus, invite him to come help you search for him, since he hasn't returned from his vacation and you're getting impatient.

In all seriousness, it's 2 AM here, I'm loopy after a LONG weekend of work, and I love Robin Williams. =) If you feel that you (and your place) are in good enough condition for guests, then you could invite them in (offer a drink of course), or if you'd like to chat but make it quick, then let them know. If you honestly don't have time, then it's polite to do that, rather than try to rush them off and come across as offended or completely uninterested.

I still have yet to have the opportunity to greet a Jehovah's Witness, but I imagine it would be...interesting, to say the least.

Answer 7

This is what I do, I use it as a chance to tell them the truth about the Word of God and the plan of Salvation. The way I see it, They came to my house, so if they want to hang out for a while, I don't mind telling them the truth. That normally gets rid of them quicker then anything. They don't have any interest in what I have to say, but they expect me to listen to their lies. I get a little offended when strangers show up at my house uninvited and try to lie to me. I am not mean to them, but they should show the people they are imposing on the same opportunity to share their faith with them. But they won't, they will leave everytime.

Answer 8

I am cordial, but don't invite them in. I have a front porch where we can talk. I offer water and to share information and talk about God and Christ with them. The conversations range from 2 minutes to 20 minutes. The last time this happened was several years ago. They have not visited me since then.

Now, it is up to you whether you invite them in or not. But I don't let 'strangers' into my home. Trust God and tie your camel, I say. (Another way of saying, use common sense in these situations).

I think it is nice that you asked this Q. :)

Answer 9

I would suggest that anyone who comes to your door with a religious proposition should be asked the following question: "do you confess Jesus Christ as God the Son, as clearly expressed in the Bible and reflected in the early creeds of the Christian church?" When the Jehovah's Witnesses say no, your answer should be, "then you are in error, and error is not to be embraced, but rather refuted at every turn." If they have brought children with them, I would not trust the adult to explain to the child why you are shutting that door. So you will have to tell them that you do not hate them, but "Honey, me closing the door just means that you need to question what mommy or daddy believes, when you are older, okay? Okay. Bye now." And close the door.

Maybe the adults will need that explanation, too.

Answer 10

The same way you would greet and treat someone else (whatever your method is ) We are all God's children,and if you show disrespect toward them you are doing the same to God.You cannot truly believe,be a Christian, if you do not respect other religions .You do not really believe in God if you make fun of other religions.Simple as that!