What if a person at the door is a apostate?

[RaymondG]

While almost every point is covered in the various responses above, I'd like to add a little story with a humorous twist...

 

I was out in the field one day, perhaps ten years ago, with old Tony. Tony was from Macedonia or somewhere in that part of the world and had worked this territory for a good many years. It was a rural property we approached and, typically, he'd warned me quietly that occupants were not likely to be receptive. 

 

And, sure enough, the lady came out and gave her views about us and our beliefs. So we were happy to shake the dust from our feet, but as we turned she said to us, "I'll pray for you!"

 

Two nights later Tony sidled up to me at the meeting and said, "So you feel better now?"

Edited August 17 by RaymondG

[Jim Jam]

Sometimes the householder would say they're an apostate just so we leave them alone

[Qapla]

I have never had that happen

 

[Sheep]

1 hour ago, Qapla said:

I have never had that happen

 

I've heard that line plenty of times... (I'll pray for you). I usually just say something like, "That was quick! Your prayer has already been answered!"

[Qapla]

I've had people offer to pray to me - but not announce they are apostate

[RaymondG]

Would someone say they are apostate?

 

After all, from their point of view they're not apostate at all. Though they might say that we would consider them to be apostate.

[TheKid23]

8 hours ago, RaymondG said:

Would someone say they are apostate?

 

After all, from their point of view they're not apostate at all. Though they might say that we would consider them to be apostate.

I’ve known ones be proud to be apostate and say it as if it’s a badge of honour. In their minds they “escaped the cult” 

[RaymondG]

If someone is apostate, that's our judgement of them...

 

They would not, I wouldn't think, describe themselves as 'apostate'. I don't think you understand what I mean by this.

 

They might say they are 'agnostic' or an 'atheist' or something similar. But not 'apostate'.

[secondofseven]

On 8/6/2026 at 4:38 AM, Ostria said:

 i love how the fact we wont gossip or give weenies attention is considered covering stuff up.

Thats not the consideration and gossip or give weenies attention doesnt summarise the concerns raised in the past and the biggest/longest threads ever in this forum. afaik.

[secondofseven]

3 hours ago, RaymondG said:

They might say they are 'agnostic' or an 'atheist' or something similar. But not 'apostate'.

Lets no deny others lived experience. The 'badge of honour' is used by real apostates also.

Sometimes we cant escape minimal contact with them if they are family or ex family.

[jdcarlson]

On 7/23/2026 at 2:39 PM, Canyon_1985 said:

So would we just leave? The door 

 

I have been active in the field ministry since 1949. In the 76+ years since then I have at times run into VERY opposed individuals, as well as a couple of times when I thought they might be apostate. 

 

In cases where the individual was rational, reasonable, and ready to reason, I would talk with them for a while. When the conversation got the the point that it was obvious there would not be a successful conclusion, I would say "It is apparent that we see things differently" and then leave.

 

In cases where the person was NOT rational or reasonable, I have just turned around a left.

 

If we think just turning around and leaving is bad manners, just think of all of the times a door has been slammed in your face.

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

 

P.S. My comment about slamming doors goes back to many years ago. Candidly, I cannot remember that heppening to me in the past 10 years.

 

P.P.S. But if the person is totally not rational, sometimes all you can do is just leave.