Evangelistic books and tracts have their place, but don’t overlook your most powerful tool for sharing faith, says Bethan Lycett
I am a huge advocate for evangelistic books, resources and tracts, and I know how instrumental they can be in people coming to faith. But, it’s fair to say one of the most undervalued tools for evangelism is the Bible itself.
But handing someone a Bible isn’t usually the first instinct when faced with somebody unfamiliar with the good news of the gospel.
Perhaps there are some questions we ask ourselves that steer us away from this approach, doubts that seem practical, but in reality, may be interfering with what could be someone’s encounter with God.
Let’s consider some of these questions:
“What if they already have a Bible?”
70 years ago in the UK, 90 per cent of homes had a copy of the Bible whether or not they had any inclination to read it. Yet research from the Bible Society in 2010 suggested only 52 per cent of homes had a Bible, and the decline in Bible ownership was set to continue.
In 2007, Phil Mallon was starting to ask questions about faith after reading a secular self-help book which quoted some of Proverbs.
When staying at a hotel he noticed a Gideon Bible and suggested to his friend that he might steal it so he could read more of Proverbs. His friend dissuaded him from stealing it and, although not a Christian, bought him a Bible as a surprise instead.
Phil set to reading the Bible alone. He was convicted of his need for a saviour within just a few weeks, and understood how Jesus’ death and resurrection offered him the forgiveness and hope he was seeking. He now pastors West Houghton Evangelical Church.
If we offer a Bible and they already have one that’s fine, we can offer something else. Or why not ask if they’ve read any of it recently? We can also encourage those who do own a Bible to pick it up and see what it has to say.
“Will people even want a Bible?”
David Cox popped a sign in the window of his home office in Derby which is visible from a busy roadside.
The sign simply said, “Free Bibles Available (Please knock)”.
Over the years he has given away hundreds of Bibles to those who tentatively knock on his door. From busy mums, to ex-offenders, he has supplied Bibles to a huge variety of people.
When asked why he thinks this method is effective he says, “I know that none of the Bibles I give away will be wasted, because it has cost the receiver courage to knock on my door. They really do want a Bible if they’re willing to knock on a stranger’s door and ask for a gift.”
When we place The Bible in someone’s hands, we’re not just giving them information; we’re giving them an invitation to meet Jesus
There is a growing interest in the Bible. Some attribute this to a spiritual hunger for answers and hope in uncertain times. In an age of AI young people know not to trust everything they see online, but the Bible is a trusted book.
The four gospels are a particularly easy giveaway. The narrative style is easy for people to follow, and the small page count means they’re not intimidating, plus they focus directly on Jesus’ life. But, people do also look for full Bibles, and having the whole of scripture is of particular value.
“Will people understand it?”
Tracts and evangelistic books give a summary of the gospel which has been written in an accessible way, and having that overview is helpful. But, where better to direct people than the original source?
As Christians we know that our own understanding of the Bible comes from the Holy Spirit, and that is the same for those we give Bibles to. The Bible has the power to convict, comfort, and change lives.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“Is it worth the cost?”
If you’re looking to post a gospel resource through the door of every house on your street, or estate, then a small tract or evangelistic magazine may be a good option, both practically and financially. But offering a free Bible doesn’t have to cost a fortune. (The NIV Outreach Bible is available from just £2 a copy!)
Geraldine Sparks helped run a toddler group 20 years ago, and was recently contacted out of the blue by one of the mums.
The mum explained, “I want to let you know how very grateful I am to you for giving me my first Bible. At the time, it wasn’t that meaningful to me, but a little later I began to find my way to Jesus. Now, 20 years later, my relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone of my life and I wanted to thank you for being his messenger and helping to bring me into the fold.”
The Bible is not just a book — it is the living Word of God. When we place it in someone’s hands, we’re not just giving them information; we’re giving them an invitation to meet Jesus. Let’s not underestimate its power, let’s be bold and generous in sharing it!
Find a Bible for every person and at every budget at 10ofthose.com
No comments yet