The Use of Gospel Tracts
"Josh, I’m calling to apologise to you," said a voice at the end of the line. "When we were in Bible College, I told you that you were wasting your time handing out tracts. I need to say sorry for that comment." I was perplexed hearing these words from a pastor I had not seen for a few years – we had studied together, but we were never close. I was intrigued by what brought about this change of attitude, so I asked him to tell me how he reached this new conclusion. He explained, "Tonight, a man who has been attending our church asked for baptism. When I asked him to share how he got saved, he told me that he received a tract from you in Brisbane one Saturday night."
Over the years, I’ve heard numerous testimonies from people whom the Lord saved after they read a gospel tract, yet even though God uses tracts, people often despise this method of evangelism. Today, we are told that we must modernise and find the latest technological way to reach the lost; the printed page will not impact people for Christ… but I disagree!
When I was pastoring, I heard a testimony of a man who said he was converted after receiving a tract through his letterbox. Another man shared how his son-in-law was saved after reading a gospel leaflet. The Lord uses the printed page to bring people to salvation.
More testimonies can be given, such as a man in Brisbane who told me he saw a piece of paper blowing along the street. Since he didn’t like to leave rubbish on the ground, he picked it up. This bit of paper was different from others he had picked up previously, so he read it while waiting at a traffic light to cross the road. As he stood in the city centre reading the tract, the Father drew him to the Son (John 6:44).
Tracts, though despised, are actually an effective tool in the gospel workers' arsenal.
Charles Spurgeon said,
"When preaching and private talk are not available, you need to have a tract ready…get good striking tracts, or none at all. But a touching gospel tract may be the seed of eternal life. Therefore, do not go out without your tracts."
R.A. Torrey, who succeeded D.L. Moody declared,
"Comparatively few Christians realize the importance of tract work. I had been a Christian a good many years, and a minister of the Gospel several years, before it ever entered my head that tracts were of much value in Christian work. I had somehow grown up with the notion that tracts were all rubbish, and therefore I did not take the trouble to read them, and far less did I take the trouble to circulate them, but I found out that I was entirely wrong. Tract work has some great advantages over other forms of Christian work."
The Lord has used tracts in the past, and today. But what should we look for in a good tract? I’ve been into Christian bookstores and seen walls of tracts that weren’t worth the paper they were printed on. Some tracts were devoid of the gospel, and others were borderline heretical. Then some tried hard to be culturally hip to the point that they were an embarrassment.
Here are six things to consider when it comes to tracts.
1) Engaging: There needs to be something about the tract that makes it stand out and capture the eye. This could be achieved through design, colours, or a thought-provoking question on the front. We are representing the King, so let’s make sure we do all things well – including our tract designs.
2) Mentions Sin: The dreaded ‘S’ word isn’t popular today (it never has been!), but we must talk about sin. If we want to see people saved from their sins, then we must explain it. Tracts should mention the truth that all people have sinned, and that sin has consequences. We do need to be wise in how we address this subject, but despite the uncomfortable nature of this subject, tracts must mention sin.
3) Explains the Cross: The crucifixion of Jesus must be proclaimed in all our tracts. The message of Christ crucified is central to Christianity. Tracts must speak of the Saviour who died on the cross in the place of sinners – we mustn’t assume people know about Jesus dying on the cross as our substitute.
4) The Resurrection: The easiest part of the gospel to forget is the resurrection of Jesus. If we miss this point, then we have only proclaimed half the good news. I have seen many well-designed tracts that missed the resurrection. Tracts must mention that Jesus is risen from the dead.
5) Calls for a Response: Tracts need to proclaim the gospel, and then call for a response. The biblical response to the good news is to repent and believe. If your tract lacks either of these points, then it isn’t proclaiming the whole truth. As people read the gospel leaflet, they should see that they must respond to the message.
6) Contact Information: The nature of tracts means they are short, and we often can only give a few basic truths. This is why it is important to have contact details on all tracts so people can find out more information. Contact details may include a website, email address, phone number, or church details. For instance, The Open-Air Mission has a website and QR code that allows people to contact the ministry and request Bible study material.
Gospel tracts are effective tools that we can use in our daily witness. Tracts can, and should, be used by all Christians. Eternity will testify to how many people have been saved via the printed page. Each day, put a few tracts in your pocket (or bag), then pray for opportunities to give them away.
For a list of recommended tracts, please see my blog, “Helpful Resources for Evangelism.”