sports outreach
NEWSPAPER EVANGELISM
WHAT IS IT?
NewspaperEvangelism is a powerful yet simple method of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by placing paid ads in secular newspapers and magazines. Millions of people in our world today have never heard of Jesus Christ and have never read the Bible. Yet many of them read newspapers and magazines regularly. While they are reading the daily news, why not introduce them to the good news of the gospel?

NewspaperEvangelism is a powerful yet simple method of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by placing paid ads in secular newspapers and magazines.

AIMS
  • Evangelism reaching masses of people quickly
  • Cost effective means of evangelism
  • Fulfills Great Commission

WHY IS NEWSPAPER EVANGELISM EFFECTIVE?
The opportunities can vary according to culture, resources and sporting opportunities.
  • It is far-reaching. Newspapers enter homes, offices, stores, hospitals, schools, and even prisons. By placing ads in local newspapers or magazines, you can introduce the gospel to people who might never have a chance to hear it in any other way.
  • It transcends religious barriers. All faiths are reached by placing an ad in a newspaper and responding to the ad.
  • It is very cost-effective. Thousands and even millions of people can read a single gospel ad. For one low price the message gets more exposure than by many other means of evangelism. On the average, several hundred thousand people can be reached for only $100.00.
  • It is flexible. You can change the format of your ad to correspond with specific holidays, news events, or current conditions.
  • It gets results. Many years of experience in the field of newspaper evangelism have proven the effectiveness of this means of proclaiming the gospel. People who never go to church or listen to a gospel message will read an ad when placed in their newspaper. Many believe and are saved.
  • It fulfills the command of Christ: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)

WHO CAN DO NEWSPAPER EVANGELISM?
  • Any Christian who seriously wants to serve our Lord can minister in this way. It does not require specialized training.
  • A church, Sunday school class, or Bible study group can use this means to reach others for the Lord.
  • An individual can accomplish this ministry in addition to his regular job.
  • It is an exceptional tool for missionaries to use to reach more people in the country where God has called them.
  • A national worker can utilize the ministry of newspaper evangelism to bring people from his own country to Christ and disciple them.


WHERE CAN NEWSPAPER EVANGELISM BE DONE?
Newspaper evangelism is a ministry that can be used in virtually every country of the world. AMG International is placing gospel ads and responding with follow-up materials in many different countries. Our desire is to see people saved, discipled, equipped and ministering through a local evangelical Bible-teaching church.
WHEN CAN YOU BEGIN A NEWSPAPER EVANGELISM MINISTRY?
Begin today. Thousands, even millions, are waiting to hear the good news of salvation. "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" II Cor. 6:2.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE STRATEGY
1. Getting started
  • Pray for God's guidance in all that you do.
  • Explore the field. Find out what magazines or newspapers people are reading. Secure samples of these publications and information on rates for advertisements.
  • Research to find out if there is a specific audience you want to reach; learn all you can about them. Know as much as possible about their attitudes, ethnic background, racial ties, etc. before you begin.
  • Your follow-up strategy should be given equal consideration with designing and placing your ad. Order your follow-up materials before the ad is placed so you will be sure to have them on hand.
  • Decide on your method of follow-up. Will you make personal visits, use the phone, via email, or through the postal service?

2. How to choose the best newspaper or magazine.The best publications are those that do not become antiquated the next day. Advertise in weeklies and magazines that have a long life and are passed on to several persons or families. Some magazines are placed in hospitals, doctors' offices, or libraries. Consider your target audience:
  • Professionals Women
  • Teachers Youth
  • Men Sports

3. Choosing the type of ad.
  • Paid display ads in daily, weekly, or monthly magazines or newspapers.These can be designed attractively and give great flexibility in content. Ask the editor to place the ad in a spot where it will receive the most attention,usually the upper right-hand corner, or next to the television programs.
  • Classified ads.Many readers study the classified section of the newspaper every day.
  • Letters to the editor.Most newspapers and magazines publish the letters to the editor free ofcharge. This gives the Christian a unique opportunity to express a Christian viewpoint on a current event.
  • Press service. Many newspapers are open to publishing articles about special occasions free of charge, such as Christmas, Easter, the dedication of a church, etc. It is best not to be controversial in these articles or letters.

4. How to design a display ad
  • Use an attention-grabbing headline and design. An attractive design combined with an interesting headline will catch the reader's eye and make him curious to continue reading.
  • Use simple, understandable language. Your text should be written on the educational level of the average reader.
  • Start with a question or statement that makes the reader think.
  • When possible, relate your ad to current circumstances in your country, or to a felt need in the human heart, such as loneliness, fear, or the need of friendship.
  • Design and text should be geared to the target group of the magazine or newspaper.
  • Keep the message brief, clear, and concise.
  • Offer free gospel literature to those who respond. Be sure that the item offered corresponds to the question asked or statement made in your ad, and that it presents scriptural answers in support of the ad.In some countries where it is appropriate, include a telephone number, so readers may call if they have questions or problems they would like to discuss.
  • Use a neutral name, such as "Media Services," "Bible Mission," or Good News," with a post office box for readers to use in responding.


FOLLOW UP
  • Be prompt in answering all letters received. Include with your answer the literature promised
  • Make sure that the literature you send corresponds with the subject discussed in the advertisement.
  • When appropriate, offer evangelistic resources to those whom respond to your ad.
  • In your cover letter, include an invitation to enroll in a Bible correspondence course. This will enable the inquirer to study the Bible at home and gain an understanding of the gospel. The first lesson can be sent with the initial literature promised in the ad.
  • Use Scripture to back up any answers you give to questions raised. Do not be ashamed to tell the inquirer that you do not know the answer. Promise to look it up and get back to them, but then make sure that you do it promptly.
  • With this ministry as with others, prayer is of primary importance. Pray as you search for and plan an ad. Pray for the readers. Pray about your follow-up.
  • Please be culturally sensitive and use content relative to the country and people where you are placing your ad.
  • As you plan and prepare, if you are not willing or able to go into this field of evangelism for an extended period of time, such as a year or two, don't even attempt it, since it will take you that long to become established and recognized in the community. You have in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ the greatest news this world has ever heard. That fact alone, however, does not give you the right to be heard or read. You must earn that right, and that takes time.


RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR EVENT OUTREACH
Literature Resources