What Is A Tract?
A tract is a short, simple presentation of the gospel message, printed in convenient pocket size, designed for easy distribution and use. There is probably no easier, more convenient way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ than through the use of gospel tracts. Many people have been led to Christ in this way. Consider these features of such a ministry:
1. There is no certain time or amount of time required – just whenever the opportunity arises.
2. Tracts can be left anywhere or shared with almost anyone.
3. There are tracts for every occasion, for every need, and for every type of person.
4. Tracts can be distributed by anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, or education.
5. Tracts provide an easy way to “break the ice” or “open the door” to witness.
6. Tracts eliminate the problem of forgetfulness or uncertainty of what to say.
7. The message, since it is printed, can be taken home, re-read and studied.
8. Tracts can be passed along, and can therefore be used over and over again.
9. Tracts can be mass distributed easily.
10. Tracts are inexpensive and can be handed out liberally.
Keys To Success In Tract Evangelism
1. Success in witnessing is simply sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. There is no substitute for prayer.
2. Always have a variety of tracts available and be prepared to use them.
3. Look for opportunities to use tracts. Take advantage of every situation.
4. As in all things, be pleasant and polite in representing the Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Do not become discouraged if you see few decisions at first. Remember: “So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. “And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9. “One soweth, and another reapeth.” John 4:37.
6. Distribute tracts plentifully and persistently. “He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6.
7. Be sure to answer mail and telephone responses. Follow-up is an essential part of evangelism. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
How To Use Tracts
1. The preferred method is to personally hand a tract to a person and at the same time to witness with words like “May I share something with you?” or “Let me ask you just one question.” A few words of testimony may be helpful. Simply reading the tract to a person will often be the best approach.
Give tracts to friends and acquaintances everywhere; strangers in restaurants and grocery stores, bag boys and gas station attendants. Don’t forget the person on the bus or plane, the taxi driver, the parking lot attendant, and the mail carrier. Include also the bank teller and door-to-door salesman.
2. For one reason or another it may not be possible to talk with a particular person. In such a case, just hand them a tract and ask them to read this special message at their own convenience.
3. Tracts can be handed out in shopping malls, parks, at sporting events and other places where people congregate.
4. Place tracts in all mail, including personal and business letters, bills, statements, bank deposits, greeting cards, and packages. Send them to persons known to be lost, those hospitalized and habitual church absentees. Also include people who have lost loved ones, newlyweds and new arrivals. Include God’s Word in every occasion.
Remember Our Goal
Reach as many people as possible with the gospel, for “… repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations…” Luke 24:47. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Romans 10:17.
Many, many who would never attend church nor open the Bible, will in fact, read a tract. They will thereby hear the Word of God, and many will be saved.
Did You Know That:
1. If one thousand people would each put out just fifty tracts per week, in one year over 2.6 million tracts would be distributed!
2. If one person would be saved for every one thousand tracts, 2600 souls would be won to Christ during that year!
3. Just minutes per day per person is required to hand out this many tracts!
“As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you.”
John 20:21.
Suggestions For Conducting A Church Or Group Tract Ministry
1. Elect a Director of Tract Evangelism to supervise the program.
2. Encourage workers to make definite commitments to this ministry.
3. Conduct initial training for all workers in how to witness with tracts.
4. Conduct regular prayer sessions for the program.
5. Obtain a wide variety of tract samples from different sources. There is a host of tracts for every occasion and every kind of spiritual need. Select appropriate tracts from among these and maintain sufficient quantity.
6. Set aside funds on a continuing basis, if possible, to assist in the ongoing expense of printing tracts or buying them.
7. Stamp all tracts with address and telephone number for follow-up.
8. Develop a follow-up, discipleship program for new Christians.
9. Acquire an attractive tract rack and place it in a heavy traffic area. Keep it well stocked.
10. Have periodic meetings of all workers to share results and experiences. Keep records of decisions made “for Christ”.
“Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38
Not every Christian is able to preach a sermon, or teach a Bible class, or sing a Gospel solo, or go to Africa as a missionary, but every Christian is able to sow the “precious seed” by means of the printed page. This can be done by lending evangelical Christian books to those who will promise to read them, or by placing Scripture portions or Gospel tracts in the hands of those who will accept them.
The object of such ministry is to get people to think, and thereby realize their need of salvation and the way of salvation, and then persuade them to receive Him Who alone can save and keep and satisfy. As people read they think, and as they think they believe, and as they believe they act. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
The tract distributor not only receives a blessing in sowing the “precious seed,” for God has promised that “he that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,” but he has the promise that God’s Word will not return to Him void, and that his “labor is not in vain in the Lord.” He may be tempted at times to become discouraged and stop, but as he remembers the admonition: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good,” he faithfully continues in this ministry—”not weary in well doing.” Dr. R. A. Torrey used to say that he did not consider himself prepared for personal soul-winning work, unless he had his Bible or Testament in one coat pocket and a goodly selection of Gospel tracts in another. There are many opportunities for reaching men and women, which can be seized by the use of Christian leaflets. We are constantly passing perishing souls, like ships in the night. Many are in distress. Let us proclaim the message: Jesus Saves!