Visiting House to House vs. Polling and Conducting Surveys in Churches

This afternoon I had a conversation with a neighbor. He happened to mention that a certain church had taken a survey of their membership that revealed that the number of people in their church who spent time daily in God's word was almost zero.

I thought this was curious, not because of the survey's results, but because of the survey itself. I know that polling and conducting surveys within churches has become almost as regular as the sacraments themselves (perhaps more frequent in some churches!). But what this says to me is that the leadership has failed in their biblical duty of shepherding the flock of God.

In Acts 20:20 the Apostle Paul makes it clear that part of the leadership's duty of nurturing their sheep is to conduct regular visitations. They are to be in the business of "teaching in public and from house to house." Practically speaking, there is no better way to help develop the faith of those committed to your charge. Being in their home, first, has the advantage of revealing who they are in their own context (i.e. sins, strengths, gifts, sorrows, struggles, joys). After getting to know someone (or a family) on an individual basis you can then apply teaching that is specific to their needs. As well, you can ask serious questions dealing with accountability in a pastoral visitation that you typically cannot do in a church/social context.

For instance, pertaining to the survey taken above, here is how pastoral visitation gives the advantage: The leader gets to know the members in their homes. He asks on the visit, "What does you family do for family devotions?" Or, "What have you been reading lately (in the Bible, or other devotional books)?" "Oh, you are not reading anything? You know that the people of God are supposed to be dedicated to the study of Scripture, don't you? (apply verses as necessary) Here are a couple of ideas (hand a reading plan, make some suggestions, or give a devotional)." Be sure to help them set up a time (after dinner, at breakfast, etc.). Then put some accountability on it. Say something like, "We'll be back in about 6 months to check in on you and see how this is going."

After a couple of visits, the leaders not only can fill out their own survey, but they know exactly where each person stands (as opposed to an anonymous survey). Moreover, they have shepherded the congregation by helping them deepen their relationship with God. You might say, they have increased the statistics.

I truly believe that the restoration of our shamble laden churches lies in a resurrection of pastoral visitations. That's because pastors who may not be the best preachers on Sunday, can still greatly assist the spiritual welfare through regular house to house ministry.