Are you wanting to begin a local open-air witness but don’t know where to start?
At The Open-Air Mission, we are regularly contacted by churches who are keen to begin street evangelism but are unsure how to get started. We often suggest starting a literature table outreach. Over the years, I have seen countless conversations start at literature tables. If you are wondering whether a literature table is right for you, please read on! In this article, I will share ten benefits of incorporating a literature table into your evangelism.
1. Literature tables are ideal for quieter town centres
At The Open-Air Mission, we wholeheartedly believe in the public proclamation of the gospel, and most of our outreaches include open-air preaching. However, there are times when public preaching is not ideal. For example, in a town centre where there is fairly low footfall, a literature table may be more effective. In an enclosed area where preaching might annoy shop owners or street vendors, using a literature table can be a wiser option.
If you want to start an open-air outreach but your nearest ‘busy’ centre is too quiet for open-air preaching, why not set up a literature table?
2. Literature tables complement open-air preaching
Literature tables are not just for quieter towns, however! If you already engage in open-air preaching in your local town, have you considered adding a free literature table? It can be a great complement to open-air preaching, reaching those who may not feel bold enough to stop and listen but who are happy to browse a literature table.
3. Literature tables are easily accommodated in town centres
Because literature tables function like a ‘stall’, some churches hire a market stall on market days to offer literature in their local town. I have heard of local councils offering stalls to churches for free or at reduced prices. If your town centre already hosts market stalls, you might find it easier to set up a regular literature table outreach.
4. Literature tables spark natural gospel conversations
When someone has been browsing a literature table, a believer can approach them with a friendly smile and ask if they have any questions. This often opens up a gospel conversation and allows you to recommend specific literature that speaks to their needs or concerns.
5. Literature tables create a focal point
If a few of you are standing around handing out tracts, it may not be clear who you are or which church or organisation you represent. A well-labelled literature table immediately shows that you belong to a local church or Christian organisation, which builds trust with those passing by.
6. Literature tables stand out from other street offerings
In a typical town centre, shops advertise sales, charity workers seek donations, and energy suppliers compete for business. By contrast, a literature table offers something completely free. Both the literature and the gospel message are freely available to anyone who wishes to take them.
7. Literature tables are simple and low-cost
Does your church have a limited budget and man-power to run evangelistic events? A literature table is a straightforward and inexpensive way to reach your local area with the gospel. All you need is a table, gospel literature, and one or two willing believers. You do not need to be a gifted open-air preacher to run an outreach like this. Any believer who can gently ask questions and engage in conversation can participate.
8. Literature tables train the church in evangelism
Because no special skills are required, most church members can assist in some capacity. Our church runs a regular literature table, and many of us come as families. While the children chat or play, mums and dads take turns supervising them and speaking with people who stop at the table. I have seen church members grow in their confidence as they engage people with the gospel.
9. Literature tables display a variety of resources
When you offer gospel leaflets on the street, you can only hand out one type at a time. A literature table, however, can display a range of leaflets on different topics, appealing to a variety of people. In some places, leaflets designed for Muslims are popular; in others, children’s leaflets are taken more readily. You can also include literature in other languages if your local area is multilingual. I have often seen someone’s face light up when they pick up a tract in their own language.
10. Literature tables work passively
Even if all team members are engaged in conversation, the literature table continues to ‘work’ on its own. People can come up, browse, and take something away to read. These ‘silent messengers’ will go on preaching the gospel once they are home.
Whether you decide to run a dedicated literature table outreach or incorporate one into your open-air evangelism, literature tables offer a simple and effective way to reach people with the gospel. If you are praying about how you might best start your own outreach, don’t discount the humble literature table – and may the Lord bless your labours for the Kingdom of God!
In the next couple of articles, we will consider how to set up a literature able outreach in your local area.
If you are looking for helpful evangelistic literature for your literature table outreach, take a look at our online shop.