The previous article (March-April 1982) examined the materials and steps needed to mail out the pamphlet to requesting callers. This is the initial or first level of follow-up. The goal, by a single act of mailing, is to establish a positive association between us and the caller. This is achieved by having a relevant and quality pamphlet in the first place, and also by mailing off promptly and by personalizing with hand-addressing and a brief handwritten note of encouragement.
Important as this is, the real potential of any public preaching project lies in the personal contact it generates, the face-to-face opportunities. This secondary level may involve several acts of contact. The goal is to increasingly personalize our association and communication so a trusting relationship is developing.
The Phone Brings Us Together again with Call-Backs
After two or three weeks have elapsed from pamphlet mailing, it is our turn to use the phone and reestablish contact. Our reason for calling is in fact quite valid and, it turns out, socially commendable.
“Joe?”
“Yes?”
“Hi. My name is Bill Smith. I’m a member of the Christadelphians —the Bible students who sponsor a telephone message . . .”
“Oh, yes.”
“Joe, I’m just following up — You had requested our pamphlet and I wanted to be sure you received it.”
“Yes, it came right away. Thanks.”
“Great. How did you find the leaflet?”
“Interesting. I’m not sure I agree with everything, but I sure learned some things …”
Seek Further Personal Contact & Give a Positive Impression
Bill of course wants to keep everything positive. That leaves the door open and builds trust. In the conversation he’ll stress the common ground shared among those who believe in and search after God.
It may be important to include a reinforcement that we are Bible students and are self-supporting (“We never ask for money”). Our interest is in sharing the great news of God’s coming kingdom.
At the conclusion of the conversation Bill will know what next step is to be taken. Interest may have been expressed in another pamphlet (Bill could offer to drop it off, enhancing face-to-face communication). Or another phone call may be in order because Joe had a question and Bill would like to dig up some answers and call again.
Bill’s goal has been two-fold: find a reason to contact Joe again in some way, and also to convey a positive impression about the Christadelphian Bible students.
There is another option that can be worked in: offer an in-home flip chart presentation. The Truth Corps has used this in visits to homes and found it popular with those contacted. The chart is actually a notebook of colorful pages containing news articles, graphs, political cartoons, and key Bible verses photographically enlarged. As the presenter narrates and flips through, the audience learns how developments in the Middle East and with Russia fit with Bible prophecy and where world events are leading.
On the phone this can be offered along these lines:
Bill: We have a brief presentation showing how Bible prophecy is coming to pass and what the outcome will be. I’d enjoy stopping by and sharing this with you. It takes about 15 minutes and really puts things into focus. Is there a time good for you (this week, this weekend, etc.)?
The flipchart can be a unique follow-up tool in a face-to-face setting. Because the listener’s eyes are on the pages, making the presentation is more like sharing than like public speaking. (For details on the flipchart, write the author: 8840 Capricorn Way, San Diego, Ca. 92126.)
Scheduling Call–Backs
The call-back activity can be set up on a specially designated day. This has the advantage of blocking off and setting a time for this work to be done. The sense that “the group” is getting together to do this provides some discipline usually needed in such tasks. Practically speaking, one location has limited phones. But if there is a member’s home near another member’s, and one has a personal phone plus the answering machine phone, this may be a start. Nearby pay phones may be a possibility for some to use. In such an arrangement, the call-back team can meet, seek God’s blessing, review the pamphlet that was sent, and parcel out the contact cards bearing the names.
Another approach may be to parcel out the names and allow members to do the work independently. Experimenting will reveal much. The best plan is the one that consistently gets the job done.
Some independent activity will be involved to handle “no answers” etc.
Stay Warm, Positive with Less Receptive Folks
Call-backs to some will be less positive than the example of Joe. Questions and comments probing for common ground should still be attempted. Cool response, one word answers, non-reciprocal qualities point up the need to still leave the door open.
Bill: How did you find the pamphlet? Tad: Okay. (Pause)
Bill: I take it you are especially interested in what the Bible says about (topic).
Tad: A little.
Bill: Well, you’re going in the right direction. God promises the Bible yields the answers to those who seek. So it’s a pleasure to find people who are searching oat God’s Word. Anyone who takes the time will never regret it. I never have. (Pause) By the way. from time to time we have public lectures on interesting subjects. These are free — we absolutely never solicit money for any of our activities — if you’d like I can see you get an invitation next time one is scheduled.
Tad: Okay.
Bill: Well Tad, I’m glad we could connect —I’m glad to know you got the pamphlet — we are an all volunteer group—so slip ups can occur — so I really thank you for your time. And if in your reading and thoughts, if at any time I can be of assistance to you, please call our number and leave your name.
Leaving a positive impression is still the goal with the less receptive person. Perhaps our friendliness now will lead to something fruitful later on.
Other Options
A person who was contacted but cool, or a person that could not be reached, could be placed on a mailing list. The list can be used to announce lectures or to send out a follow-up free offer (coupon) of some type.
Not all would agree placing a caller/ requestee’s name on a mailing list without permission is advisable, or fair play. Neither the ad, nor the recording, suggests this would occur. This is an option that each ecclesia should weigh.
The home study Bible correspondence course has been a successful tool in developing trusting relationships while covering the basics of the Gospel. Its strength lies in personalizing the relationship over time, “making a friend.” This tool can find a very useful place in phone preaching follow-up.
Whatever is offered, the smaller ecclesia must avoid overextending itself. Offerings like the correspondence course require steady commitment and personal attention.
High Priority When They Call Us
Another category of follow up needs little explanation. This is the person who, independent of our efforts, contacts us for more information. This person may mail in a coupon, send a brief note requesting literature or a class, or call a member’s home phone number and solicit help. Such a student will have made three “moves” toward us (initial call, dictating name/address, and now the coupon). This deserves top priority in follow-up activity.
Conclusion
Telephone preaching can help spread the Gospel, often presenting it in an up-to-date context of world events. The transmission of a two-minute message is itself of value, giving information and giving it in a human way, by voice. After that lies the chance to distribute pamphlets with fuller truth and greater Bible focus. Beyond those steps lies the greater opportunity to reach people on a personal level through personal follow-up. Because the prospective student must interact with us, those genuinely interested will be identified over time.
The various functions of phone preaching have been outlined somewhat isolated from each other in this series. Emphasis has been on the goals of each function with less attention to conducting and coordinating the ongoing activities. No one right way to operate a phone project exists; every ecclesia is unique in its broad goals, manpower, volunteer time, budget etc. The right administrative and procedural formulas will emerge with experience.
Much will be gained however from what others have learned. Many have benefited from the ad hoc efforts of the “phone preaching clearinghouse.” What would be valuable now is some kind of forum, perhaps a simple newsletter, for idea and data interchange.
Prayer is also needed, not only in launching but throughout the effort. How amazing to find oneself busy with some task — whether writing a script, making a recording, mailing pamphlets, initiating call-backs—and not first pausing for God’s blessing. Here may be the name of someone who will be good soil. Here may be an envelope containing the first step from death to everlasting life. Do we ask a blessing on the recipient? Would we take our own calling lightly? Let there be thankfulness for the chance to serve, and petitions for His blessing. He may turn phone calls into the call to life. May it be His will to do so.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One