Are Gospel Tracts Effective Tools for Witnessing?

Whatever name they go by, these wonderful little booklets and leaflets can be used as conversation starters, and are usually based on a specific theme. The theme may be a holiday, a timely issue, a movie or TV show, etc.  They give you something to focus on in your conversation and if designed properly, also will provide you with an organized way to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The goal of a gospel tract is to get the gospel of salvation of Jesus Christ into peoples’ hands in an interesting and easy-to-read format. While the precise origin of gospel tracts is uncertain, there are records of them as early as the 13th century A.D. Gospel tracts were popularized during the Protestant Reformation, and the invention of the printing press made mass-production of tracts much easier and faster. The most well-known gospel tract is likely “The Four Spiritual Laws” written by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ.

Gospel tracts can be a very effective method of evangelism.  The famous missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ one day after picking up and reading a gospel tract.  He then went on to faithfully serve Christ for 51 years in China, founding the China Inland Mission, which employed more than 800 Christian missionaries and established more than 300 local offices in China. Again, if the biblical gospel is presented in a clear and understandable manner, God will use it (Isaiah 55:11).

Any time God’s Word goes forth, it is powerful and effective.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

People who are not otherwise effective communicators can overcome such a weakness by use of a gospel tract. Gospel tracts are an excellent choice when you simply do not have time to stop and witness to someone. Gospel tracts can be left in strategic locations for people to pick up later and read.  My favorite place to hand them out is with the tip after a good meal in a restaurant. 

There are perhaps two issues I have with gospel tracts. First, there are a few gospel tract publishers who produce tracts in which the gospel is not as clear as it should be.  Some of the pseudo-Christian cults are well known for having tract ministries. Before you consider handing out a gospel tract, read it closely and do some research on its publisher. Make sure that the gospel is clearly presented. If the tract endorses a website or other source of information, ensure that the message presented there is biblical.

Second, some people rely entirely on gospel tracts and intentionally avoid directly sharing the gospel with others. Giving someone a gospel tract is easier than personally sharing the gospel. While there are definitely many situations where giving a gospel tract is entirely appropriate, there are other situations where only a personal testimony as well as a clear gospel presentation will be sufficient. We are all to be ready, willing, and able to share the gospel.  “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."  (1 Peter 3:15)   (See also Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8)

If you haven’t used tracts before here are 7 tips to get started:

1) Tracts are tools best used as an outgrowth of relationship, not in place of relationship.

2) Know your audience; choose an approach that fits with the person to whom you’re talking.

3) When leaving a tract at a restaurant, be generous and thoughtful with the amount of tip. Remember that for many servers, you’re representing Christianity as a whole. Use the opportunity to reflect God’s grace and generosity.

4) Tracts are strategic tools, but they aren’t comprehensive. Be ready with other resources such as Christian books to help answer any additional questions that come up.

5) Have your Bible or Bible app close by; ready to read the Word of God with the people you’re caring for.

6) Pray for the people you share with consistently and, on occasion, let them know that you’re praying for them

7) Follow up with the person you’re sharing with and help them find a church home.

What an opportunity we have share the good news with the world around us.  Gospel tracts can be an important aspect of sharing the gospel, but it should not be the sole means of our outreach.

 Please prayerfully consider how God might use you in someone’s life today.



 

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