In your Congregation

Could you talk about Jesus?

"But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the Head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love."
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NRSV)

Using tracts effectively in your congregation can enhance the ministry happening already. Throughout the Bible God encourages the faithful, gives hope to the suffering and peace to the weary. We too can do this for each of our members and those who are visiting or enquiring.

Each congregation has this amazing resource of Lutheran Tract Mission accessible. Using tracts within your ministry structure can create an atmosphere of sharing and caring for each person. Lutheran Tract Mission (LTM) has over 700 leaflets, text cards and bookmarks available for a wide variety of occasions or situations.

The following are some guidelines to help revitalize your Tract Ministry:

1. Never assume that everyone knows what a tract is ... many do not.
2. Invite someone who has a keen interest in Christian literature and outreach to be responsible for tract supplies and keeping tracts appropriate to the church season readily available.
3. Acquire a suitable tract rack and display it in a prominent position. Racks are available from LTM.
4. LTM staff are pleased to assist in guiding the tract monitor in their selection.
5. The tract mission display requires constant care and upkeep to ensure that any church season is displayed and other emphases rotated. Also new supplies will need to be stocked.
6. Keep your display looking tidy. Make sure your tracts look new and unmarked as this makes them more attractive.
7. Keep the pastor informed of any new tracts and have him encourage the distribution of tracts among various groups and visitors to your congregation. Various tract topics may also be kept for specific use.
8. The Sunday bulletin can be used to announce the arrival of new tracts and the congregation constantly encouraged to use them in their private outreach. Occasionally it may be good to give each member a tract with the instructions to "Pass it on".
9. Leaflets and text cards can also be placed in pews or the usher's desk for specific church events & for everyday use.
10. Church functions or events can be advertised on the back of leaflets/ text cards, and can also communicate a message of God's love at the same time.
11. You may wish to have a tract stall at local shows, fairs, or other community functions.
12. For the main Christian seasons ie) Christmas and Easter you may consider having a letter box drop of an appropriate tract including your Church address, service times and special services. (The added information can be put on a sticker and stuck on the back of the tract!)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)