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THE MORMON MISSIONARIES COME TO MY DOOR? |
What should you do when the Mormon Missionaries come to your door? It is an important question because Christians need to respond properly when visited by the cults. As Christians we bear the name of our Savior and what we do reflects upon Him. We need to see a visit from a cultist as an opportunity to share Christ with a soul blind and bound to a hope in a false religion. Although the information here addresses Mormons, the principles apply to all the cults.
WHO ARE MORMON MISSIONARIES? Mormon missionaries are young people who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (abbreviated LDS). The nickname "Mormon" comes from their use of the Book of Mormon which is one of "scriptures." There official scriptures, referred to at the Standard Works, are the King James Bible, Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and Convenants.
Early in their lives, Mormon children are taught that after high school they are to go on a "mission" for their church. There is quite a lot of pressure upon these young people to accept a call from their church to go on a mission. They receive their "call" after high school and go on their mission for two years. Mormon missionaries are not supported financially by the LDS church, but by their families and friends. They attend a missionary school that extensively trains them in their work they call "proselyting." Before leaving there is a service in their local church "Ward." Here they receive a special church blessing and encouragement. It is a proud day for the parents and family of the new missionaries. It is socially advantageous for an LDS family to have one or more of their children on a mission. Although most Mormon missionaries are young men, a number of young women also go on missions. Recent surveys report that thirty-two percent of Mormon young people go on a mission. During the two years of their mission, LDS missionaries are never alone. They are required to always be with their missionary partner. They eat, sleep and work with another missionary and it is compulsory to always call themselves "elders." This title is used to denote their special status in the church. An inexperienced missionary is always teamed up with a veteran missionary. It is required that they always be neatly dressed, well groomed, and very polite. They are closely supervised by their mission president and required to report any violation of rules by other missionaries. LDS missionaries are under great pressure to impress the officers of their church and not embarrass their families. After a day's proselyting, they often receive counseling concerning the events of the day and to deal with problems they may have encountered. One possible problem would be if they encountered a Christian who challenged them from the Bible.
They go out around the world, two by two, riding their bicycles (and lately cars), trained to proselyte other faiths into the Mormon cult sincerely believing they are working their way to the Celestial heaven and possible godhood.
WITNESSING TO MORMONS SHOULD BE AN ACT OF LOVE. Witnessing to Mormons should be an act of sharing the love of Christ. Do not to be offended at them just because they are members of a false religion. Confrontation is not an effective way to witness. It should be understood that they are lost and have been cunningly deceived. They are to be pitied and lovingly sought for Christ. Mormons need to hear God's truth from someone who cares for their soul. When the Mormon missionaries come knocking on your door they are expecting, in some cases, to be confronted and treated rudely. They are taught that they will face persecution, trained to expect this and are drilled in how to respond. They take pride in being persecuted and suffering for their church. Treating the LDS missionaries badly only plays into their hands. You can be sure that their church and family back home will soon know of their "persecution."
Some well meaning Christians have used 2 John 10, as Scriptural grounds to rudely turn members of false religions from their door. The verse says, "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed." A careful examination of the verse reveals this passage is dealing with accepting false teachers as brothers in Christ into your home and family. The passage prohibits giving them food and shelter and thus supporting their false ministry. When you stand at your door and attempt to witness to a cult, you are not treating them as brothers in Christ, and by giving the Word of God you are pointing out the error of their beliefs. If you do not want to talk with them, the best thing to do is politely tell them that you are not interested without further comment.
POINTERS IN WITNESSING TO MORMONS My first opportunity to witness to Mormons did not go well. I was unprepared! While living in Virginia, I answered a knock on the door and found two smiling young missionaries on my door step. It completely disoriented me when I explained I was a Christian and they enthusiastically replied they were too! I was completely caught off guard. I am sure they were not impressed by my witness. It taught me an important lesson that I needed to be prepared to effectively witness to them. There is no set way to witness to Mormons, but it is good to have a plan that will prepare you to deal with them. You do not have to be an expert on Mormonism to share Christ with them. It does help to know as much about them as possible. To begin, read several good books on Mormonism.
Mormonism - Shadow or Reality, by Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Utah Lighthouse Ministry, PO Box 1884, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.
A Christian Defense Against Mormon Attacks, by Linda Le Hansen, In His Time Ministry, PO Box 56456,Phoenix, AZ 85079.
The Bible and Mormon Doctrine, By Jerald and Sandra Tanner, same as above. Mormonism, Mama and Me, by the late Mrs. Thelma Geer, Calvary Mission Press, PO Box 13432, Tucson, AZ 85732.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THE MORMON MISSIONARIES COME TO YOUR DOOR. Briefly, this is what you should expect on the first visit of the LDS missionaries. Normally, they will introduce themselves, and explain that they would like to tell you about their church and the "truth of the gospel." They will tell you about the Book of Mormon which they say God gave to Joseph Smith who was chosen to be the prophet and founder of the "restored" church on earth. They will offer you a paperback copy of the Book of Mormon. It will be explained that the Book of Mormon is "Another Testimony of Jesus Christ" and a companion to the Bible. This phrase is printed on the front cover of the latest additions. They will explain that the Book of Mormon records how the gospel came to North and South American continents. They say it reveals how Jesus appeared in the Americas after His resurrection and taught the gospel. They will ask you to read the Book of Mormon, especially 3 Nephi 11. Then they will ask you to pray to God asking Him, "If the Book of Mormon is true." You are told to expect a feeling they discribe as "burning in your bosom." This will be the indication to you that the Book of Mormon is true.
They will explain that if the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's true and restored church on earth today. One or both of the Mormon missionaries will often "bear their testimony" which means give a testimony. They will declare that the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is God's only true church.
Those who respond to the first visit by the Mormon missionaries are asked if they would like a second visit and more information about the LDS church. They would like to present an eight lesson presentation of the Mormon church over a period of several weeks. These lessons deal with many subjects including Mormonism's emphasis on the family in eternity. The LDS church is spending millions of dollars in a tremendous public relations campaign seeking to present themselves as another Christian denomination. The missionaries will tell you that they too, are Christians and love Jesus Christ. One young LDS missionary very emotionally explained to me how he was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and had given his life to serving Him. However, one must understand as sincere as they may be, their god and Jesus are not, absolutely not, the God and Jesus of the Bible. Part of the LDS church's missions program is running both radio and television ads with scenes of wholesome family life. They offer free copies of the Book of Mormon and also a free videos on the family. Be aware that everyone who responds will very soon be contacted by phone and/or receive a visit from the Mormon missionaries.
BE POLITE AND SHOW THEM YOU CARE FOR THEIR SOULS. As missionaries, living among the Mormons in Utah, on numerous occasions we had Mormons tell us of their experiences while on their mission. One lady related to my wife a few unpleasant experiences she had. She stated that some people were very impolite and slammed their door in her face. Once she walked into the yard of a man who was cutting down a tree. After identifying themselves as Mormon missionaries, the man threaten them with a running chain saw and ran them out of his yard. However, this lady's grandson said that on his mission he found the Baptists were the nicest to him.
In 1991, a good friend who is an assistant pastor in Utah, related how a Mormon missionary he knew was saved. He said the young man spent his mission in the South. As he and his partner would knock on doors many would tell them they were Christians. They would then ask them their favorite Bible verse. Some were embarrassed and stammered trying to quote a verse. They would then subtlety mock the person by suggesting a reference in the imaginary book of Hezekiah. The young man stated that one thing did impress him. When he knocked on some doors, a genuine Christian would answer. He said they were different and were polite. They knew with deep conviction what they believed and were undaunted and unoffended by having Mormons at their door. Almost always these Christians would began to witness to them. He said they could not be shaken or turned from their enthusiastic love of Christ and absolute belief in the Bible as the Word of God. This young "elder" was overwhelmed by their assurance and peace in Christ. He knew in his heart he did not have what they had. This caused him to question his beliefs and become disillusioned with the LDS faith. He sought counsel from his Mormon officials. Their vague and illusive answers only added to his despair and confusion. He requested that the Mormon church release him from his mission and he returned home six months early. Once home, he sought out a Baptist pastor and in a short few months he trusted Christ as his Savior. This young man said he was sure those that had witnessed to him never knew how God used them to bring him to Christ. After receiving Christ as his Savior he left the LDS church. As is often the case his family denounced him. One thing stands out in this true story. Those that most effectively witnessed to this LDS missionary were those that treated him with respect. They showed a definite concern for his soul. He said as they were leaving this Baptist pastor's home he prayed for him and his fellow missionary by name. In his prayer he asked God to save them. The young Mormon could not get it out of his mind and this had a real influence on him.
SHARE WITH THEM YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY. When the LDS missionaries come to your door a good way to respond is with your personal testimony. You might prayerfully respond by saying, "Fellows, I already know the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior and God. In January of 1972 I saw myself as a lost sinner and I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. That day God changed my life! He made me a new person. Now I have the peace and absolute assurance that my sins are forgiven and that when I die I will go to heaven to be with Christ for all eternity." Emphasize your belief in the Bible. Let them know you are completely satisfied with your salvation. Be polite. Tell them what Christ has done for you. Express to them the assurance that you have since receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior and of your sure hope of heaven and an eternity with your Lord. Relate to them experiences you have had of God's working in your life.
As stated earlier, the missionaries are prepared to share with you their "testimony." From childhood they are taught to "bear a testimony" of their Mormon faith. Their testimony is thoroughly rehearsed. They will state that they know "that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the Book of Mormon is true and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church." It is also very important that after they "bear their testimony" you ask them if they died today that they know for sure they would wake up in heaven. Most will respond by saying the hope so. This will give you the opportunity to explain that your testimony is quite different.
Your testimony is one of the full assurance of knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. God promised in the Bible that all who would believe in Jesus Christ would be saved. (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9-10) Tell them you knew you were a sinner and God's Word said if you died without receiving forgiveness you would spend eternity in Hell. (Romans 3:10, 6:23) You might relate that you placed your trust in Jesus Christ and He saved and forgave your sins. State you know you received eternal life because of God's promise. Explain to them, that God has promised in the Bible that because you are saved, when you die that you will wake up in the presence of Christ Jesus and eternally be with Him. (2 Corinthians 5:8, John 6:40) Let them know they too can have their sins forgiven and receive eternal life today if they would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as their Savior. Share with them how receiving Christ changed your life.
Understand that the Biblical concept of salvation is foreign to the Mormons. In their religion they are not "saved" and receive salvation at some point in time. The are born or converted and baptized into the LDS church which assures them they will not go to hell. They are trusting in their church membership, baptism and good works to make them worthy of heaven. They believe they are in a state of "eternal progression" progressing from one plateau of existence to another. Ultimately, if they by their works are worthy, they hope to receive godhood and become a god, the same as did the man-become-god of this earth. They call becoming a god receiving "exaltation."
In simple terms, their quest towards godhood began out in the Universe where they existed as "pure intelligence" without bodily form. The road of "eternal progression" continued when they were sexually conceived and born as "spirit children" to their "heavenly father and mother." The next step towards "exaltation" is receiving a human body by being born to human parents. If they are faithful to the Mormon church and do enough good works, when they die they expect to go to the highest part of heaven called the Celestial heaven and become a god. The Mormon women become the goddess wives of their husbands when they obtain godhood. They then become the "heavenly father" and "heavenly mothers" of their own world. The Mormons believe their god is an exalted man who presently exists as flesh and bone and lives in heaven in a polygamous relationship with his many wives. As you can see they are not seeking salvation as the Bible offers, but are attempting, by good works, to gain to godhood. In witnessing to them, you must show them that the Bible teaches salvation is receiving immediate forgiveness of sins and eternal life when a person believes and puts their trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.
MORMONS USE CHRISTIAN TERMS BUT WITH DIFFERENT MEANINGS. Understand that Mormons use many Christian terms, but with entirely different meanings. It is important to know how they understand Christian terms as you talk with them. For example: The Bible teaches that God is a Spiritual Being who is Omnipotent, omniscient and Omnipresent. However the Mormons believe GOD is a physical man having none of these attributes.
Jesus Christ of the Bible is God incarnate in flesh. To the Mormons he is only human and the first son born of the man god and the half brother of Satan who was this god's second son. All men on earth are the sexual offspring of their man-god they refer to as "Heavenly Father."
The GOSPEL as the Word of God teaches is the Good News of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as the atonement for our sins. To the LDS church the gospel is doctrine and teachings of the church.
ETERNAL LIFE as God says in the Bible is eternally to be Christ in the Kingdom of God. Exaltation to the highest heaven, the Celestial heaven, where a man becomes a god who populates a world he is placed in charge of, is everlasting life. God says that Man is born a sinner by nature. The LDS church teaches that it is specific wrong acts, but man does not inherit a sin nature.
Being BORN AGAIN for the Christian is receiving forgiveness of sins, eternal life and spiritual nature of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. To the Mormon it is baptism in the Mormon church.
Not one Christian term used by the Mormons has a Biblical meaning! The above list is only a partial one. It is well to know every Christian term and its Biblical meaning. The book, A Christian Defense Against Mormon Attacks, by Linda Le Hansen (In His Time Ministry, PO Box 56456, Phoenix, AZ 85079) is an excellent resource in understanding Mormon teachings and comparing them to Biblical Truths. Mormons will refer to their god as "Heavenly Father." It is normal for Biblical Christians to use the term, "Our" Heavenly Father. Mormons omit the pronoun. They would say, "Heavenly Father is our god." Be aware that when they refer to "Heavenly Father," he is the father who sexually produced them in heaven. Their god did not create them, he only was the means of their birth.
TACTFULLY USE THE BIBLE TO SHOW THEM THE TRUE GOSPEL. If you are not prepared or do not feel confident, it may be best to talk to them at the door. Confine your discussion with them to your personal testimony and how you were saved. Keep your conversation short and to the point. Pointing out the errors in Mormonism is not an effective way to begin witnessing to them. Naturally, they will be defensive of their beliefs if told they are wrong. You can address their false teaching in a tactful way and not be offensive.
For example: A sensitive way to show them who God really is would be to read passages from the Bible that tell who God really is. You might say, "Fellows, let me tell you why I believe the way I do. I believe the Bible is the Word of God. (You may point out they also recognize the Bible as Scripture). The Bible says God is most wonderful indeed. In Isaiah 43:10-11, the Bible says there is but one God. Luke 24:39, John 4:24 tells us "God is a Spirit." They will have a King James Bible with them so ask them to turn to the passage and read it with you. It is important for them to read see it in the Bible themselves. Mormons believe in a man-become-god who by his good works in life became a god. You would get nowhere telling them their man-become-god was false. When you show them what the Bible says about God they know this is not what they are taught. Your most effective tool in witnessing to Mormons is your knowledge of the Word of God! Always use the King James Bible. This is the accepted Bible of the LDS church. Although they use the Bible, they claim it has not been translated properly. They are instructed they must rely on their living prophet and church officials to interpret it for them. In the LDS church four books of "scripture," The King James Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and the Bible. Along with these are the teachings of the general authorities of their church. If you are prepared, you might ask them into your home. While living in Southern Utah, we had several visits by the LDS missionaries. On one occasion two Mormon missionaries came to our door at lunch time. We invited them in and offered them lunch. When we sat down, I said, "Let's thank God for this meal." I prayed a short prayer thanking God for our salvation and Christ's death for our sins and for the food. We were careful not to offer them tea, coffee or soft drinks with caffeine. We offered them "Kool Aid" or water instead. They are taught drinks with caffeine are sinful. I asked one of the young men why he was a missionary. His response surprised me. He stated he was a Christian and had committed his life to Jesus Christ! For someone who is not prepared, such statements of faith and commitment to Christ would be hard to follow. What can you say to someone with such a strong testimony?
By knowing what Mormons believe you know the Jesus the young man has committed his life to is not the Jesus of the Bible. You understand, that although the Mormons use the same terminology as Biblical Christians, the terms have entirely different meanings. Their Christ is the brother of Satan and all men on earth are the sons and daughters of their man-become-god. He is not the God of the Bible. The god they worship became the god of this world by being exalted to the status of god by his good works. They teach their god was appointed the god of the Earth by a council of gods who rule the Universe. These gods met on a planet Kolob that is near the center of the Universe. In making him the god of earth, they were rewarding him for his many good works. Their man-become-god now resides in heaven with his many wives producing spirit children. These spirit children come to the earth and receive bodies when human babies are born. Surely, it is clear the Mormon god is not the God of the Bible. THE CENTRAL MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN IS WHO IS THE GOD OF THE BIBLE. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT WITNESSING TO MORMONS YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPARE THEIR BELIEFS WITH WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT HIMSELF IN THE BIBLE. It is my practice after many years of witnessing to Mormons that it is a waste of time to deal with anything else. If they can see the God of the Bible is not the god of Mormonism you have a foundation to work with.
Be prepared, because you will get no positive response from the missionaries. They are trained to watch out for their fellow missionaries. One of them is a experienced veteran. If either missionary detects the other of being influenced by what you say, they are required to report it to their Mormon leader. I have never heard of a Mormon missionary being saved while on his mission. The pressures placed upon them are so great it is highly unlikely they will openly respond to you. However, some have been saved after returning home. After they leave put these young men on your prayer list.
Following is some recommended literature that will give you insights into witnessing to Mormons: Communicating Christ to the Cults, by John Rogers, Regular Baptist Press, P.O. Box 95500, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60195. Problems in Witnessing to Mormons, Cassette tape by Jerald Tanner, Utah Lighthouse Ministry, P.O. Box 1884, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. The Soul Winner's Reference Book on Mormonism. Old Paths Publishing House, P.O. Box 1, Broomfield, Colorado 80038.
PRAYING FOR THE MORMON MISSIONARIES. Before the missionaries leave have prayer with them. You might say, "Fellows I would like to pray for you before you leave." Immediately bow your head and begin to pray. In your prayer thank God for your salvation, for Christ's sacrifice for the sins of the world and pray for the missionaries by name. Pray that they would receive the Lord Jesus, have their sins forgiven and be assured they will be in the presence of God when they die.
FINDING MORMONS AT YOUR DOOR IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CHRIST WITH A LOST SOUL. Telling others about the Lord Jesus is a act of love. It is sharing God's love with others. In sharing Christ with Latter Day Saints or any unsaved person we must do so in a tactful and caring way. We must guard against becoming offended because others do not believe the Truth. Being offended at the unsaved only works to present barriers to winning them to Christ. Jesus' example was to always reach out in love to sinners. He did not condone their sin or false doctrine. We must hate sin and false doctrine because it damns men's souls. Yet, we must love the sinner and seek to win him to Christ. To those born into Mormonism, it is more than their religion, it is their heritage. It is a legacy and history and they are proud of their Mormon pioneers who suffered greatly to settle in the West.
They take great pride in the achievements of their forefathers. To make derogatory statements about Mormonism can be perceived as an attack on their family origins and heritage. Mormons refer to attacks on their church and beliefs as "Mormon bashing" and you will get nowhere witnessing to them if you use this tactic. May I say that Mormon bashing is presented as valid by many people who write books on the subject. Most books in Christian books stores which point out all their errors. Even films such as the "God Makers" had an offensive tone and had the effect of strengthening the Mormon resolve against biblical Christianity. Many years of working with Mormons and winning them to the Lord has taught me that if you do not reach out to them with respect, cordially and love you should remain silent.
Mormons are the same as all unsaved people. They need to be shown the love of Christ. They are under bondage to a false religion. While this is true, some of them can be won to Christ, everyone who hears the Gospel is not saved. Many reject Christ because they do not want Him placing restraints on their lives. They like the way they live and Mormons are no different. Many Mormons are like some people in Christian churches. They enjoy the social contact and prestige that one can acquire in attending church. However, they are not really interested in Truth. However, some Mormons are open to the Truth being confused by the many contradictions found their church. Such things as recent changes in the Mormon Temple rites have caused them to ask many questions. In comparison with Christianity such changes would compare to rewriting the portions of Scripture that reveal God's plan of Salvation or the church ordinances. The LDS officials have never explained why the changes were made. Their only response was to excommunicate those who publicly discussed the changes. It is LDS procedure to tell its members that what ever the prophet and church authorities say is to be accepted without question or comment. When they speak it becomes law and it is irrelevant whether it contradicts or changes earlier revelation. Winning anyone to Christ is a work of the Holy Spirit. We are the tools God uses to tell the lost of Christ. Never forget that! Be very sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then your witness be effectively used by God. What should you do when the Mormon missionaries come to your door? Love them as Christ loved them and genuinely show them you care for their souls. Prayerfully seek the leading of the Holy Spirit as you cordially tell them of the love of Christ.
SOME DO'S AND DON'TS
1. Do be polite and show them you care for their souls.
2. Do use your personal testimony to show what Christ has done for you.
3. Do be prepared to help them by having a plan to guide you.
4. Do read some books on Mormonism so you will know what they believe.
5. Do understand the terminology differences. They will use Christian terms, but with different meanings.
6. Do mark passages in your Bible which deal with such things as who God is, the deity of Christ, and God's plan of Salvation.
7. Don't be offended at them because they are a cult.
8. Don't attack their false beliefs. The key word here is "attack."
9. Don't agree to take their literature if they take yours or go to their church if they come to yours. Doing so will accomplish nothing and plays into their hands.
10. Pray in advance and during your time with them. Only God can touch their souls and reveal Truth to them.
Cooper P. Abrams, III is a missionary pastor, church planting in the Mormon dominated Inter-mountain West. He and his wife Carolyn are missionaries out of Calvary Baptist Church, King, NC and have been church planting in Utah since 1986. Cooper and Carolyn have been involved in seeing three Independent Baptist Churches established in Utah (First Baptist Church, Beaver; Grace Baptist Church, Price; Calvary Baptist Church, Trementon).
Cooper graduated from Piedmont Bible
College in 1981 with a ThB (Bachelor of Theology) and in 2000 with a MBS (Master of Biblical Studies) He wrote his master's thesis on Mormon Theism (a copy can be found at https://bible-truth.org/LDStheism.html . Titled: "Who is the God of Mormonism. A Comparison of the God of Mormonism with the God of the Bible.