In seminars and training sessions I'm sometimes asked to comment on ‘best practice’ concerning the handing out of leaflets and brochures. Here then are my observations; a protocol almost (!)
Note: In publicly handing out leaflets always bear in mind that you are representing the Lord Jesus and his local church. As such, you are ambassadors. It may be that you are the very first "live' Christian that passers-by have encountered.
The "rules' for handling out leaflets are as follows:
1. Pray with your "handing-out-leaflets' team beforehand and throughout the period you are passing out information.
2. Dress modestly (hat advisable" and the ubiquitous water bottle) and wear a name tag (in a prominent position). Always have a photocopy of the permission letter from the local authority on hand.
3. Stand to the side of thoroughfares; do not disturb the flow of pedestrian traffic. I prefer using a little backpack for personal effects. That way you avoid having a bag on the thoroughfare (over which people might trip or from which they might steal).
4. Ensure another team member is in view (for solidarity and security).
5. Do smile as people approach you and attempt unforced eye contact. Extend the leaflet and let them see in advance what it is. Note: people have a "herding instinct". If the first person in a group takes a leaflet, the rest are likely to follow suit. The reverse is also true (so don't get discouraged).
6. Do not chase people down. Remain at you station. Don't get flustered if people take the leaflet and then screw it up or toss it away. It is their property to do as they see fit. Always remove leaflets from the ground.
7. Avoid insincere attention getting sales patter, "Hi, how are you?". Preferred lines of engagement are " "May I give you a leaflet?" or "Some info from your local church, sir (madam, miss etc)"
8. Always politely thank people when they take a brochure and when they decline. Never ever make smart/snide comments as they leave.
9. Have a tract/gospel outline on hand if they stop and want more info.
10. Do have a response ready when they ask, "Who do you represent?” or “What is it for?". Model answer: "I'm a member of [or I'm working with] St. Brian's and we're inviting people to xxxxx. You'd be very welcome."
11. Do have a little notebook and pen on hand to record contact details if on the rare occasion they offer them to you.
12. Always hold the bundle so that you can give out 3 or 4 leaflets in rapid succession.
13. If (on the very rare occasion) people become aggressive "
a. Never get drawn into a public street argument
b. Respond slowly, gently and quietly (and silently pray for them).
c. Never touch them and ensure you have a "person's-width' space between you. Take a step back if necessary.
d. Be completely unoffendable (is that a word?) (Or failing that, inoffensive ;) Ed)
e. If things do get heated, thank the person for their comments and immediately join your leafleting colleague who should be in view. Be careful not to immediately turn your back. Take a step or two backwards whilst facing the person and then briskly move on (and as you have a back pack, you have nothing to pick up).
14. Meet with the team afterwards for debrief, lessons learned and prayer.
Stuart Robinson is the National Mission Facilitator for the Anglican Church with church planting experience in Western Sydney, the CBD and Europe, and the rector of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Chatswood.
