The most overlooked evangelistic tool? 

From an article by 10 of Those

Is the Bible the most often-overlooked tool for evangelism?

In 2007, Phil Mallon was starting to ask questions about faith after reading a secular self-help book which quoted some Proverbs. When staying at a hotel, he noticed a Gideon Bible. 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. Within just a few weeks, he understood how Jesus’ death and resurrection offered him the forgiveness and hope he was seeking. He now pastors a church.

Why don’t we think of giving away a Bible? Here are some reasons:

1. We assume people already have a Bible

Seventy years ago, 90% of UK homes had a Bible, whether or not they read it. By 2010, Bible Society research showed only 52% of homes had one, and ownership was continuing to decline. Although 2025 saw an upsurge in people buying Bibles there are still many who have never picked up a Bible in their life.

2. We think people wouldn’t 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.”

Some churches are sending out free Bibles across the UK weekly in response to simple forms on their websites. One church comments, "When we started in the summer of 2021, it started very small, maybe 1 or 2 requests a month. These were packaged and posted by one volunteer from our church. In September 2023, it began to grow to 2 a week, then around 10 a week by December 2023. Throughout 2024 it grew to 200-300 a month. It is continuing to grow and is now between 500 to 1000 per month."

Another church uses TikTok and the posts have gone viral. They've sent out 2000 Bibles in the last 6 months. They have Bible packing parties every Monday at 11am, where about 15-20 people from church gather together, pack and pray over the Bibles and a booklet that explains about Jesus. People are messaging all the time to say they’ve become Christians.

3. We worry people won’t understand the Bible

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.

4. We don’t think we can afford to give Bibles

Offering a free Bible, or gospel, doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and we can’t put a value on the impact it may have. See more here. [WOTS: Other suppliers are available.]

When we place a Bible 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.

Read the full article here.