Soulwinning: The Greatest Thing You Can Do!

Dr. Peter S. Ruckman once wrote a book titled “Soulwinning, The Greatest Thing You Can Do,” and the title alone tells the truth plainly. Every Christian, regardless of age, ability, or background, has been called to this work.

Why Soulwinning Matters

Soulwinning is not merely for the pastor, missionary, or evangelist. It is for every believer. Jesus said,

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” — Mark 16:15

The Great Commission isn’t optional; it’s the heart of Christian living. Every saved person is a link in the chain of salvation that stretches from the cross to the present day. Someone told you about Christ—now it’s your turn to tell someone else.

When you lead a soul to Christ, you are participating in the greatest miracle of all: the new birth. You are helping to rescue a soul from eternal death. What greater thing could anyone do with their life?

The 10-Week Soulwinning Challenge

In my Apologetics class, we developed a simple ten-week challenge designed to help believers grow in confidence and obedience in personal evangelism. The goal is not to boast of works, but to cultivate courage, creativity, and compassion for the lost.

Week 1: Leave Three Gospel Tracts in Random Places

Slip tracts in places where others might least expect to find truth—restaurants (with a generous tip), waiting rooms, or public benches. A forgotten tract can become a found treasure to a searching heart.

Week 2: Return a Tract with Your Junk Mail

Take that prepaid envelope that comes with credit card offers and put a gospel tract inside before sending it back. Let someone in the mailroom hear about Jesus!

Week 3: Hand a Tract to a Drive-Thru Worker

Fast food windows are brief encounters but real opportunities. A smile and a short, “Here’s something to read later,” can leave an eternal impression.

Week 4: Give to the Poor and Needy

Attach a small fast-food gift card or fast food meal to a tract and give it to a homeless person or someone nearby in need. Meet a physical need while pointing to the Bread of Life. “It’s hard to listen on an empty stomach.” -Jack Patterson

Week 5: Pray for Your Waiter or Waitress

Before your meal, kindly ask, “We’re about to pray—can we pray for you about anything?” Then pray sincerely, and leave a generous tip along with a church invitation or gospel tract.

Week 6: Invite Someone to Church

Don’t just hint—ask directly. Say, “Will you come to church with me this Sunday at 11?” Many people are simply waiting for an invitation.

Week 7: Teach the Gospel at Family Altar

Use family devotion time to clearly explain the Gospel and teach how to share it. Soulwinning starts at home.

Week 8: Make 10 Door Hangers

Attach tracts to rubber bands and deliver them to homes in your community. Each one is a silent witness waiting for a reader.

Week 9: Witness to a Telemarketer

The next time a telemarketer calls, don’t hang up—listen briefly, then say, “I’ve listened for a moment, could I share something with you?” Then share the Gospel.

Week 10: Share the Gospel Using Your Bible

Find someone to talk with personally. Let them read the verses with you directly from your Bible. The Word of God is powerful—let them see it with their own eyes.

Final Thoughts

Soulwinning isn’t about personality; it’s about obedience. It’s not about eloquence, but honoring Christ’s command. The Gospel still works when Christians still share it. Remember, when you tell someone about Jesus, you’re doing one of the greatest things you can do.