Creative Writing as Ministry - 5. Conclusion

By. Sophia B. 

Pixabay 

I have read the works of many writers that have bolstered my faith and encouraged me during the storms of life, even though they will never know it this side of eternity. Although we do not understand how our works might influence someone, we can trust that "God gave our talents to us for a purpose, his purpose" (Elsheimer 42). Creative writers have a wonderful gift not only for helping people know Jesus, but also to promote spiritual growth and impact those who are hurting. If my life has been changed by the writing of others, then surely my writing can also make a difference in the lives of others.

Works Cited

Elsheimer, Janice. The Creative Call: An Artist’s Response to the Way of the Spirit. WaterBrook, 1984.

Resources for Further Study

I have compiled the following list of sources to help you dive deeper into the topic of creative writing as a ministry.

Books

• Bell, James Stuart, and Anthony Palmer Dawson. From the Library of C. S. Lewis: Selections From Writers Who Influenced His Spiritual Journey. Shaw, 2004. This is a useful compilation of authors, including Christian writers, who influenced Lewis. 
• Elsheimer, Janice. The Creative Call: An Artist’s Response to the Way of the Spirit. WaterBrook, 1984. As a workbook for artists, writers will find this book helpful in seeing the value of their call and the biblical basis for using their talent for God’s glory.
• Gerke, Jeff. The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction. Writer's Digest, 2014. A book that includes a vital discussion of what it means to write as a Christian for the glory of God. Gerke also gives practical writing advice.  
• Kinkade, Thomas. The Art of Creative Living: Making Every Day a Radiant Masterpiece. Warner Faith, 2005. Although this book focuses on the art of Thomas Kinkade, it is a helpful resource for all artists, including writers, who want to explore the purpose of their God-given talents.
• Ryken, Leland. The Christian Imagination. Shaw, 2002. As part of the Writers’ Palette books, this work discusses the connection between literature and the Christian faith.

Organizations

• The Rabbit Room – A Christ-centered organization that seeks to foster a creative community around stories, art, and music. Andrew Peterson, songwriter and author, started the organization.

Websites

• Compel Training Blog – A blog that provides practical advice and encouragement to Christian women writers.
• Kingdom Pen – This website seeks to equip teen Christian writers. 
• Story Embers – Another website geared toward young writers but is useful for people of any age. It provides articles about writing, such as how to incorporate Christian themes into your stories.  

Online Article

• “Q&A with Randy Alcorn About His Writing” from Eternal Perspective Ministries – In this article, Randy Alcorn talks about how his faith affects his writing. As an author of both fiction and non-fiction works, his advice is helpful for other Christian writers.

Video Resources

• The Fantasy Makers directed by Andrew Wall– A documentary about the writers C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and George MacDonald, who greatly influenced the fantasy genre of fiction. Anyone can watch this film for free on Redeem TV.
•  The Science Fiction Makers directed by Andrew Wall– A documentary about Christian writers who influenced the genre of science fiction, including C. S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and Victor Rousseau. This documentary is also available to watch for free on Redeem TV.  

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