American Tract Society

How to Use Tracts

Tract Evangelism
In Chile, a young mother came to Christ after reading a tract a missionary had given her. A man in the southern US was born again in his prison cell after reading a tract handed him by one of the guards. A Soviet paratrooper read a tract he was using to light a fire, and his life changed for eternity.

Why evangelize?
Most of us are not “evangelists” according to the classic definition. We reserve that role for the Billy Grahams and D. L. Moodys of our day. But the Bible is clear that we are to share the gospel.

Why Us?
God has chosen to reach the world through us. In fact, God uses our faithful (and sometimes fearful) efforts at evangelism to grow us. Through evangelizing we must commit ourselves to God in trust and we must be familiar with His Word. The more we know about God, the better our ability to answer the questions put before us.

There are many other blessings associated with evangelizing, but the greatest I have experienced is the personal joy of seeing someone come into a relationship with Christ. And of course, one of the most effective methods of evangelizing I know of is the distribution of quality Gospel tracts.

Why Tracts?
It has been said that nothing cost less, goes farther, lasts longer or says it better than a gospel tract. But what is a tract? We at the American Tract Society have been developing these tools for 180 years. In short, a tract is any tool that is to the point, relevant, arrests our attention, contains the gospel and takes us closer to Christ.

Tracts are indispensable. I want to encourage you to think about their strategic use as you go out into the world each day. When you make them part of your spiritual repertoire, God will give you many opportunities to share. A tract is so wonderfully crafted that it can go to work if even a child finds one on the floor. Regardless of your spiritual maturity or experience in sharing the gospel, a tract is an indispensable helper.

Here are my suggestions for developing an effective tract ministry.

1. Pray.
You cannot win anyone to Christ, neither can a tract. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

2. Give appropriate tracts.
Always carry several different types of tracts with you—so you can match the message to the person.

3. Engage your audience
This can be done by making eye contact, with a simple smile, asking questions and listening carefully to what is said.

4. Don’t force tracts on people.
I recommend distributing a dozen tracts carefully, prayerfully, and judiciously over handing out a hundred indiscriminately.

5. Use top-quality tracts.
Invest in the best tracts available. You and your Lord will be judged by the equipment you use.

6. Keep your tracts in good condition.
Make sure your tracts are clean and fresh when you hand them out.

7. Use positive tracts.
Our job is not to put others down, but to lift Jesus up by presenting the positive truth of the gospel.

8. Find new ways to use tracts.
Be original. Never leave home without a tract.

9. Get organized.
Place tracts where they will be readily accessible for your use, like in your closet, car, backpack, or purse.

10. Give out a tract each day.
You will be amazed as you see the Lord bless your efforts.