December 8, 2006, Newsletter Issue #116: Getting Started as a Christian Writer

Tip of the Week

Do you have a passion for writing but don't know where to begin? Try starting with your church. Talk to your pastor, ask if you could write a synopsis of his weekly sermon and put it in the bulletin for the following week. Most people today attend about 3 services a month, which means people occasionally miss a service. Actually more often than your pastor desires. A weekly review of the previous week's message is a great writing opportunity and a terrific service to pastors. This is how I rediscovered my passion for writing a few years ago. If your pastor agrees then go for it! It's a great way to start.

Writing tips

· Be there. This may seem obvious but attend service and take lots of notes. Listen for the main points and build your writing around them.

· Be accurate. Basically, you're writing a news report. It's not a creative writing exercise so use the speaker's words and expressions, not your own. This is a mistake I made and it created temporary tension between my writing and the speaker. I learned to write what was said and not what I got from the message.

· Be clear, simple and brief. Bulletin space is limited so keep your article short and sweet. An article less than one hundred words is ideal. It's a challenge but you can do it! Hint: most sermons are built around three major points.

· Be early. Quickly submit your article to the person in charge of the bulletin. Church bulletin space fills up rapidly after Tuesday. With most bulletins it's first come, first served.

What's in it for you?

Oh, I know, as a Christian you aren't supposed to ask that kind of question. Just in case you're wondering though, here a few benefits you receive from writing for a church bulletin.

· You will have money, fame and prestige. Not! Sorry, but you probably won't receive pay, by-lines, or recognition. The important thing is you are writing and gaining valuable experience. This is priceless.

· Your writing passion is visible. You become known as someone with a passion for writing. This opens doors of opportunity for you that you never thought were possible.

· You discover deep fulfillment. When you use your writing gift to serve others you will feel fulfilled. This is the best part and what keeps you writing.

Please feel free to print this article and give it to your pastor as part of your proposal to write his weekly sermons.


Copyright 2001 Glenn White

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