How do you politely turn away a Jehovah Witness at your door?

[Chrystal-J]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

 

[AlexB23]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

Chrystal, I'm glad you're looking for a polite way to handle this situation. Here are some suggestions on how you can respond to Jehovah's Witnesses at your door without getting into a debate:

1. Be friendly and respectful: Begin the conversation with a smile and a kind greeting. Showing respect and friendliness can help set the tone for the interaction.
2. Express your gratitude: Thank them for coming by and sharing their message. Acknowledge their dedication and commitment to their faith.
3. Be honest and clear: Let them know that you appreciate their visit but that you are currently focused on your own religious beliefs and practices. You might say something like, "I really respect your commitment to your faith, but I'm currently focusing on my own spiritual growth and don't have the time or energy to engage in Bible studies or debates at this time."
4. Set a boundary: Politely but firmly let them know that you don't wish to continue the conversation. You might say, "I understand if you disagree, but I would prefer to close the door to any further discussions on this topic. I wish you all the best in your religious pursuits."
5. Offer an alternative: If you feel comfortable, you might suggest an alternative way for them to share their message, such as leaving literature or contact information. However, make it clear that you do not wish to engage in a lengthy conversation at that moment.

Remember, it's important to be respectful and courteous when turning away Jehovah's Witnesses or any other religious visitors at your door. God bless.

I am glad that Jehovah's Witnesses have not shown up at my door.

 

[Chrystal-J]

I tried just taking their literature, but that seems to encourage them to come back.

I like your suggestions....thanks!

 

[AlexB23]

I tried just taking their literature, but that seems to encourage them to come back.

I like your suggestions....thanks!

You are welcome. Just trying to help people out.

 

[Petros2015]

 

[AlexB23]

View attachment 348885

Haha, that would scare off the Jehovah's Witnesses. (JK)

 

[Joseph G]

How about saying "I'm already JW, get off my lawn!"

(clears throat)... just kidding.


Sorta...

 

[Strong in Him]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

Maybe say, "I already read, and love, the Bible; but thank you for your concern", then close the door.

 

[Daniel9v9]

It's difficult to do in few words, but I think the best way is to very gently show them where they're wrong — specifically focusing on Jesus. I've done this on two different occasions and they didn't return. This way you (1) get your house flagged as a place they don't want to visit, and (2) you may evangelise to the person visiting you, even if it's just planting a seed.

Here's what I did:

I asked them to read Joel 2:32:
"And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (YHWH) shall be saved. ..."

Then I asked them to read Romans 10:9-13:
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

Then I emphasised two things:

1. The "Lord" that Paul is talking about is Jesus.
2. Paul applies Joel 2:32 to Jesus, so he is calling Jesus YHWH.

Finally, I very briefly showed them some early church writings where Jesus is explicitly called God, so that, not only is Jesus called YHWH in the Bible, He is also called God by the generation following the NT era.

We can rejoice in that we have Scriptures and history on our side, and it took me some 5 minutes to illustrate. I figured a few minutes was worth sparing, if it means signalling that I'm not compelled by their doctrines, and more importantly, to tell them the good news of Jesus.

 

[HTacianas]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

As @AlexB23 said above, be polite with them. But honestly, I talk with them for about an hour. Sometimes longer. Usually at the end of it I give the name of a priest to contact.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

The last ones that came by I witnessed to for a good hour. I invited them back. They never returned.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

Tell them you are a Christian.

 

[oikonomia]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

You clearly and boldly tell them up front in no uncertain terms that your God is the man Jesus Christ.

If they continue to talk you simply ask them "Did you hear what I said?" And repeat it again boldly but with love -
"I said my God is the man Jesus Christ."

That is all you have to make completely clear to them. You don't have to shake their hand.
If they wish to shake your hand you decline politely. "I don't think I can shake your hand because my God is the man Jesus. And you are working against this. So I don't think I should shake your hand."

Do not get nasty. Simply say this. And whatever else they say as they walk away, you just proclaim "Jesus is Lord."

 

[seeking.IAM]

I had an encounter just last week. Two older ladies knocked on my door and offered me a pamphlet inviting me to a gathering. I asked, "Who are you representing?" When they identified themselves, I politely said, "I'm not interested" and shut the door. A part of me secretly fantasized pulling up a lawn chair to watch what happened when my Muslim neighbor answered her door in her hijab. Stammering and stuttering, rapidly backing up, a bold proselytization attempt, or worse?

 

[Chrystal-J]

Thanks everyone for your advise. I found it very useful! The old man who used to live in my house (before I bought it), used to study with them. That's why I think this house is on some kind of "list" to visit. It's usually different people each time. The very last time they came, I took a peek out of my window, then didn't answer the door.

 

[tampasteve]

You can call the local meetinghouse and ask them to put you on the "do not contact" address list. I am on the list, they never stop even if they park out front.

 

[eleos1954]

Jehovah Witnesses have been knocking on my door. I was hoping there was a polite way to turn them away. I don't want to get into a debate with them, but I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

I just tell them I already have a continuous relationship in Christ and continue to pursue and remain in that relationship ... no disrespect intended but I am not interested in being a part of the Moron religion ... thank you and have a nice day.

 

[Diamond72]

I want them to understand that I have no desire to study their bible.

Why do you want them to understand that? Why do you expect anything from them? Just let them know you are busy and do not have the time. Or that you are not interested. They have a high rejection rate. But if they can get two or three percent that is better than nothing.

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

Exactly like Alex said in post #2, I witnessed to them in love, shared my testimony and that of my Aunt who was a JW until on her death bed she got saved and then saw something so beautiful she exclaimed "Glory to God" before giving up her spirit. I then invited them to my local church. I think I've had 2 visits in maybe 4 or 5 years as a result.

I think they "Blacklist" those addresses where they think there are born again Christians (not saying you're not I hasten to add) who refuse any literature and who refuse to debate with them but instead share the Good News in love.

Let your light shine to them

 

[oikonomia]

Exactly like Alex said in post #2, I witnessed to them in love, shared my testimony and that of my Aunt who was a JW until on her death bed she got saved and then saw something so beautiful she exclaimed "Glory to God" before giving up her spirit. I then invited them to my local church. I think I've had 2 visits in maybe 4 or 5 years as a result.

I think they "Blacklist" those addresses where they think there are born again Christians (not saying you're not I hasten to add) who refuse any literature and who refuse to debate with them but instead share the Good News in love.

Let your light shine to them

I am glad you gave that testimony. I also knew a woman who was ten years a JW and received Jesus as Lord.
With prayer God can have the same mercy on them as He had on us.