Without a doubt the use of tracts are one of the versatile tools in an evangelist’s tool box. Just in case I need to clarify, and evangelist can and should describe all Christians. The depth one takes the evangelist’s job description can and does expand what one sees as his/her job assigned according to scripture.

Tracts Passively used: I’ll lay an assorted amount of tracts in a public location and let people read them at their leisure. Gas pump, waiting room, restaurant table…ect.

• This does cover some level of outreach, minimally.
• There is no need to learn how to do this.
• Easy level of comfort
• There is a level, minimal, of excitement know you have done at the least something.
• There is a possibility of a seed being plant
• The tract itself can possibly direct the reader to salvation

Tracts Actively used: I use tracts as ice breakers to start off a friendly conversation building trust; this leads to the opening to share the Gospel. It also helps to discern which people are at the least open to hear you.

• When it is done right it relies on outreach.
• Simple to learn to use tracts to meet people.
• Comfort levels will be by the individual; however, this is a learned skill and comfort level increases with experience.
• Depending on the tracts used people may even initiate the conversation with the individual.
• There are no numbers involved.
• Each time there is interaction, even a negative response, is exciting for the evangelists.
• Sharing is 100% Scriptural.
• The conversation following the tract is intended to plant a seed.
• There needs to be a decision whether or not the individual is ready to make that decision. An opportunity to accept Christ should be given to a person that is ready and understands the implications.
• Learning the skill and preparing oneself is to grow as a Disciple of Christ.

The use of tracts are without a doubt the ammunition that is fuel for the Great Commission in the hands of the evangelist.

I personally find street preaching to be one of those evangelism styles that harbor both positive and to an extent negative attributes. For those who have never tried to street preach, it can seem over powering or even terrifying. For the ones who enjoy that rush of adrenalin, this can be your dream of a method; though like any rush or thrill it can wear down over time. Remember It’s for God’s glory not ours; that will help to get our self out of the way.

• It is  fully capable to be used in some but it may not be for all out reach opportunities.
•  It is easy to learn – pick a gospel share method and use it in a group setting or simply tell your story.
• A persons comfort level on this style is what they are willing to experience. There can be hecklers and they must be able to remain focused and tune them out, or learn to take the heckler and use their energy to draw a crowd.
• Receptivity tends to be spotty – it is group confrontational.
• The only numbers it focusses on is You and the Holy Spirit.
• Yes, there is excitement for even the most reluctant of sharers.
• Street preaching is found throughout the Bible Old and New Testament: All the prophets, Jesus, all the Disciples, to include the apostle Paul… made declarations in the streets.
• Rom 10: 14b,c “and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Seed Planting in definition…
• With any solid gospel presentation there should be given some type of opportunity for an individual to receive what they have been confronted with. An important note here… everyone who prays are not instantaneous Christians for us to declare. If God starts a good work in them “which hath begun a good work in you will perform it…” Phil 1:6  Only time will tell if the seed fell on good soil. Matt 13
• As we learn to share our faith we will grow. Whether street preaching  a Gospel presentation will begin a regular opportunity for you, or to share the Gospel by telling where God brought you from then tying the Gospel to it is your way. You will grow. God will see to the details..

Hope this has been a help… God Bless the sharing of His Word

I want to group 4 styles that are very relational oriented. These four can be both passive evangelism in it’s weakest sense and yet manifested into active evangelism if properly  handled. The key to the proper use of these styles is to use them as outreach tools to introduce a new church to an area, or new people to an existing church. Be sure to read through to the conclusion to see the response…

• Invitation Evangelism: Used as a “bring them in” reference in Luke 14 compelling to those to come to the Masters feast. Yes this is a good thing to invite our friend, family, and those we meet to church. However, the pastors job, according to the Bible, is to equip the saints for service (Matthew 28:19-20) and not necessarily winning souls and making them members. Though that is expected to be the pastors Job.
• Neighborhood Visitation: This is a tool for every church to stay alive in an area. The over all majority of churches membership live within a 10-15 minute drive to the church where they attend. With that known we cannot eliminate a requirement to visit any and all within each church’s neighborhood. It’s not enough for them just to see the building they need to meet you the church.
• City Assistance Evangelism: We are… as Christians to be compassionate to our fellow man. Seeing to the needs of those around our city or community is truly being compassionate. Unless those who take on these tasks realize the opportunity, they have fallen short of their potential.
• Block Party Evangelism: A fruitful tool that can introduce a congregation to a local community in an over the top way. A word of caution this can easily be exactly what it claims to be a ‘PARTY” and easily leave out what it’s intended purpose. Keep them wholesome, Christ centered, and very family friendly. Fun for the children is always a success.
• Take Away: One must remember that each of these are truly intended to be evangelism tools and not a community activists function. Without this being a means to an end, Evangelize those we have contact with. These are mere good deeds and have no substance toward Christian evangelism unless we apply it to the situations. Poor evangelism tools can be shallow tools to cover up guilt for not sharing Christ with those we contact. Don’t let it be your excuse; Share Christ Boldly. Let no one be unsure that you are sharing the true Gospel with them… not some watered down easy to swallow version.
• Upcoming blog note: Street preaching, Tracts, and Personal Evangelism will all be handled separately with Positive and negative thoughts on each. Until Next week….

Be very careful here… Yes the sacrifice Jesus Christ made was out of the love God had for man. Yes, as well it is a Christians responsibility to live their life pleasing to God. These are both facts and truths that are not being addressed in this blog. However they are just not true Biblical Evangelism styles.

Love should always be reflected in how we act toward each other. This is referenced by John 13: 34b-35; “Love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples.” This Does Not meet the criteria for an evangelism style.

Live my Life in front of my friends and family. This is no more an evangelism style than living on ice cream and cookies is the perfect diet to improve health. They both have the same effect. They can console the mind and provide a good feeling of fulfillment, but in the end the provide nothing but an unhealthy life style.

The Gospel in all aspects is offensive. Not that we should beat our hearers over the head but the offence will come by hearing a true Gospel. Our friends and family only disserve the best from us; not excuses that only fuel our fear of rejection.

Both of these are easy to claim to be doing something, but there is no confrontation.