by Sarah Maney

On a sunny Saturday in October, Seminary students, faculty, staff and local church members gathered for a day of bold, Spirit-led outreach in St. Louis through Jesus Door-2-Door (JD2D) — an evangelism initiative designed to equip believers to share the Gospel face to face in their communities.

Led by Rev. Tim Koch (M.Div. ‘10, S.T.M. ‘13) and hosted by Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis, the event immersed participants in the work of evangelism — preparing hearts, forming skills and sending witnesses. JD2D prepares everyday believers to speak clearly and confidently about Jesus Christ — and sends them out to do just that.

Eleven teams canvassed neighborhoods throughout St. Louis Oct. 11, knocking on 351 doors, conducting 68 spiritual surveys and connecting two individuals with local churches for follow-up. Among those surveyed, two key insights revealed the urgency of the work:

23.5% of respondents said they believed they would go somewhere other than Heaven after death.

Of those who did answer “Heaven,” only 19% confidently attributed their salvation to what Jesus has accomplished for them.

“The fields, as Scripture tells us, are ripe for harvest,” says Koch.

“Knocking on a stranger’s door can be intimidating,” says Dr. Kevin Golden, associate professor of Exegetical Theology and director of the Seminary’s Resident Field Education (RFE) Program. “But the Gospel is the power of salvation for all who believe. We know what the Spirit does through the Word, so we can boldly speak the Word and let the Spirit work as He pleases.”

The outreach teams quickly learned that fear gives way to joy. Several participants noted how friendly people were and how receptive some were to genuine spiritual conversations.

“You will hear people say, ‘I don’t know where I’ll go when I die,’ or ‘I think I’ll go to Heaven because I’m a good person,’” says Koch. “You quickly realize how many people have not heard the simple truth: Jesus died for you. If you can say that you are already equipped.”

Dr. Ryan Tinetti, assistant professor of Practical Theology and a JD2D participant, adds, “The Scriptures tell us that part and parcel of ministry is to ‘do the work of an evangelist’ (2 Tim. 4:5 ESV), and in a secular age like our own, this work is even more essential. Wherever we send leaders for God’s mission, whether overseas or in our own backyard, they are going as missionaries!”

Koch emphasizes that JD2D is not about one “right” method — it is about sharing Jesus. “If this method isn’t for you, that’s okay. But let it inspire you to find one that is,” says Koch. “We need more laborers for the harvest, and there are plenty of fields — both overseas and in our own neighborhoods.”

JD2D provides valuable vocational clarity for the seminarians who participated.

“This event was an invaluable opportunity to put our theological training into practice,” says Benjamin Wagner, a second-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student. “Having real conversations about faith reminded me why I am pursuing this calling. It is one thing to study evangelism in the classroom — it is another to experience the joy and challenge of sharing the Gospel face to face.”

Patrick Hamilton, also a second-year M.Div. student, shares similar reflections. “JD2D was an amazing and enriching experience,” he says. “We sang hymns, shared a meal and prayed together before going out to evangelize. Many of the people we met were open to conversation, and some were eager to hear the Gospel message. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zones and share the Gospel — especially our Seminary students, since it is a vital skill that will serve them well in future ministry.”

Golden adds that events like JD2D complement the Seminary’s RFE Program by helping students grow confident not only within congregational settings but also in neighborhood contexts as bold witnesses for Christ.

JD2D finds its roots in Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ (OAFC), an LCMS Recognized Service Organization. Koch, deeply influenced by OAFC in his youth, eventually discerned a new direction. “I had a vision for door-to-door evangelism. With OAFC’s blessing, I started something new — both for the sake of the church and for my own children, so they could grow up loving to share the Gospel, just as I did.

“JD2D manufactures opportunities to talk about Jesus. We do not force conversations, and we always respect when someone says ‘no,’” says Koch. “But many are more open than we expect. And in a culture where people are starved for meaning, offering to share the Gospel is surprisingly welcome.”

“JD2D is a wonderful opportunity to speak with people about the Christian faith. Each time I have participated, I’ve felt a mix of anxiety and excitement,” says Rev. Joel Heckmann, admissions officer at Concordia Seminary and a JD2D participant.

“The Spirit works as the Word is faithfully shared. It is exciting — and yes, a little intimidating — to talk to strangers about Jesus. But JD2D helps students navigate those questions: What do I say? How do I say it? What if someone reacts badly? This is the kind of experience that shapes Christians — especially future pastors and deaconesses — into respectful, courageous, faithful witnesses of Christ.”

The greatest fruit of JD2D is not in the numbers but in the divine moments when the Holy Spirit stirs a soul. At a previous JD2D event, Koch recalls one participant who asked a man, “Where do you believe you’ll go when you die?”

“That’s a really good question,” the man said. “And honestly, it’s one I’ve been thinking a lot about lately.” 

“It’s moments like these that remind us God is already at work,” says Koch. “We simply join Him in the field.”

Sarah Maney is the communications manager at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.