Called to Write: 7 Principles to Become a Writer on Mission

by Edna Ellison

As writers who are believers, our message is clear. We write to bring honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean that every word, article, or book we write must be a sermon. That doesn’t mean that everything we write must be evangelistic. However, it does mean that everything we write, no matter what the subject, should be written with excellence and in a way that honors our Lord.

Missional writers need to be the bright spot in a reader’s otherwise dreary day.

“If you want to change the world, pick up a pen.” —MARTIN LUTHER

Unless we write from an overflow of our relationship with Jesus Christ, our words are empty and have little eternal value. To write meaningful books, articles, poems, and other manuscripts, we must have something of value to share.

For the Christian writer, ideas should spring from his or her Christian worldview. How do you view the world in light of your faith? How do you look at others because you love Jesus? What is your response to tragedy and trauma? Do you want to run from suffering or do you immediately begin to pray for its alleviation? Can the depth of concern for the hearts and salvation of your readers cause you to drop tears on your keyboard?

Sacrifice as a spiritual act of worship is submitting everything—all of your wishes, needs, desires, hopes, and dreams—to come under the blood of Jesus.

As Christian writers, spiritual growth needs to take priority. Writers are responsible to their readers. Our loyal following of readers depend on us. As leaders in Christian ministry, we need to assume that responsibility, prepare for it, and take it seriously.