‘It is the bread and butter of evangelistic work’ was a phrase often found on the lips of a London City Missioner referring to door to door evangelism. It is the simple practice of just knocking unannounced on someone’s door seeking to talk about Jesus.

I grew to enjoy it very much, which is quite startling for an introvert. I think in retrospect some of the literature we gave out was not as ecumenically friendly as it might have been. People familiar with the chick tracts will understand what I mean. That said, we did meet people from all walks of life and different generations. There was virtually no hostility, but often hard indifference.

I think sharing my faith in this way helped hone what I believe. My missioner, Terry Bedlow, was extraordinary in keeping everything to the ‘four spiritual laws’, and could give a simple gospel message in a soundbite. I have always been more a waffler with lots of pauses for thinking time or for finding myself again within the conversation.

We met people of different faiths and none, from a number of cultures and backgrounds. Many of whom had little or scant knowledge for the Christian faith, but almost universally were always intrigued about the teachings and life of Jesus. We may have from time to time been confused for JWs or Mormons, and were at times invited in only for people then to discover who we were.

I also learnt how to drink tea or coffee as it comes which has been a huge help in preparing for pastoral ministry in the life of the Church.

Door to door is something I have continued to do in the long years that have enfolded since the Mission.

In North Kensington, the Latymer Christian Fellowship which was part of what was then called the Shaftesbury Society and became apart of the Pioneer Network of Churches developed a relationship with a particular block of flats. The residents came to expect that once a month we would call to talk about Jesus.

I will be giving it a whirl in Holyhead in the next few months: so if someone with little hair, a smile, dog collar and sometimes looks lost for words, it will be me trying to introduce you to his friend, Jesus.