In conversational evangelization, oftentimes tracts, pamphlets, and books are helpful tools. If you have gained someone’s trust and opened them up to the possibility that Jesus Christ is Lord (or that the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ, or that repentance is necessary for salvation, etc.), then a good tract or book may be just the thing to lead them to the next step.
Sometimes a tract or book “does all the work for you.” One of our street evangelization teams was out sharing the gospel one day when a young man approached. Unfortunately, everyone on the team was already engaged in conversation with others. The young man waited for a while, and then caught sight of the “Good News” pamphlet in a pile on the evangelization table. He took a pamphlet, walked over to the curb, sat down, and began reading. He read it from start to finish. In those minutes reading the pamphlet, he was convicted in the heart and made a decision to explore the truth of the Catholic faith. When he was ready, he walked back to the evangelists and asked, “Where is the nearest Catholic Church”?
Another time, a fallen-away Catholic involved in New Age spirituality was walking down the street. He caught sight of a Protestant street evangelist passing out tracts, and promptly crossed the street to avoid encountering him. He continued walking, but then stopped; the evangelist was all-of-a-sudden right there next to him, offering him the tract! He accepted the tract and started to read it. What he read that day put him on a journey that first brought him back to Jesus Christ, and eventually back to the Catholic Church as well.[1]
“Always be prepared to make a defense”
Why are tracts and books so helpful? St. Peter said, “Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pt 3:15). As adult Catholics, we ought to strive to have an informed, mature understanding of our faith, according to our abilities. First and foremost in this, we should seek a mature understanding of the gospel itself, and of our discipleship in Jesus. This will enable us to preach the gospel more effectively. Secondarily, however, we should seek a mature understanding of those controversial issues that commonly create obstacles to conversion. Some of these issues come from the New Atheists: the Church, the Bible, and science; the existence of God; the impact of Christianity on the world. Other issues come from Protestants: praying to the saints, Church teaching on the Virgin Mary, purgatory, the sacraments, etc. Other issues come from society at large: sexual morality, gay marriage, abortion, how to treat illegal immigrants, etc.[2]
All this can seem overwhelming. However, we are not alone in this task. When we don’t know how to “offer a defense” on a particular matter very well, we can refer people to others who can. A fellow evangelist, a priest, or a knowledgeable Catholic friend is often ideal. More often, however, you will be able to share a book, pamphlet, or a tract that addresses the issue at hand. Even when you are well educated on a topic, these can be helpful supplements or complements to what you are able to share in conversation.
Using tracts and other resources
Where can we find good tracts, books, and other resources on the faith? St. Paul Evangelization Institute has many resources available for use in evangelization. Some of these resources include:
- Printable Tracts: These pamphlets may be printed and freely distributed by SPSE Partners. Written by qualified friends of Saint Paul Evangelization Institute, these pamphlets are an excellent way to inform yourself and an easy way to share the gospel with others.
- Catholic Audio: You do not have to pay royalties on these talks. Permission has been secured for you to burn these to CDs and hand them out in your work of evangelization. You may not post them publicly online, sell them, or use them for anything else.
- Free books: There are over 800 Catholic books available, to help keep you well formed.
- Team Development Center: This is filled with tools, templates, and other resources designed to help you share the good news and promote evangelization in your parish and community.
- Seeker Small Groups: This is a way to follow up with the people you evangelize. Start a Seeker Small Group, and invite people to learn and discuss the Catholic faith in a friendly, laid back, non-confrontational atmosphere.[3]
[1] The man’s name is Al Kresta. He became a well-known broadcaster, CEO of Ave Maria Radio, and host of the “Kresta in the Afternoon” talk radio program.
[2] Most of the barriers to faith are spiritual barriers, impediments of the heart. This is why we call upon the Holy Spirit (Lk 12:12), preach the gospel (Mk 16:15), pray for everyone (1 Tm 2:1), and offer our spiritual worship to God (Rm 12:1). In this sense, evangelization is primarily a matter of “spiritual warfare.” The gospel itself has power, so we do not have to be scholars or theologians to evangelize effectively. That being said, there are many honest people, open to the truth, who are prevented from believing simply because of an inability rationally to understand some teaching of the Church or the Bible. The spiritual battle for the salvation of souls, then, will also include making arguments in favor of the gospel and Catholic doctrine (see 2 Cor 10:3-5).
[3] Many of these resources are available only to supporting partners. See www.evangelizationschool.com/pledge.
Another excellent resource is Catholic Answers. See www.catholic.com for more details.