The gospel in print is a powerful tool. The Bible is our source of faith and practice. It is also the tool God uses to convict souls of their lost condition. The Bible can be distributed in whole or in part by using tracts.
There are many benefits to using tracts. They are less expensive to produce than entire Bibles or New Testaments, and can be more directed to specific problems and needs. Some tracts are available in several languages which can be an important aspect. Tracts are available for the deaf, the terminally ill, divorced, and those dealing with drug addictions. Tracts may be patriotic or nostalgic. They may be directed toward a holiday or appeal to a specific event. Tracts may be in a comic book form to target children or youth. They may contain a special testimony or deal with a specific issue.
Tracts are easy to keep with you. They can be kept in your pocket or your purse. They can be easily concealed. They can be distributed to those with whom you do business daily: a waitress, a clerk at a convenience store, a doctor, or anyone else you may meet.
It is important that your tracts be well designed and generally attractive. Unattractive literature does not bode well to the church’s reputation. Content is also important. Is there a clear presentation of the gospel? Is the content of the message biblical? Is the message clear and well written? One of the dilemmas of selecting good tracts is that the most beautiful tracts often have the weakest message, and the tracts with the strongest message are often unattractive. Finding ones that will work for you will require some time, but that time will be well invested.
Teach your members to use tracts. When a person starts passing out tracts it is a good first step for them to become a soulwinner. Also, when someone receives a tract they may immediately express interest in spiritual things, opening the door for a more full presentation of the gospel. Making tracts available on a rack or displayed on a table will make them visible and encourage their use.
Distributing tracts does not always show immediate results of souls saved, but eternity will reveal how many souls were saved and influenced for Heaven by their use.