A guest post submitted by Jennifer Harshman…

CS Lewis said, “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” The word literature here refers to all sorts of quality writing. This does not mean that the books and other forms of writing need to be like material that is now classified as “literature.” It can be nonfiction and other forms of fiction as well. The point Lewis was making is that you should be writing. You can have a positive influence on the world, and as people of faith, we know that what we do has eternal ramifications, so that positive influence you have with your writing will last forever.

Why Did Paul Write Ephesians, Galatians . . . 

Paul wrote letters to the churches of his day to encourage the believers, remind them of the teachings, and even admonish them for missing the mark. Those letters became books in the Bible and have served and influenced billions of people. I don’t say this to make you feel pressured or compared to Paul.

You don’t have to reach billions or even millions with your writing. You might reach a very small number of people, but that’s okay. You should still write. What if your book or blog post saves a marriage? What if it saves a life? Isn’t it worth the time and effort it took you to write the piece?

Writing Furthers the Kingdom

Good written content can further the Kingdom of God. To put it very simply, you can make a difference, and that difference can be eternal, even if what you’re writing isn’t religious material.

Authors and bloggers receive messages from readers telling them about the differences they’ve made in the readers’ lives. More than a few of my clients have shown me screenshots they’ve received, with statements from readers saying, “You saved my life.” It blows my clients away, and they feel awed at the opportunity to make such a difference and thankful for my help in doing so. Of course, I am honored to facilitate and encourage their work.

You can share your message with others. Writing gives you an effective way to share on a subject that is important to you.

The gifts you give from any increase in your income will benefit your local church, which also helps to further the Kingdom. Writing can also fund your other ministry efforts, such as short-term mission trips or projects that are near and dear to your heart.

Writing as Ministry

Writing is ministry, whether we think of it that way or not. You don’t have to be an ordained minister like Pastor Stange is, and you don’t have to write books that are as amazing and impactful as his are. Just write what God has given you to write. It will help people. If you want someone to walk with you through the process, let me know because that’s my ministry.

We as Christians are commanded to reach others, and writing is a very effective way to do that, even if the writing isn’t a “Christian book.” The world needs us to do our work with integrity and excellence, which means producing quality writing. Any given thing we do could point people toward God. Some people’s work is easily labeled as ministry, but every task that is done as if unto the Lord and for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom can point believers and unbelievers alike to Christ.

Obedience – the Parable of the Talents

The Lord has entrusted each of us with abilities, and we should use them to create results and serve others. Imagine hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” because you did what you could with what you were given. If you have knowledge and experience, you can and should use it to help others. Writing is a great way to do that. Don’t worry if you don’t know how. Many resources exist to help you.

Personal Benefits to Writing

There are also personal benefits to writing. As much as we all love to serve God and others, we also need to benefit in some way from our work. Here are some of the ways you can benefit from writing.

Writing increases your effectiveness.

Writing can leverage your time and effort. It is also more efficient than having the same conversation over and over again. You can also repurpose your content to create an even greater impact with very little extra work. Book excerpts can be used in web content, lead magnets and other giveaways, blogs, white papers and other reports, and social media.

Writing establishes you as an expert.

Writing a book is an instant credibility booster. In fact, it’s the fastest path to a substantial gain in credibility. A book will give you expert status. It will establish you as an expert in your field. You will be instantly seen as the authority on that subject.

A book can also be used as a promotional item and marketing tool for your business. The book is the new business card. If you are running a business, writing a book will also be perfect for increasing your brand credibility and business reputation. The second you tell people that you wrote a book, you’ll see an instant increase in respect for you written all over their face. “She wrote the book on it” is in our vocabulary for a reason.

Writing opens doors.

Writing opens doors and brings opportunities. Because you have proven you are an expert in your area and can contribute in significant ways, you will have more chances to consult with organizations, speak publicly, and participate on boards or panels.

Writing can become a source of income.

This will not necessarily come through book sales, however. The bad news here is that mostauthors do not make money directly from their books. In fact, most authors are lucky to break even on their book. So why write? Your published pieces are tools. They promote you or your business, and they will open doors for you and bring many opportunities to minister to others. Those might include public speaking, consulting, teaching, or even ministry positions. For most authors, one or two keynote speeches will pay for the investment of putting out a book. It’s worth it. Writing can certainly lead to higher income; it’s just usually through indirect ways.

Writing leads to learning and growth.

Your learning and growth will benefit both you and your readers. Through the process of researching and writing, you’ll also build your ability to affect others in everything you do.

Writing speaks in more than one way.

• A book that has your name on it as the author (or as one of the authors) proves a few things:

• You were here.

• You had something to say and the guts to obey.

• Your life and your work mattered.

• You generously and bravely contributed something to the world.

How to write a book

It’s okay if you don’t know how to write a book. Most authors didn’t get a degree in creative writing to learn how to create a book. Most simply learned by following in the footsteps of other authors. You just need an effective process and the willingness to follow it through to completion.

Writing is a skill anyone can master. Stop asking, “Should I write?” and start asking, “How can I start right now?”

To write your book or blog posts, you will need to brainstorm ideas and then organize them in a way that makes sense and serves your readers.

You’ll need to outline your piece well at the beginning. Once you have a detailed outline, then your books or blog posts will seem to almost write themselves. Then you’ll need to walk through each of the other steps in the process.

So, whether for Kingdom work, personal motivations, or business strategies, writing a book will bring positive things into your life as you serve others. Remember that your message matters, and like your other actions, it will live on forever.

If you are wondering if you should write a book or blog posts, the answer is yes, you should. So make the decision to do it. You can write and publish impactful books or blog posts. The hardest part will be taking the first step, which is committing to the journey. I’ve created resources, courses, and writing tips that will teach you exactly how to write your nonfiction book and blog posts.

Contact info:

Website: www.harshmanservices.com

Email: Jennifer@harshmanservices.com

Facebook business page: www.facebook.com/harshmanservices

Facebook personal page: www.facebook.com/jennifer.harshman

—Jennifer Harshman,

word nerd, writing and publishing expert

www.harshmanservices.com