Jehovah's Witnesses sincerely believe that we are living in our last days, that most people are trapped in a false religion, and that it is their job to preach the good word of God's Kingdom that will solve all mankind's problems. They want you to be part of that wonderful future.
They often schedule a Bible study with one of their publications for you if you show interest.
If you're not interested in talking to them, it's easy to get rid of them, without getting angry or rude.
Steps
Step 1. Tell them that you are not interested, in a polite way
Most Witnesses will thank you for your honesty and happily move on to the next house in hopes of finding an interested person.
Step 2. Don't answer
Don't open the door if you are really too busy or upset. Jehovah's Witnesses will leave if no one answers. Note, however, that if you do not open the door, and the Witness believes you are not at home, your address will be marked as "NH" (Not Home), thus triggering a subsequent visit in a short time, perhaps even after a day or two..
Step 3. Request to be placed on a "Don't Knock" list
Your home is part of a numbered territory. The overall territory of a congregation will be divided into small sections. At any one time many of these are in circulation with various volunteer preachers. Usually included with each section is a "Don't Knock" list. So, if you want to be on that list, you need to tell the person who knocked on your door. Someone in their group will likely have the territory card with them. Be direct, firm but polite when making the request.
Step 4. Display a "Do Not Override" sign
Jehovah's Witnesses typically obey an individual's property cartel. However, a sign pertaining to a large number of apartments will generally be ignored.
Step 5. Handwrite a sign saying Jehovah's Witnesses are not welcome
In most countries it is your right to say who is not welcome in your home. A handmade sign clearly communicates your personal desire not to engage in conversation with the Witnesses.
Advice
- Don't apologize for not being interested, as this is a personal choice. A friendly "No thanks, I don't care" will suffice.
- If you are on a "Don't Knock" list, Jehovah's Witnesses will work to ensure that no one will call you back. However, if you move, there will be no way to transfer "Don't Knock" to your new address.
- If you are busy, but interested, you can tell them to come back for a better time, and they will.
- If you open the door and see that they are Jehovah's Witnesses, and it bothers you a lot, perhaps the best approach is to simply close the door.
- Even if you don't like their visit or disagree with their teachings or methods, if Jehovah's Witnesses come to your home, it shows that you live in a free country. If you decide to do so, in a free country you can cross the street and knock on your neighbors' door and engage them in conversation about whatever topic they want. You do not need a license or special authorization from the government - this is your right in a free country. Of course it is also your right to put up a sign that clearly says "Go away and leave me alone".
Warnings
- Avoid getting into a debate if you have different beliefs.
- Don't yell at Jehovah's Witnesses when they arrive. This will probably only make you angrier and won't stop them from preaching.
