First, the doctrine of Christ is indispensable! Timothy was told, “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16). On the “soul-saving” front, many have attempted to water down the message. Sadly, some members of the church have sought to defuse a gospel sermon or Bible class, taught kindly but firmly, by apologizing to their non-Christian visitors for the distinctive message of the New Testament. If one is baptized who must be won through such conniving, coddling, or coercion, he or she will be converted to the wrong person or thing.
     Having said that, let it also be observed that doctrine must be balanced with an intelligent—even sensitive—approach to soul winning. By sensitive is meant, not the paranoid fear of offending which has yielded the political correctness currently distorting the American mind, but a clear awareness of those whom we are trying to win to Christ. By intelligent is meant particularly using the common sense with which God equipped us to use wisdom in winning souls (Proverbs 11:30)
     Use Discernment To Get Them “In The Door.” That necessitates being approachable, living in such an exemplary way that people recognize a distinctiveness about you, being friendly, and being bold enough to offer an invitation. If you try to mow them over with doctrine before you lay a foundation of trust and genuine concern, they will “turn you off” on the subject. You must also “use hospitality” (1 Peter 4:9). Put an “open door” upon the hinges of your home–a warm and welcoming place that provides you with an avenue to attract them to the idea of Christian entertainment (watch what you call “fun,” Psalm 101:3), Christian family (watch how you interact, Proverbs 17:1), and Christian living (watch how you “walk,” Colossians 4:5). “Clean fun,” genuine concern, and agape love demonstrated before them will get them in the door.
     Use Discernment While They Are “Inside.” When people visit the assemblies, see them as magnets. Build a desire to want to make them feel “at home.” This may not initially be comfortable for you. But, let no one blame God for not making contact with visitors. Too many say, “It is not in my personality to ‘go up’ to others.” If that is so, modify your personality. I’ve seen shy, quiet people whose love of souls moved them out of their “comfort zone.” Also, if you are in a teaching or preaching position, speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). It is never necessary to be insulting or belligerent in plainly, firmly presenting the gospel message. Many circumstances where we have been eager to call a person or religious group by name would have been more effective, without compromising, by attacking the person’s positions or the group’s doctrine (though, certainly, at times “name calling” is necessary). Watch how you interact with others–the church is no china shop and we  have too many bull(ie)s!! An obnoxious comment or rudeness, to whomever it is directed, may forever shut the door! Use more self-control in your dealings with everyone (2 Timothy 3:3, NASB).
     Use Discernment After They Have Become Part Of The “Household.” Remember, babies cannot eat meat. There needs to be Bible Classes appropriate for growing spiritual babes (1 Peter 2:2). Also, exercise patience liberally (1 Thessalonians 5:14). There should be considerably greater intolerance for the social drinking, dancing, cursing, doctrinally distorted views, and similar  sins of those who have been members of the church for a long period of time than for those who are “young in the faith.”
     The saints are summoned by the Savior to be soul-centered (Matthew 28:18-20). Understand that the lost are just that–lacking direction as they walk around in darkness (1 Peter 2:9). After Paul asked for prayers so that he would know the way he ought to speak to the lost, he charged Christians, like you, to “conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:4-6). Let not one iota of doctrine suffer in that, but use common sense in imparting it!—6856 Cold Harbor Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111