My church has started a couple of new outreaches…I think one is a great idea, but the other I’m very conflicted about.
First, they are sending out postcards to our “neighbors” letting them know the church is praying for them, and to give them a place where they can submit anonymously any prayer requests online. I think this is a fantastic idea…and is not intrusive. This is letting them know the church is out there…and providing a way to connect.
The next one is that some of them are going door to door ala Mormon style just knocking on people’s doors and chatting with them…this is the one I’m extremely conflicted about. On the one hand, I absolutely applaud the faith required to do this… I sure as hell don’t have it. On the other, I think about how I’d receive it if someone were knocking on my door..and the answer is that I wouldn’t handle it very well (that’s just the nice way of putting it).
I am extremely rude INTENTIONALLY to the JWs or Mormon’s that come knocking…as I want them to pass word around their people to never come back to that door. And it works. I have it happen _once_ and I never see them again. And it’s not just a religious thing…as I’m very abrupt and rude to any other random solicitation.
It’s my home. IF I am actually home, I’m likely trying to veg if I’m not working. Either way, it’s always an unwelcome intrusion into my day.
I’m hesitant to even actually post this, as I know a couple of people from the church read this…and I don’t want to discourage them with my own conflicts regarding this.
At the same time…I’m reading a book called “Vintage Jesus” and it’s mostly about how Jesus was a lot more “in your face” and “intrusive” than most people make Him out to be.
