CLC Kenya Writing

Step4c: How Can We Become Effective Christian Authors?

When I began writing my first four books several years ago—Back on My Feet, Jesus Killed My Business, A Girl’s Fathers and Too Busy to Be Effective—I did not give much thought to what it meant to be an effective Christian author.

Because I was a Christian, I assumed that whatever I wrote was automatically Christian content. That understanding began to change when my husband shared a thought attributed to Francine Rivers: Am I a Christian writer, or merely a Christian who writes?

The distinction challenged me.

A Christian who writes may include Christian principles in their work, but the message could still stand if those principles were removed. A Christian writer, however, builds the work upon Christ. The Lord is not merely mentioned somewhere within the manuscript; He is its foundation. Scripture shapes the message, the themes, the lessons and, where applicable, the development of the characters.

Jesus is central. If Christ and biblical truth are removed, the message loses its foundation.

This understanding brought about a significant shift in my thinking. It challenged me to make Jesus central in everything I write—not by forcing His name into every paragraph, but by ensuring that the message, values, purpose and intended impact of my work honour Him.

Watch the training video:

What Is Effective Christian Authorship?

Let us begin by defining the key terms:

  • Effective means successful in producing the desired or intended result.
  • Christian means relating to Jesus Christ, His teachings and the faith founded upon Him.
  • Authorship refers to the work of creating written content such as a book, article, devotional, study, poem or other literary work.

Therefore, effective Christian authorship is the faithful creation of written work that accomplishes its intended purpose while being founded upon the person, teachings and glory of Jesus Christ.

An effective Christian author must consider several important questions:

  1. Who inspires you?
  2. Are you committed to editorial excellence?
  3. Do you have the right marketing strategy?
  4. Why does God expect excellence from His children?
  5. Do you value your writing as a ministry?

Let us begin with the first question.

1. Who Inspires You?

Scripture reveals God as the source of divine truth and the One who inspired the writers of the Bible. The message of Scripture began in the mind, will and purpose of God.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
—2 Timothy 3:16

The human writers of Scripture wrote under the inspiration and direction of God. He chose to reveal truth about Himself, His will, humanity, salvation and eternity through written words.

As Christian authors, our books are not Scripture and should never be placed on the same level as the Bible. However, our writing should be guided by Scripture, submitted to God and consistent with biblical truth.

Paul writes:

“We declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
—1 Corinthians 2:7

The message of a Christian author should originate from a heart surrendered to God. It should point people towards truth, reflect the nature of Christ and ultimately glorify God.

Jesus said:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
—John 12:32

In its immediate context, this verse refers to the manner of Jesus’ death. Nevertheless, the principle reminds us that our ministry must lift up Christ rather than ourselves.

Our writing should become another expression of worship.

This changes the question from:

What will readers think about my book?

to:

What message does God want to communicate through me?

This does not mean that we ignore our readers or neglect market research. Understanding readers is important. However, research must serve the message; it must not replace our dependence upon God.

2. How Does God Inspire Christian Writers?

Through the Holy Spirit

Before Jesus was crucified, He promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would come to guide them.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.”
—John 16:13

The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Counsellor, Comforter and Guide. He glorifies Christ and directs believers into truth.

As you write, the Holy Spirit should guide you concerning:

  • what to include;
  • what to leave out;
  • what requires further study;
  • what may be harmful or misleading;
  • what your readers genuinely need; and
  • how to communicate truth with wisdom, courage and compassion.

The Holy Spirit knows the people God has called you to serve. He knows what they need—not merely what they want to hear.

This leads us to an important question:

3. Why Are We Writing?

We write because God continues to communicate with people.

He may place a message, burden, story, lesson, testimony or creative idea in the heart of a writer so that it can reach others.

Philippians 2:12–13 teaches:

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil His good purpose.”

Our confidence is not merely in our intelligence, experience or writing ability. God works within us, creating both the desire and the ability to fulfil His purpose.

The longing to write a particular message may be something God has planted within you. However, desire alone is not enough. Our responsibility is to grow spiritually, develop our skills and become vessels that God can use faithfully.

Spiritual maturity helps us avoid:

  • watering down truth;
  • misrepresenting Scripture;
  • writing from unresolved bitterness;
  • using a book to attack people;
  • turning personal opinion into doctrine; and
  • placing ourselves at the centre of the message.

We should seek to become vessels of honour, prepared for the Master’s use.

4. Should Christian Authors Make Money?

Writing as a business should not take precedence over writing as an assignment from God.

Books cost money to edit, design, print, distribute and market. Authors may therefore sell their books, receive royalties and earn an income from their work. There is nothing inherently wrong with this.

The danger comes when money becomes the primary motivation.

Jesus teaches:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
—Matthew 6:33

As Christian writers, we must first seek God’s Kingdom and His way of doing things. Sales, influence, recognition and financial reward may follow, but they cannot be the foundation of our obedience.

Money can easily tempt an author to:

  • alter the message merely to gain popularity;
  • avoid difficult truths;
  • imitate successful authors without discernment;
  • exaggerate testimonies;
  • create controversy for attention; or
  • measure spiritual impact only through sales.

We must write for God and for the people to whom He has called us.

5. Who Are You Called to Write For?

Not every author is called to every reader.

Paul was especially called to minister to the Gentiles, while Peter’s ministry focused largely on the Jews. Their assignments were different, but both were important.

In the same way, one author may be called to write for children, another for married couples, another for leaders, another for people experiencing grief and another for those who are yet to know Christ.

The audience God has given you is not inferior because it is smaller, less visible or less profitable.

When you write for the people God has called you to serve, His grace will sustain you for that assignment.

Ask:

  • Who is this message for?
  • What are they experiencing?
  • What does God want them to understand?
  • What tone will help them receive the message?
  • What action should they take after reading?

God may also guide you concerning when to release the book, where it should be distributed and how it should be presented.

6. Your Writing May Be for a Specific Time

When a book is ready for the public, the author should do what is necessary to make it visible and accessible.

This may include:

  • social-media marketing;
  • building a website;
  • working with bookshops;
  • uploading the book to e-commerce platforms;
  • producing e-books and audiobooks;
  • participating in interviews and events; and
  • forming partnerships that help the book reach its readers.

However, take courage when the reception is not what you expected.

A book may have an immediate impact, or its greatest influence may come much later.

Paul’s letters served the early churches to which they were first written. Their influence, however, continued far beyond Paul’s lifetime and now forms a significant part of the New Testament.

Writing a book is like planting a tree. We may enjoy its fruit within our lifetime, or future generations may sit under its shade.

This is not an excuse for weak writing, poor editing or lazy marketing. We must still do our part with excellence. Nevertheless, after we have obeyed and worked faithfully, we must allow God to determine the timing and extent of the impact.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:11

7. Seek Your Validation from God

Our deepest satisfaction should come from pleasing God rather than receiving praise from people.

The praise of people can be as dangerous as their criticism. When we become dependent upon applause, criticism can quickly discourage or derail us.

In John 6:15, the crowd wanted to make Jesus king by force. Jesus withdrew because their plan did not agree with the Father’s purpose for Him.

In Acts 14, after Paul and Barnabas ministered in Lystra, the people attempted to worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas strongly rejected this praise and directed the people towards the living God. Soon afterwards, the mood of the crowd changed, and Paul was stoned.

Human opinion can change very quickly.

One day people may celebrate you; the next day they may criticise you. An author who lives entirely on praise will struggle to remain steady through both seasons.

Our validation must come from God, who began the work in us and is faithful to complete it.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
—Philippians 1:6

8. What Resources Are Available to Christian Authors?

a. Scripture

The foundational resource for a Christian author is the Word of God.

Whether or not your book contains many direct Bible quotations, its message should agree with the truth of Scripture.

Jesus said:

“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me.”
—John 5:39

Scripture points us towards Christ. Our writing should never use isolated verses merely to support ideas we have already decided upon. We must study Scripture faithfully, understand it within context and allow it to correct us.

b. The Holy Spirit

There can be no faithful Christian authorship without the guidance and work of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives wisdom, conviction, clarity and discernment. He may also expose areas where our hearts, motives or interpretations need correction.

However, claiming to be inspired by the Holy Spirit does not excuse poor research, weak writing or doctrinal carelessness. The same Spirit who inspires us also calls us to truth, discipline and excellence.

c. God-Ordained People

God often works through people.

Christian authors need trustworthy:

  • mentors;
  • writing coaches;
  • editors;
  • theologians or ministry leaders;
  • researchers;
  • publishers;
  • fellow writers; and
  • honest readers.

We should also study what other credible writers have written about our subject. Research helps us avoid presenting incomplete information as though no one else has ever addressed it.

We need people of good character who can help us examine:

  • doctrinal accuracy;
  • clarity of the message;
  • possible misunderstandings;
  • grammar and structure;
  • sensitivity towards readers; and
  • the overall effectiveness of the manuscript.

Being inspired does not mean being beyond correction.

d. Universal Principles of Success

Great work requires discipline, diligence, consistency and perseverance.

Writers sometimes experience mental blocks, tiredness or a lack of inspiration. There will be days when the words flow freely and other days when every sentence appears to be arriving on foot.

Nevertheless, we must continue.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus submitted His will to the Father:

“Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
—Luke 22:42

Christian authorship also requires surrender. We may not always feel like writing, revising, marketing or responding to editorial feedback. However, obedience is not sustained by feelings alone.

The process often follows this pattern:

  1. Desire: God places a message in your heart.
  2. Discipline: You apply yourself to writing and revising it.
  3. Diligence: You edit, publish, market and distribute it faithfully.
  4. Delight: You witness the message touching lives.

Sometimes the delight comes through reader testimonials. At other times, the impact remains hidden from us.

9. Much of Your Impact May Be Unseen

Not every reader will write a review, send a message or tell you how the book helped them.

Some will read silently, receive what they need and continue with their lives.

This does not mean that the work was ineffective.

When our daughter entered her teenage years, our family went through a difficult season. Like many parents navigating unfamiliar territory, her father and I sometimes felt worried and uncertain about how the situation would turn out.

Among the things God placed in our hearts was the decision to invest in helpful Christian books. Her father bought Francine Rivers’ novels, Julius Mwebia’s Conceive Achieve and several other resources.

The collection cost us a small fortune, but it was worth it.

God used the strong Christian themes in those books, together with sermons and other forms of discipleship, to minister to our daughter. Her life changed, and the difficult season eventually passed.

We may never meet every author or preacher whose obedience helped our family. They may never hear our testimony personally. Yet God sees the impact of their service.

In the same way, you may never meet many of the people who will be influenced by your book.

Some readers will send feedback. Others will experience transformation quietly and move forward into their purpose, strengthened by the message God gave through you.

Take heart.

Faithful work is never wasted merely because its results are not immediately visible.

10. What Makes a Christian Author Effective?

An effective Christian author:

  • remains rooted in Scripture;
  • depends upon the Holy Spirit;
  • writes with a clear purpose;
  • understands the intended reader;
  • welcomes correction;
  • pursues editorial excellence;
  • works with discipline;
  • markets the book responsibly;
  • refuses to make money or praise the central motivation; and
  • trusts God with the results.

Ultimately, the words we long to hear are:

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Come and share your master’s happiness!”
—Matthew 25:23

Reflection Questions

  1. Is Jesus truly central to the message I am writing?
  2. What do I believe God wants to communicate through this book?
  3. Who has God called me to write for?
  4. Are any personal ambitions interfering with the message?
  5. Have I submitted my work to sound editorial and doctrinal review?
  6. Am I pursuing excellence in writing, publishing and marketing?
  7. Would I remain obedient even if the book received little public recognition?
  8. What practical step must I take next?
CLC
CLC Writing Academy Christian Authorship Worksheet
Interactive Worksheet
Interactive Author Worksheet

Becoming an Effective Christian Author

Use this worksheet to examine the foundation, purpose, audience, discipline and spiritual direction of your writing.

Learning Objective

Clarify how Christ shapes your message, identify the people you are called to serve, examine your motives and choose one practical step towards faithful and excellent Christian authorship.

01
Christ-Centred Foundation

What Holds the Message Together?

A Christian writer does more than mention God. Christ, Scripture and biblical truth should shape the message, values and intended impact.

02
Calling & Audience

Who Has God Called You to Serve?

03
Excellence & Support

What Help Does the Book Need?

Spiritual conviction does not remove the need for research, discipline, correction, editing and responsible marketing.

04
Motives & Impact

What Is Driving the Work?

05
Personal Commitment

Choose Your Next Faithful Step

Final Reflection

Am I Becoming an Effective Christian Author?

Worksheet Actions

Save Your Reflection

Copy your mission statement or download the completed worksheet.

Closing Prayer

May the eyes of our understanding be opened so that we may recognise God’s will for our writing.

May we be strengthened with power through His Spirit in our inner being, so that we remain faithful to the assignment He has given us.

May our books point people towards truth, hope, healing and the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

May we have the discipline to write, the humility to receive correction, the courage to publish and the perseverance to remain faithful even when the results are not immediately visible.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango

Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango is a Christian publisher, author, trainer, and marketplace minister. She serves as National Director of CLC Kenya, Authors’ Manager at the African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA), Convener of Mama Africa Book Box, and Patron of CLC Kids and Teens.

Through the Publishing in Africa Series, she equips authors, publishers, and literary entrepreneurs with practical strategies for developing, publishing, distributing, and growing African-authored literature.

Her ministry is centred on advancing God’s Kingdom through literature and helping more African voices to be written, published, distributed, and read.

Getting Started: Publishing Books

Preparing to Write/Publish

Elementary Skills: Publishing Books

How to Write

Technical Skills: Publishing Books

Refining Your Manuscript

Advanced Skills: Publishing Books

Going the Extra Mile

Contractual Skills: Publishing Books

Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)