Are those of us who write for the Christian marketplace “preaching to the choir,” crafting a message for those who already embrace the message?
That question has swirled in my mind for many years. It came around again last month during the Words for Writers Book Club discussion of Madeleine L’Engle’s excellent book Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art.
As I pondered the question again, I returned to an embryonic line of thought that’s gestated more slowly than I’d prefer. But as I labored with it again this week, I delivered a conclusion—a vision that fits me. Perhaps it will lead you to a vision of your own.
As a writer whose words are written for a Christian audience, I am using the spiritual gifts I’ve received, gifts I primarily use to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).
After more than half a century of walking with God, the spiritual gifts imparted to me are clear: encouragement, wisdom, and faith. Those gifts often function together, and as with many of the spiritual gifts detailed in Scripture, they are effective for strengthening other believers.
My trinity of gifts manifests in a strong desire to cheerlead for others and to cheer with them. When I pair my spiritual gifts with my talent for writing, also gifted to me by the Spirit, the resulting words are meant to encourage, to inspire, to instill hope in others who follow Christ.
Whether I am writing stories for fiction readers or words to inspire and instruct writers, I have the sense that I’m standing on the sidelines, as one who’s already run the race, cheering for those whose energy may be waning. This vision, birthed just recently, is a vision I’ve lived for decades. This means the Spirit has worked in me and through me without my understanding. I am so grateful to live surrendered to a God of mystery, a God bigger than my limited understanding.
An important aspect of my vision is accepting that because I’ve already run much of the course, I am qualified to share the wisdom garnered. A week ago, I would not have had the confidence to write those words. But now I understand that the wisdom garnered was not wisdom I created. This wisdom is gifted by the Spirit—his work through me.
Those are my gifts, and that’s my vision for the words I craft.
Your gifts and your vision are yours. What has the Spirit placed in your heart?
When you read the spiritual gifts listed in Scripture (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4), do specific gifts resonate with you? Have you identified your gifts? Have you seen God use those gifts in your relationships with others?
Are you using your gifts to write for a Christian audience? Or are your gifts better suited for those who’ve not yet met Jesus? If you have the gift of evangelism, you’re likely drawn to write and publish in the general marketplace.
Whether or not you’ve identified your spiritual gifts or have knowingly paired those gifts with your desire and talent to write, the Spirit is working and writing through you if you are living a life surrendered to him.
Are we who write for the Christian marketplace preaching to the choir? No. We are upholding and strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are serving those running the race, eyes fixed on Jesus.
Words For Writers
Receive your FREE Bundle of Resources, blog posts, the monthly Tips & Tools newsletter, and occasional updates when you subscribe to Words For Writers.
I have lived by a “Purpose Statement” for years. My writing is an outgrowth of that Purpose Statement. I think it’s interesting that your calling is to cheer on your Christian brothers and sisters. My calling is to attract the fringe people in. Hopefully, my calling will attract the people who will be encouraged one day by your words!
I write for Christian women who want good stories that won’t make them cringe. I am comfortable staying in my lane.
Ginny, this is so excellent. Like you, I have pondered the same question. What I’ve concluded is that many of my fellow Christ-followers are stuck in their Christian walk or simply aren’t pursuing intimacy with the Lord. I see myself as an encourager to pursue depth with Jesus, to lean in to the leading of the Spirit with an expectant heart that He WILL listen and show Himself to be faithful. The gifts I’ve identified are teaching, encouraging, and wisdom. These gifts became passions that manifested themselves in things like my new book or in my missionary work in Haiti and Africa. Every single important and life-changing thing I’ve done was preceded by a relentless burning within me, a heavenly calling from the Spirit. I love being used by Him to minister to others. Thank you for sharing your faith journey; I know it’ll resonate with many.
I’m always encouraged by your posts Ginny and this one in particular was a reminder that my words are needed. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Thank you! I’ve often wrestled with this question as well. But I know that God has given me the gift of encouragement, wisdom, and teaching so when I write, I find him giving my fictional characters similar struggles that I’ve faced and how he’s led me (and them) through the trial and into a greater understanding of him and his love for us. So while I’m “preaching” to the choir, I’ve recently found verses that show me that is God’s plan for me and who he created me to be. My books will touch those where he needs them to and I’m honored and humbled to hear when a life is changed – healing received, faith grown – by something I’ve written. I’ve experienced the same with books you’ve written! This is one more confirmation.
Your words resonate with me. I have come to many of the same conclusions. So liberating and powerful.
I am about halfway through your book “Words” and loving it. I was shocked to know that Kaylee’s story is your story. It came up in the Flourish Book Club zoom recently. I hadn’t read the Afterword section of your book yet. Now I know. Thank you for your delicate transparency.
I am writing a memoir/devotional, Ginny. 30 stories from my life that teach but don’t preach. Each story is about 550 words long including a Scripture verse or two at the end. I am about to write story #30. I have a lot of editing to do, especially for the stories written before I purchased the Pro Writing app!
I have a small Christian publisher who has offered to publish my book. I hope to publish in 2023. I probably need some professional help to push me over the finish line at this point. What kind of professional help would be most suitable in your opinion?
Thank you,
Nancy Rempel
What a timely confirmation of what I’m to do and why I’m to do it though I know exactly what you’re saying because I have felt that same way. But, my spirit aligns with those gifts of encouragement, inspiring, and ministering in various capacities. I pray that when I complete my book, e-book, devotionals, blog, and hopefully a few plays down the road my writing reaches teaches and blesses the family of believers and the seekers of truth. It still baffles me why there are so many unbelievers and so I press on in hope to fulfill that which Yah wants me to do. Peace and blessings, you’re such an inspiration.
LOVE this!!! I am now revisiting my spiritual gifts and prayerfully considering how they are shining through my writing. Thank you.