What Are Gospel Tracts? 8 Ways To Use Them Effectively In 2022

What are gospel tracts? If you’re curious about these little “paper missionaries” and wondering how to use them in 2022 here are 8 effective ways to share your faith.

When I think back to first generation Christians 2,000 years ago I can’t help but marvel at their sincere love and devotion to their Savior. These early believers had one ultimate desire: to make Him known above all else. Their passion simply couldn’t be contained and they delighted to share the hope of Jesus with the world around them no matter the cost.

Although life may look a bit different than it did when these early believers walked the earth, there is one thing that remains the same…

We are all sinners in desperate need of a Savior.

And as believers it is our duty and privilege to share the good news of Jesus with the lost and dying world around us. It was true for Peter and Paul back then and it is true for us now.

What Are Gospel Tracts?

Obviously we should verbally share the gospel with those God places in our sphere of influence whenever possible. However, there are times when a conversation isn’t entirely doable and that is where gospel tracts come in.

So what are gospel tracts? A gospel tract is nothing more than a piece of paper that clearly communicates the gospel- our sin nature before a holy God and need for a Savior, the importance of repentance, and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

God has been working on my own heart regarding the many missed opportunities I’ve let slip by in recent years when it comes to sharing my faith. Distractions, busyness, exhaustion, and even good intentions cannot justify my neglect of sharing the most precious news a soul will ever here.

So why aren’t more of us out there joyfully sharing the good news?

I believe that many of us are under the impression that no one wants to hear about their need for a Savior. We convince ourselves that:

1. Sharing the hope of Jesus will only result in rejection.
2. We are ill equipped to do such a task
3.  “Lifestyle evangelism” is more effective

And if we’re completely honest, at times, we are simply embarrassed to speak the name of Jesus and possibly offend someone.

Friend, if we truly believe what we say we believe then we should eagerly await those opportunities to share the hope of an amazing Savior who offers us such a sweet gift of grace. The statistics don’t lie-175,000 people die every single day and many of them are unprepared to stand before their Maker.

May we stop believing the lies of our enemy and start viewing people through a gospel lens. The mailman, grocery clerk, and exhausted mom in the check-out line are each souls created in God’s image that will spend all of eternity forever in His presence or forever in agony apart from Him.

People need hope and we have the hope that they’re seeking! Our job is to plant a seed by faithfully sharing the good news of Jesus. God will take care of the rest.

Are Gospel Tracts Effective?

You may be questioning whether or not gospel tracts are an effective way to reach the lost in the 21^st century. I’ve been told that tracts are too old fashioned to be of any use in our day and age, but there is evidence to the contrary.

These little “paper missionaries” have a way of reaching the human heart exactly when it’s ready to listen.  I’ve heard countless beautiful testimonies of those who received a gospel tract the very moment they were searching for truth!

God is not limited in the way that He can get ahold of a sinner’s heart. If we are faithful to lovingly share the gospel and plant a seed, God is faithful to lovingly send another to water that seed, and will give the increase in His perfect time. (1 Corinthians 3:6)

How To Use Gospel Tracts

If you’re looking for effective ways to use gospel tracts in 2022 I’d like to share a few ideas with you. I’d encourage you to find some good looking tracts (that clearly explain the gospel) and hand them out with a genuine smile.

If we make an effort to show kindness, be generous, and offer a smile most people will gladly accept our offer. (This tract and these booklets are my very favorite to pass out!)

8 Ways to use gospel tracts…

1. How To Use Gospel Tracts- in the Drive-Thru

The next time you’re waiting in line for your Starbucks coffee try paying for the person in the car behind you. Ask the cashier to hand them a tract with a handwritten note on it when they pull up. (Something short and sweet like “I care about where you spend eternity. Have a blessed day!” will do.) My kids and I like to put it inside a little baggie with some chocolate and offer the cashier one too!

2. Restaurants

Restaurants are one of these easiest places to leave a gospel tract. Have fun leaving a generous tip for your server and then write a short “Thank you!” on your receipt and place the tract close by. (Please never use a tract in place of a tip. Any time you plan on leaving a tract for a server I’d encourage you to be generous and go above and beyond to be a blessing to them.)

Another idea is to let your waiter or waitress know that you’d like to pay the bill of a certain table (and then offer a tract/handwritten note to go along with it).   

3. Downtown Areas/ Large Gatherings

Offering a homeless person a meal, snack, or ice cold water on a hot day (or a blanket/ warm clothes during the winter months) can not only meet a physical need but also provide an opportunity to engage in conversation and possibly transition into the gospel. If a conversation doesn’t take place you can offer a tract and encourage them to read it when they’re able to.

Any place that draws large crowds is also a great place to hand out tracts. Opportunities abound outside of concert venues, sporting events, movie theaters, and busy sidewalks to offer someone a smile and a tract while asking “Did you get one of these?”

Related: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF?: 8 PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE SECOND GREATEST COMMANDMENT

4. Businesses/ Stores/ Malls

I remember how much it meant to me, as a cashier in my teen years, when someone actually went out of their way to offer a smile and engage in conversation. Encouraging words or a kind compliment can certainly soften a heart and leave an impression.

An easy way to offer a tract to a cashier is to ask “Can I leave you something to read when you get a chance?” They may not always read it, but they will likely accept it and you never know what God can do with it.

My little girl loves to hand out these booklets to store employees and shoppers when we’re out and about. I’ll be honest and say that her compassion and boldness convicts my heart and does it wonders all at the same time.

The innocence of children truly has a way of reaching people who may not otherwise be as open. She just smiles and asks “Would you like a booklet?” and 9 times out of 10 they smile right back and accept!

5. Give Away Items

This is one that I haven’t done in a while, but am excited to start doing again! There are several apps out the nowadays that offer a “selling wall” of some kind (think Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, NextDoor etc.)

You can list some items for sale and then actually give them away for free upon meeting in person. Handing them a gospel tract with a handwritten sticky note is a great way to end the conversation =) .

6. Write A Letter

Writing a letter to out of town family and friends can be a wonderful way to let them know you’re thinking of them. It can also be a great way to share the gospel. Taking the time to hand write a letter shows them that you genuinely care.

You may choose to share the gospel in your letter or jot a note at the bottom encouraging them to read the tract, booklet, or book (this one on evidence for Christianity is my favorite to hand out) you tucked inside as they have the time. This simple act of reaching out can have a powerful impact on the receiver.  

7. Bake Cookies For Neighbors

Another easy way to show kindness and share the hope of Christ is to bake some cookies for a neighbor down the street, write a kind note inside and slip a tract in the envelope. You could also do this for the mail carrier/ garbage man/ delivery truck driver etc.

8. After a Conversation That Was Cut Short

It always does my heart good to get into a good conversation with a stranger. Not every conversation we have will transition into the gospel. If it doesn’t we can always express our gratitude for the chat and ask if we can give them something to read as they have the time.

Sweet Friend, yes, it may be more comfortable for us to “let our lights shine” by the way we live and hope that others take notice. The reality, however, is that another person’s observance of my life or your life will never save their soul. To understand the depravity of our hearts, need for a Redeemer, and God’s gift of grace we must hear the good news of the gospel.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Romans 10:14-15

Whether we’re talking face to face or handing over a gospel tract let’s obey the great commission. Go and make disciples. And remember that Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).