The Christian and the Telemarketer

Nuisance calls make up about half of all phone calls in the US. We are to redeem our time, being good stewards. However, for the Christian the calls can be used as a golden opportunity to sharpen their evangelism skills.

Telemarketing is actually a hard occupation, stressful on the voice and throat, and requiring the hide of an alligator to deal pleasantly with the hatred that often is directed their way-- whether outbound or inbound calling. For some it is a hoot. Yet for most it is simply what they can do for the time being in order to keep the family afloat. Personally I thoroughly disliked telemarketing even when I was a corporate top producer.

So, how can the Christian deal with all those calls? Some simply have their answering machines screen all calls. Sure, you still must take the time to clear the memory of messages and numbers calling in.

Yet what an opportunity this may present. Imagine the response you may get if you start off listening to their spiel, then respond with something like, "yours must be a hard job at times, eh?" You'd be surprised at the barriers that can come crashing down even if they are on a tight corporate time tether.

Here are some openers that have been used successfully:

(1) If the call is regarding a vacation package: "I'm really only interested in one destination, and it truly IS paradise. Let me tell you."

(2) If the call is regarding a credit card: "I'm really not interested in a new credit card, but let me take just a minute to tell you about a Person who can forgive your debt of sin."

(3) If the call is regarding a medical device: "I've been thinking a bit about death, and I have discovered a wonderful answer."

Use whatever inspiration Holy Spirit gives you.

Of course, they may hang up, but then again they may hear you out. That caller is a human soul, and Jesus died for him/her. This call could well turn out to be an eternal win-win situation.

Remember: one plants the seed, another waters it, and God gives the increase.

Don't be surprised if some totally unexpected people come up to you in glory and ask, "do you remember an annoying marketing call? Thank you for thinking I was worth your time!"