Writing for Life and Ministry: A Practical Guide to the Writing Process for Teachers and Preachers

by Brandon J O'Brien

Overview

Is Your Biggest Ministry Obstacle Writer’s Block?

As an active member in ministry, writing is usually inevitable. Perhaps you approach these opportunities with excitement—or maybe you procrastinate to avoid the task altogether, your pages remaining forever blank. No matter how you feel about writing, approaching a project can be overwhelming. Knowing what to say can be as confusing as knowing where to begin.

Perhaps for you, the first step in the writing process is simply to demystify the writing process, to realize that you are capable of accomplishing your projects. If so, then Writing for Life and Ministry is for you. Seasoned writer and writing coach Brandon J. O’Brien examines the obstacles that often inhibit ministry leaders from thriving as writers. Most importantly, he simplifies the writing process, so it is both accessible and flexible to fit your style.

Don’t let the craft of writing keep you from flourishing in your ministries. With this resource, you’ll learn how to plan, draft, and revise. The included exercises will enable you to hone your craft and develop your skills. Best of all, you’ll be ready to tackle that writing project you’ve been putting off with confidence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802498694
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	07/07/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

BRANDON J. O'BRIEN (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Director of Content Development and Distribution for Redeemer City to City, where he coordinates, edits, and shepherds writing projects with Timothy Keller and urban church planters around the world. Brandon has served in pastoral ministry, worked in publishing, authored a few books, and taught for state and Christian colleges and universities. He and his wife Amy and their two children live in Washington Heights, NY. They enjoy good food, good company, and exploring New York City.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction (or A Different Kind of Writing Book) 7

2 I Can Preach (or Teach or Coach …). Why Can't I Write? 15

Do It: Reflect on Your Experience 20

Do It: Write Your Bio in Third Person 22

Part 1 The Writer and the Reader

3 Define the Relationship 27

Do It: Know Thyself 30

4 Write for Yourself 33

Do It: Find Your Focus Worksheet 37

5 Never Write Only for Yourself 41

Do It: Identify Your Ideal Reader 45

6 Avoid Alienating Everyone Else 47

Do It: Anticipate Pushback 50

7 A Million Experts and Counting 53

Part 2 The Process

8 Make a Plan 59

9 Brainstorm 63

10 How to Research for Writing 71

11 Outline 77

Do It: Take the Next Step 80

Do It: Write a Mission Statement for Your Work 81

12 Your Best 30 Minutes 85

13 Draft 89

Do It: Drafting Tips and Tools 92

14 A Good Day of Writing 95

Do It: Write a Draft 98

15 Revise 99

Do It: Reverse Outlining 101

16 Delete Most of the Words 105

17 Get the Rest of Your Body Involved 109

Do It: Share Your Revised Draft 110

18 What's Next? 113

Do It: Proposal Template 116

Recommended Resources on Writing 119

Further Reading 121

Acknowledgments 123

Notes 125