5 Steps to turn stories into your ministry/ Christian writing advice

Imagine being able to call the stories you create your ministry – well, you can! Although the word “ministry” often makes me think of Bible studies, on the road preaching, podcast tours, and big speakers – that’s not all it is. I’ve learn that the word includes so much more. Instead of living as if I need to wait for something big to call my ministry, I’ve decided that ministries are all different, and I believe we all have a ministry in our life itself. The way we live our lives can minister to others, the way we write can too.

So, how are you going to begin turning your writing into a ministry? I have 5 steps you can take to advance your writing for the Kingdom.

Step 1: Becoming a Confident Writer

Being able to share our craft with the world means we are willing to do just that: share. Revealing our writing to the world can be scary, our stories sometimes feel like an extension of us. Having people read our writing can feel like they’re looking into our hearts, and in some ways, that’s true. Our writing is an extension of us, and it is a show of what it going on within. How could our writing be out on paper, if it had not had a beginning in our hearts? But it can be very difficult to share our writing with the world if we lack confidence as an author.

Perhaps you are wondering why being confident is a step towards turning your writing into a ministry. If your writing cannot be seen by anyone, it cannot change any lives, cannot touch any hearts, and ultimately cannot advance the Kingdom. Of course, there are some things we write that simply change us, and that is the purpose. But in general, I think sharing our gifts is what we’re called to.

So the first step you can make today is growing in your confidence as an author. This looks different for different people, but could include things such as posting your writing online, sharing some with a friend or family member, or asking advice from someone new.

Step 2: Considering Content

The content of our writing could make or break our ministry. The content is what we are offering the world, our ideas and revelations woven into story. Not only is content appropriate or not appropriate, it is either full of light, or created in darkness. What messages are we leaving people with?

When I wrote my first novel at age 14, I wasn’t really thinking about my message. The book was alright, and had some beautiful parts throughout, but I think I do a much better job now at picking a message and carrying that through the book and characters. I don’t just write for fun now, I write with a purpose and vision for changed lives.

So, what content do your stories hold? Are they full of light and hope, or drowning in darkness? Do they portray the Gospel? Portraying the gospel through your book doesn’t mean you cite the right Bible verse and move on. Relating what Jesus did for us can be so much more nuanced than that. Even including some form of redemption, hope, or surprising forgiveness from a character can put across our beliefs as people of faith.

Look at your story today and consider the content. What message is the plot and characters giving off? What are people walking away with?

Step 3: Taking Hold of Opportunities

Life is truly a short little ordeal, and there is no time like the present to make a positive change in your writing life. Today is the day.

When God offers us opportunities, I think that, most of the time, it is a good idea to take hold of them and see where they take us. God is such a creative person to me, and I believe He wants us to explore life, experience newness, and see where those opportunities lead. Of course, we must use wisdom when it comes to making decisions, and if we sense God leading us away from an opportunity, we need to trust that He has something cooler for us. But when we feel the freedom to choose, walk through that open door and see what’s waiting on the other side.

In the creative world, it can be very hard to make our passion a career, so making the most of opportunities is a great way to leave ourselves open to being used by God.

I’m also a fan of creating our own opportunities too. God has given us gifts and talents, ideas and dreams, for a reason. Let’s use them and make them come alive. He has put it in us to make dreams reality, by dwelling in us! Through Him, we can turn our writing into a ministry!

Step 4: Meeting People

This is something I need to work on. I will be honest and say that I have barely dabbled in the writers community. I know that there are so many people out there who are interested in writing and Jesus, but I’ve never put in the hard yards to find them. Especially now that so many things are available through the internet, there truly aren’t any excuses left for me to use. It’s time to get out there and find community.

I believe God calls us to be in community, and I don’t think it’s limited to church. Our writing life counts too. Being in fellowship with other believers who are also writers will help us greatly when we need that support around us as we grow. Having trusted writers to bounce ideas off and seek counsel from would be so so valuable!

Step 5: Taking Courses and Classes – Learning more

It’s always great to be constantly learning. Taking courses, classes, or workshops are some ways to make sure that happens. If we desire to start a ministry (or join one) in the writing realm, we should be equipping ourselves with knowledge in this field so we can help and teach people in turn.

I took a course in book editing, and it taught me so much about the publishing industry. I’m not sure I’ll ever be an editor, but that knowledge is still so useful to me. There are thousands (probably millions) of courses and classes online, that are often very affordable. Find one that sparks your interest and fits the budget and see what new things you can learn!

Thank you for reading my five steps to turning your writing into a ministry. I would like to add that prayer and seeking the Lord in all this top any tip or step. What He wants will ultimately prevail if you choose His way. Let go of where you want to go, and see where He longs to take you.