Christian writing classes can be an opportunity for Christian writers to maximize their impact while also growing in their craft.
Kingdom writers around the world have offered a ministry of words that bless and encourage others for centuries. How can Christian writing classes add to this blessing and encouragement? What is the full impact of having a Christian writing ministry?
We’ll explore these questions and more in the following post as we look at Christian writing classes and their value for Christian writers.
Christian Writing Classes
The Ministry of Words
In Acts chapter 6 we see a situation where the twelve apostles called a meeting with the increasing number of disciples in the area. It seems that some widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and supplies. These twelve were no doubt doing what they could to ensure equality but they were simply being spread too thin.
So, their plan was to pick seven faithful leaders to focus on these specific distribution tasks. This would then free up the twelve to devote their time to prayer, preaching, and teaching. We read the following in Acts 6:4,
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (ESV)
As Christian writers, you could say that we are devoting ourselves to the ministry of words. We may find ourselves pulled in a hundred directions but we can’t shake this call to bless and encourage others through the words we write. We long to devote ourselves to writing words that glorify Jesus and help others find the hope we’ve found.
Think of all of the books that have impacted you in a profound way throughout your lifetime? How about the impact of THE BOOK…the Bible? God has chosen to use inspired, written words to describe what He is like and how we can be in relationship with Him. Some have been called to preach the Word of God. Others like you and I have been called to write words that could whet the spiritual appetites of others for the Word of God.
Whether in books, blog posts, articles, or social media posts, effective writing can help spread the message of faith and inspire others even though thousands of miles may separate the writer and the reader.
How do Christian writing classes fit into all of this? When we choose to take a class, we are acknowledging our need to learn and grow in a specific subject matter. By taking an in-person or online Christian writing class, we are expressing a desire to expand our knowledge and skills in the area of writing. But not just any writing. We’re talking about the kind of writing that’s anointed by the Holy Spirit in order to transform our readers in a deeper way. To tap into the spirit and soul of a person.
There is no shortage of writing classes that will help the aspiring writer grow in the writing craft. But we need to be a little more intentional in order to find quality Christian writing classes that teach the Christian writer from a different perspective while also helping us improve in the nuts and bolts skills of writing.
And what was the result of the twelve apostles being devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word?
“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7 ESV)
Isn’t it wonderful to consider that our written words could aid in the increase of the word of God, multiplication of disciples, and a more fervent obedience to the faith?
What Christian Writing Classes Offer
What are some of the specific benefits and offerings of Christian writing classes?
- Biblical Foundation – Christian writing classes can help lay a solid foundation by helping us incorporate scripture and theology into our writing. And, as we see in Paul’s letter to young Timothy, there is a right way to handle the word of God.
We read these words in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (NIV, emphasis mine)
Christian writing classes can help us correctly handle the word of truth as we endeavor to become writers approved by God. - Building a Network – Christian writing classes also offer the opportunity to connect with like-minded writers and mentors. Our Christian Book Academy has been a place where Christian writers have gathered in order to be part of a Kingdom-writing community while also learning the skills necessary to move forward in their call to write words that outlive them.
Where are Christian writing classes offered? Here are a few suggestions on where to seek them out…
- Christian Colleges, Universities, Seminaries – If you live near a Christian college, university, or seminary, you might visit the campus and inquire about whether Christian writing classes or programs are offered. Even if there are none in your area, many of these Christian institutions offer online courses which can be enjoyed from your own home. Liberty University (Virginia) is one such example that has an extensive offering of online courses.
- Christian Writing Conferences – There are many Christian writing conferences to choose from. Within these conferences, there’s a good chance you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy sessions specifically geared toward the Christian writing call and craft. These conferences can be enjoyed in-person or online. Our online Kingdom Writers Conference is an excellent opportunity to receive encouragement while in the comfort of your own home.
- Online Searches – By simply doing an online search with something like “Christian writing classes” or “Christian writing courses” you’ll see a plethora of results that come up. Just make sure to research these offerings thoroughly to ensure their beliefs and theology are Biblical and align with yours.
The Impact of Christian Writing Ministry
We want to encourage you to consider the potential impact of your written words on your own faith community and beyond. God has used writers throughout the ages to impact readers on a deep level and help draw them to Himself.
In Jeremiah 20:9 (NLT) we read these powerful words that we as Kingdom writers can certainly relate to,
“But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”
As Christian writers, we feel a call to write words that are inspired and led by the Holy Spirit. If we try ignoring this call, we eventually feel a “fire in our bones” that becomes impossible to hold inside. Those written words are just aching to get out and impact others!
A Few Testimonies
Here are a few testimonies of writers like you who have benefitted from our Christian Book Academy,
“The encouragement and community I found is the best writing community I have ever been a part of. I especially appreciate the training on writing as well as on things of God. This is a God-inspired academy and Shelley and CJ listen closely to Him in order to lead us, which makes the quality top notch. The mentors involved are also always available to answer questions and provide encouragement. You will be so glad to be a part of Christian Book Academy. I know I am!” – Nancy Booth
“If you want to become a published author, Christian Book Academy is the place for you. With the training, help, and support of CJ, Shelley, and all the amazing members, I’ve just published my second book in eBook, paperback, and audiobook formats. If you want expert training, personalized support, and a loving place to be, join Christian Book Academy and publish your book now!” – Lana H. Allen
“I first discovered Shelley Hitz and her service to authors after I published my first book. I had made so many mistakes on that first project because I didn’t have anyone to help me navigate the maze of writing and publishing. Shelley became my mentor, and I tried to read everything she had written. I eventually became part of her mentoring program, and I have found her ministry in my life to be invaluable. I believe that God brought Shelley into my life not just to help me accomplish my life goals, but to also help me make a difference in the lives of people around the world. Her training gave me the confidence and the step-by-step help I needed to expand my ministry and influence. Her training is tried and tested, and her motivation is to expand the Kingdom of God. I recommend her to both new and experienced authors every chance I get, and I highly recommend Christian Book Academy.” – Pastor Tim Riordan
An Invitation
If Christian writing classes have been something you’ve considered at some point, there are many options to choose from. We want to encourage you to seek the Lord fervently regarding the direction He has for your writing passion. Perhaps He’ll lead you to an in-person writing class near where you live. Or you might find opportunities online that are a great fit.
We would also like to extend an invitation to join our community of Kingdom writers in Christian Book Academy in order to help you fulfill your ministry of words. We are constantly asking the Lord to direct the right people at the right time to CBA. We have a passion to help writers like you reach their full potential in order to reach those who could be eternally impacted by the words you write.
Christian writing classes and courses are one tool God can use in order to sharpen you as a Kingdom writer!
Resources for Christian Writing Classes
- Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing (Liberty University)
- FaithWriters Christian Writing Courses
- The Sacred Art of Writing – to learn more about this program offered at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan
Recommended Reading
- Free Training for Christian Writers – for a compilation of free training for Christian writers
- Christian Book Academy – to learn more about our online community of KIngdom writers just like you
- Christian Writing Conferences – for a post we did on the benefits of Christian writing conferences
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