1 How was Christ’s ministry different than the Pharisees?
He drew close to the people, visited them in their homes, cared about them personally.
2 What opportunity can spending time with people in their own homes provide?
When invited to come to people’s homes it provides a chance to get to know them in a more personal way- to be a part of their life. This allows you to get to know them like nothing else can!
3 What are some methods to get a chance to visiting people in their homes?
Programs are one of the best ways to make contacts that can be followed up on with personal visits (having a sign-up list at your health seminar for home-visitation for health studies, hydrotherapy education, etc.).
Going door to door in two’s to ask health survey questions or offer prayer/Bible study, invitations to upcoming programs, etc. may provide opportunities to be invited into homes.
Offer visits to fellow church members of your church and get lists of names from the pastor of those who may like a visit, or speak with members when at church offering your ministry visit.
Find ways to connect with radio ministries who have contacts write in for Bible studies which you can follow up on.
4. What are some examples of materials useful for door-to-door ministry?
Health questionnaire, general fitness evaluation
Health series pamphlets (those provided in a series such as Discover, etc.)
General health topics information pamphlets (e.g. high blood pressure, etc.)
3. What are some home visitation programs you can offer either at a seminar or door-to-door?
- Series of health studies
- Personal consultations for fitness and nutrition (if you are qualified)
- Home healthy cooking demonstrations
- Hydrotherapy or massage education
- In-home general education programs for people of different ages- children, elderly, etc. if you have experience or resources about scientifically valid information.
If you don’t have formal training in health education fields (but do have some awareness of healthful lifestyle through experience), be sure only to use information prepared by reliable sources, such as a book or pamphlets which they could buy themselves to self-study, and recommend that they follow the advice of their healthcare provider. (It may be better to have them sign a waiver saying that they understand you are not trying to diagnose or treat any condition and recommend that they follow their health care provider’s advice – see also “the Nitty Gritty” blog)
5. Important Cautions and Considerations
Be very sensitive to the fact that many people feel uncomfortable about receiving strangers into their homes. With the risk of crime, people sometimes feel afraid or nervous when someone knocks on the door. Many people also live very busy lives so like to guard their personal time and don’t want it interrupted. Never be forceful or pushy, but rather very polite and respectful. Christians must represent Christ and not come across as pushy salesmen! This is why it is ideal to advertise a program and make a contact list for personal home visits at the program. But door to door work can also be effective, as long as you are sensiti ve to people’s responses.
Safety; It’s important to follow common sense rules of safety. Travel in pairs of two as Jesus instructed. It’s best to work with same-gender partners unless you are in a dating/marriage relationship. Follow your intuition and don’t go into homes where there seems to be any suspicious activity or actions. Be aware of common pitfalls and dangers – for example, two young girls should not enter into a home where there appear to be only strong men who might be able to overpower and take advantage of them.
Who was Ellen White? ; Ellen White named by Smithsonian among the 100 most significant Americans of all time , EGW Link 2Ellen White Quotes:
A Servant of All
Christ stood at the head of humanity in the garb of humanity. So full of sympathy and love was His attitude that the poorest was not afraid to come to Him. He was kind to all, easily approached by the most lowly. He went from house to house, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the distressed. He took the little children in His arms and blessed them, and spoke words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers. With unfailing tenderness and gentleness He met every form of human woe and affliction. Not for Himself, but for others, did He labor. He was willing to humble Himself, to deny Himself. He did not seek to distinguish Himself. He was the servant of all. It was His meat and drink to be a comfort and a consolation to others, to gladden the sad and heavy-laden ones with whom He daily came in contact. {Medical Ministry 19.3}
What the Missionary Nurse Can Do
There are many lines of work to be carried forward by the missionary nurse. There are openings for well-trained nurses to go among families and seek to awaken an interest in the truth. In almost every community there are large numbers who do not attend any religious service. If they are reached by the gospel, is must be carried to their homes. Often the relief of their physical needs is the only avenue by which they can be approached. As missionary nurses care for the sick and relieve the distress of the poor, they will find many opportunities to pray with them, to read to them from God's word, to speak of the Saviour. They can pray with and for the helpless ones who have not strength of will to control the appetites that passion has degraded. They can bring a ray of hope into the lives of the defeated and disheartened. Their unselfish love, manifested in acts of disinterested kindness, will make it easier for these suffering ones to believe in the love of Christ. { Medical Ministry 246.4}
With No Inducement of Praise or Compensation
Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in man. But they appreciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of earthly praise or compensation coming to their homes, ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the sad, and tenderly pointing all to Him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the messenger--as they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up, faith is kindled. They see that God cares for them, and as His word is opened they are prepared to listen.-- R.H., May 9, 1912. { Medical Ministry 247.1}