Using Literature in Evangelism

by Keith Cook

Learn how you can change your world through simply passing out or giving away free Gospel booklets and pamphlets!

This internet version has none of the hard copy graphics or detailed information that you may need to implement this in your local area. Please contact our office for help or to receive a video or full handbook. You are allowed to use this material for evaluation purposes only and should as a matter of integrity contact On The Go before using any of this material. We can offer valuable insight that can make your outreach work and bring honor to God.  This is copyrighted material!

Passing out Gospel Literature to Reach the Lost

You can share your faith by passing out good, quality information about salvation and other Biblical themes. You can also pass out INFORMATION and INVITATION leaflets that invites people to events and church services.

Why pass out literature.

When you travel around the world or even down the street God can use you to help reach someone with the message of Christ. Because of language and time factors it may not always be possible to present a clear presentation of the Gospel. One way to witness in these kinds of situations is with literature.

The printed page can go where you cannot. Many pieces of literature are read and reread many times. People pass the piece along and also can take it with them after you are gone. By combining the written word with the personal touch many lives are changed for Jesus' sake.

One of our recent team members told me that he was saved because someone handed him a gospel tract as he was going into a bar. At first he laughed it off but he put the literature in his pocket. Later that night he was down on his knees asking Jesus to come into his life.

There was no preacher present and no church aisle to walk down. There was no choir singing, "Just as I am." The only one there was Jesus.

God had used an obedient Christian to get the message out. Of the hundreds of pieces of literature passed out that day possibly only one person made a life changing decision, but what was that one life worth? To that young man it was worth everything.

Ten reasons why literature evangelism is effective.

1. It goes where the evangelist and missionary cannot go: To their home, their job and to their friends, when their attention span will be greater. You cannot preach at school, at the local bar or at a sporting event, but you can give away free gospel literature!

2. In closed countries and in countries where Christianity is in a minority, it is safer and less confrontational. People who would never stop and listen to you speak would take your literature and read it in private. This helps calm their fears and gives them an element of comfort.

3. It is very cost effective. One person with 10,000 tracts can usually pass them out in one weekend and reach at least 10% of the people who receive the piece. In proclamation evangelism it is not always practical to reach every person, so literature fills the gap.

4. People are very curious and want to study and understand new things.

5. Everyone likes free gifts. People will usually line up or even mob you to get the 'free' gift .

6. Literature is non-threatening. Some cultures and peoples' personalities do not respond to confrontational evangelism. Some people are shy or scared to talk about their feelings but will listen if God speaks to their heart. The Spirit still supernaturally calls people.

7. Literature evangelism is considered friendly and often leads to discussion on a one on one basis.

8. Using gospel literature means never being sidetracked by rain, snow, electricity. When you are gone the work lives on.

9. It crosses cultural and language barriers with truths that can be misunderstood when spoken.

10. If the address of local believers or churches is located on the piece it often leads to contact and further discussion for future follow-up.

Oswald J. Smith, former pastor of the Peoples Church in Toronto, Canada, once said, "After a lifetime of study and visiting more than 60 countries, I am convinced that the only hope for the fulfillment of the Great Commission is the systematic distribution of the printed Gospel."

One very effective way of 'going into all the world', is to use gospel tracts, booklets, Bible portions and leaflets to present a clear message to individuals.

You have been shown an open door; walk out into a needy world and share. You can make a difference, one person at a time. It will be very exciting and very rewarding. You will meet interesting people with wild and challenging questions. This type of ministry will drive you to your knees and force you to search the scriptures yourself.

Literature notes:

1. Make sure the literature you are passing out is good, quality material that communicates your message. Some free literature is nothing but hate booklets and are very negative in nature. Be careful about what you pass out.

2. Do not force anyone to take the material.

3. Do not accept any money for the material.

4. Smile and say: "Would you like a free booklet?" "If you have a minute I have something free that I would like to give you." "When you have time would you mind looking over this free booklet?"

5. Don't be offended or upset if people refuse or throw the material away.

6. Remember to battle the Devil and not people! Pray, Pray, Pray.

7. Have fun and be happy. People like people who are not threatening and who do not scare them.

Literature Drop (AOK Day -All Out Knocking)

You can use one or all of these options:

1. Magazines - passing out good quality Christian magazines.

2. Church piece - sharing a friendly and relevant church piece.

3. Invitation - to church for a specific service or special event.

4. Goals of Literature Drop:

• To announce local church presence in the area.
• To inform local people that their needs can be met at this church.
• To invite them to attend this local church.
• To pray for and be a part of their spiritual pilgrimage.
• To facilitate their making a commitment for Christ.

The following is a list of where to get Gospel booklets, tracts & resources:

This internet version has none of the hard copy graphics or detailed information that you may need to implement this in your local area. Please contact our office for help or to receive a video or full handbook. You are allowed to use this material for evaluation purposes only and should as a matter of integrity contact On The Go before using any of this material. We can offer valuable insight that can make your outreach work and bring honor to God.