There is a short list of things that annoy the living crap out of me.  Allison not refilling the toilet paper, having to show Jason how to use the internet, the lack of parking in my neighborhood, any grocery store on Saturday OR Sunday, and door-to-door sales people... just to name a few.

With the invention of the internet I really do not see the need for this occupation anymore.  No, I do not want a magazine subscription.  No, I do not want to purchase a 6 month supply of pre-packaged chicken.  If another security company comes to my door asking if my family's safety is a priority they will need some safety!

On Monday when I arrived home from school I found a Jehovah's Witness brochure sitting on my coffee table.  Usually these types of brochure, along with Chinese take-out menus, go directly into our recycling bin.  They barely make it through the front door.  Come to think of it, I should just take them in through the garage door.  I sat down on the couch, kicked off my shoes, and read the brochure.

"Can the dead really live again?" was on the title page.

"Where did this come from?" I asked Allison.  Allison told me a woman approached her as she was parking in our driveway.

The woman asked if Allison knew her savior. Allison replied with yes (I am sure it was very enthusiastic) and the woman invited Allison to church.  Allison informed the woman that she already attended a church and when prompted with the questions of what kind, Allison responded with "Methodist".

The woman proceeded to role her eyes and then walk away.

Disclaimer: You should know that I do not think door-to-door evangelism works.  This is different from inviting a neighbor to church, which I know for a fact does work.  But a stranger coming to your door, offering you a brochure that was designed in the 70's is not the best way to spread the Gospel (in my opinion).

At first when Allison told me about her encounter I brushed it off and we went on to eat dinner.  Later I began to think about the story.  And I thought, this is a prime example of the judging behavior that Christians are getting a bad rap for.  I am not looking for a debate on whether or not Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons are "real" Christians. But what Allison's encounter with the door-to-door evangelist is an example of is exactly why I loathed any form of door-to-door salesmanship, religious or commercial.

This door-to-door evangelist should have been thrilled that this young woman, carrying a small child, was connected with a church and that this young child would be growing up learning about Jesus.

This door-to-door evangelist could have asked about Allison's experiences in the church or how Allison came to know Jesus.

This door-to-door evangelist could have done a lot of things, but rolling her eyes was not one of them.  The flyer given to Allison had a lot of scripture quoted in it along with bullet point talking-points illustrating eternal life and salvation through Christ.  What this door-to-door evangelist forgot was that judgement is reserved for Christ.

What this door-to-door evangelist forgot was that if you want to convert someone or perhaps invite that person to visit your congregation, judgement is the last thing that will make a mother and her child or anyone for that matter feel welcome.

Click here to see the brochure given to Allison.

What have you been your experiences with door-to-door evangelists?  Do they work?  Were you converted by someone knocking on your door?